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Contents
  • Common Symptoms
  • Physical Exam Findings
  • Understanding Laboratory Findings

Symptoms of Alcoholic Hepatitis You Shouldn't Ignore

Symptoms of Alcoholic Hepatitis You Shouldn't Ignore

Symptoms Spotlight

Alcoholic hepatitis can be deadly if left untreated. Recognizing its symptoms early can save lives.
Contents
  • Common Symptoms
  • Physical Exam Findings
  • Understanding Laboratory Findings

Common Symptoms

Key symptoms include jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin and eyes, and a loss of appetite leading to weight loss. Patients may also experience fever and abdominal pain, particularly in the upper right side. These symptoms often develop shortly after an increase in alcohol consumption.

Physical Exam Findings

During a physical exam, doctors may find an enlarged, tender liver, a condition known as hepatomegaly. Ascites, or fluid buildup in the abdomen, can also occur. In severe cases, patients may show signs of confusion or lethargy, indicating hepatic encephalopathy.
Alcoholic hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by excessive alcohol consumption. Key symptoms include jaundice, loss of appetite, fever, and abdominal pain.

Understanding Laboratory Findings

Laboratory findings often show elevated liver enzymes, particularly an AST:ALT ratio of 2 or more. High bilirubin levels and a prolonged INR are also common. These lab results, combined with physical symptoms, help confirm the diagnosis.

FAQs

What is jaundice?

Jaundice is yellowing of the skin and eyes due to liver dysfunction.

Why is the liver tender in alcoholic hepatitis?

Inflammation and swelling from liver injury cause tenderness.

What is hepatic encephalopathy?

It's confusion or lethargy caused by liver dysfunction affecting the brain.

Is fever common in alcoholic hepatitis?

Yes, but other causes should be ruled out first.

Recognizing the Signs

Early detection of symptoms is key to managing alcoholic hepatitis effectively.
Learn more about your symptoms with Doctronic now.
Additional References
  1. Schomerus G, Leonhard A, Manthey J, et al. The stigma of alcohol-related liver disease and its impact on healthcare. J Hepatol 2022; 77:516.
  2. Baraona E, Leo MA, Borowsky SA, Lieber CS. Alcoholic hepatomegaly: accumulation of protein in the liver. Science 1975; 190:794.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.