Alcohol Induced Hepatitis
Alcohol induced hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by heavy alcohol consumption over an extended period of time
CAUSES
When alcohol gets processed in the liver it produces highly toxic chemicals can injure the liver cells. This injury then leads to inflammation and alcoholic hepatitis.
RISK FACTORS
- Genetic factor that affect how the body process alcohol
- The presence of liver infections or other liver disorder, such as Hepatitis B, C and hemochromatosis
- Malnutrition
- Being overweight
- Timing of drinking in relation to eating
Women are at a greater risk of developing alcoholic hepatitis. This may be due to the differences in how the bodies of men and women absorb and break down alcohol.
SYMPTOMS
- Changes in appetite
- Dry mouth
- Weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain or swelling of the skin or eyes
- Fever
- Changes in your mental state, including confusion
- Fatigue
- Easy bleeding or brushing
DIAGNOSIS
- Physical examination
- Complete blood count
- Liver function test
- Blood clotting test
- Abdominal CT scan
- Ultrasound of liver
- If needed, a liver biopsy
TREATMENT
- Damage to the liver is reversible by avoiding alcohol at an early stage of the disease
- Even if the damage is too severe to reverse, one should quit drinking to prevent further harm to the liver
- Treatment includes medications that reduce inflammation in your liver and improve liver function. Also vitamin and nutrient supplements may be prescribed in case of malnutrition.
- In case of trouble in eating all these nutrients will be provided through feeding tube, which passes nutrient rich liquid directly into the digestive system
- In case of severe damage liver transplant may be recommended
PREVENTION
Avoid alcohol or if you drink to do so only in moderation.
