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Contents
  • What Causes Alcoholic Hepatitis?
  • What Are the Symptoms?
  • How Is It Diagnosed?

Alcoholic Hepatitis: What You Need to Know About This Serious Liver Condition

Alcoholic Hepatitis: What You Need to Know About This Serious Liver Condition

The Big Picture

Alcoholic hepatitis is a severe liver condition caused by excessive alcohol consumption. It can be life-threatening if not treated promptly and properly.
Contents
  • What Causes Alcoholic Hepatitis?
  • What Are the Symptoms?
  • How Is It Diagnosed?

What Causes Alcoholic Hepatitis?

Alcoholic hepatitis develops from heavy, long-term alcohol use. Most patients have a history of drinking more than 100 grams of alcohol (about 7 standard drinks) daily for two or more decades. However, the exact amount that puts someone at risk isn't known. Obesity and poor nutrition can also increase the risk.

What Are the Symptoms?

Common symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fever, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, patients may experience confusion, kidney failure, or bleeding problems. These symptoms can develop suddenly, even in people who have been heavy drinkers for years.
Alcoholic hepatitis is a severe liver condition caused by excessive alcohol consumption, characterized by symptoms such as jaundice, fever, and abdominal pain.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose alcoholic hepatitis based on a patient's history of alcohol use, physical exam, and blood tests. They may use scoring systems like the Maddrey discriminant function or MELD score to determine the severity. In some cases, a liver biopsy may be necessary for a definitive diagnosis.

FAQs

Is alcoholic hepatitis reversible?

Yes, if caught early and alcohol use is stopped.

How common is alcoholic hepatitis?

It's increasing in the US, with high short-term mortality rates.

Can you get alcoholic hepatitis from moderate drinking?

It's rare, but possible in some individuals.

What's the most important treatment step?

Completely stopping alcohol consumption.

Can alcoholic hepatitis lead to liver cancer?

Yes, it increases the risk of liver cancer.

The Bottom Line

Alcoholic hepatitis is a serious condition, but with proper treatment and lifestyle changes, many patients can recover and prevent further liver damage.
If you're concerned about your alcohol use and liver health, talk to Doctronic about getting evaluated and creating a personalized treatment plan.
Additional References
  1. Lucey MR, Mathurin P, Morgan TR. Alcoholic hepatitis. N Engl J Med 2009; 360:2758.
  2. European Association for the Study of the Liver. EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines: Management of alcohol-related liver disease. J Hepatol 2018; 69:154.
  3. Singal AK, Bataller R, Ahn J, et al. ACG Clinical Guideline: Alcoholic Liver Disease. Am J Gastroenterol 2018; 113:175.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.