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What's Really Behind Alcoholic Hepatitis?
Published: Sep 11, 2024
Alcoholic hepatitis is a serious liver condition resulting from excessive alcohol intake. Understanding its causes and symptoms can help in managing and preventing this life-threatening disease.
What Causes Alcoholic Hepatitis?
Alcoholic hepatitis is primarily caused by long-term heavy drinking, typically more than 100 grams of alcohol per day over many years. However, the exact amount that leads to this condition varies among individuals. Stressful life events can also trigger increased alcohol consumption, worsening the condition. With rising obesity rates, patients may experience both alcoholic and nonalcoholic liver issues, exacerbating liver damage.
Spotting the Symptoms
Common symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis include jaundice, fever, and right upper-quadrant pain. Patients might also present with anorexia and malnutrition due to liver dysfunction. Laboratory tests often reveal elevated liver enzymes and bilirubin, with an AST:ALT ratio of 2 or more being a key indicator.
Diagnosing the Condition
Diagnosis typically relies on clinical and laboratory findings. A history of heavy alcohol use along with specific liver enzyme patterns supports the diagnosis. In cases where diagnosis is uncertain, a liver biopsy can confirm alcoholic hepatitis, especially when other liver diseases are suspected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Alcoholic hepatitis is liver inflammation caused by excessive alcohol intake.
Diagnosis involves a combination of medical history, lab tests, and sometimes a liver biopsy.
Symptoms include jaundice, fever, abdominal pain, and malnutrition.
Yes, obesity can worsen liver damage in alcoholic hepatitis.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the root causes and symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis is crucial for effective management.
References
- Jinjuvadia R, Liangpunsakul S, Translational Research and Evolving Alcoholic Hepatitis Treatment Consortium. Trends in Alcoholic Hepatitis-related Hospitalizations, Financial Burden, and Mortality in the United States. J Clin Gastroenterol 2015; 49:506.
- Fedeli U, Avossa F, Guzzinati S, et al. Trends in mortality from chronic liver disease. Ann Epidemiol 2014; 24:522.
- Mendenhall CL, Moritz TE, Roselle GA, et al. A study of oral nutritional support with oxandrolone in malnourished patients with alcoholic hepatitis: results of a Department of Veterans Affairs cooperative study. Hepatology 1993; 17:564.
- Naveau S, Giraud V, Borotto E, et al. Excess weight risk factor for alcoholic liver disease. Hepatology 1997; 25:108.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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