Alcoholic Hepatitis: What You Need to Know About This Serious Liver Condition
Published: Jun 19, 2024
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?
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if caught early and alcohol use is stopped.
It's increasing in the US, with high short-term mortality rates.
It's rare, but possible in some individuals.
Completely stopping alcohol consumption.
Key Takeaways
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.Related Articles
References
Lucey MR, Mathurin P, Morgan TR. Alcoholic hepatitis. N Engl J Med 2009; 360:2758.
European Association for the Study of the Liver. EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines: Management of alcohol-related liver disease. J Hepatol 2018; 69:154.
Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.