What
is Alcoholic Hepatitis Alcoholic liver disease is damage to the
liver and its function due to alcohol abuse.
Causes
Alcoholic liver disease usually occurs after years of drinking too
much. The longer the alcohol use has occurred, and the more
alcohol that was consumed, the greater the likelihood of
developing liver disease.
Alcohol may cause swelling and inflammation (hepatitis) in the
liver. Over time, this can lead to scarring and then cirrhosis of
the liver. Cirrhosis is the final phase of alcoholic liver
disease.
Other important factors include:
• Alcoholic liver disease may be more common in some families
• This disease does not occur in all heavy drinkers
• You do not have to get drunk for the disease to develop
• Women may be more susceptible than men
People who drink too much, too often do not get enough healthy
foods and nutrients. Poor nutrition may make liver disease worse.
Acute alcoholic hepatitis may be caused by binge drinking (five
drinks for men, four drinks for women). It may be
life-threatening.
What Are The Symptom?
Symptoms vary based on the severity of the disease. They are
usually worse after a recent period of heavy drinking.
Symptoms may not be present until the disease is advanced.
General symptoms include:
• Abdominal pain and tenderness
• Dry mouth and increased thirst
• Fatigue
• Jaundice
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Swelling or fluid buildup in the legs (edema) and in the abdomen
(ascites) when cirrhosis is present
• Weight loss
Skin changes include:
• Abnormally dark or light skin
• Redness on feet or hands
• Small, red spider-like blood vessels on the skin
• Yellow color in the skin, mucus membranes, or eyes (jaundice)
Abnormal bleeding:
• Bloody, dark black, or tarry bowel movements (melena)
• Nosebleeds or bleeding gums
• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Brain and nervous system symptoms:
• Agitation (being stirred up, excited, or irritable)
• Changing mood
• Confusion (encephalopathy)
o Periods of decreased alertness or awareness
o Hallucinations
o Impaired short- or long-term memory
• Pain, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs
• Problems paying attention or concentrating
• Poor judgment
• Slow, sluggish movements
Other symptoms that can occur with this disease:
• Breast development in males
• Light-headedness or fainting, especially when rising to standing
position
• Paleness
Exams and Tests
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Liver biopsy
• Liver function tests such as ALP
Tests to rule out other diseases include:
• Abdominal CT scan
• Blood tests for other causes of liver disease
• Ultrasound of the abdomen
Treatment
The most important part of treatment is to stop using alcohol
completely. If liver cirrhosis has not yet occurred, the liver can
heal if you stop drinking alcohol.
An alcohol rehabilitation program or counseling may be necessary
to break the alcohol addiction. Vitamins, especially B-complex and
folic acid, can help reverse malnutrition.
If cirrhosis develops, you will need to manage the complications
of cirrhosis. You may need a liver transplant.
Possible Complications
• Bleeding esophageal varices
• Cirrhosis
• Hepatic encephalopathy
• Increased pressure in blood vessels of the liver (portal
hypertension)
Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Symptoms
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