Alcoholic hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver resulting from excessive alcohol consumption over an extended period. Continued drinking can lead to liver cirrhosis, excessive bleeding, or liver failure. In the following, we will learn about the symptoms, methods of diagnosis and treatment, and who is the best doctor for treating alcoholic hepatitis.
What Causes Alcoholic Hepatitis?
Consuming alcohol produces highly toxic chemicals that harm liver cells. Around 35% of individuals who consume alcohol excessively suffer from alcoholic liver infections.
Other factors that may affect the development include:
- Genetic factors influencing how the body processes alcohol.
- Contracting other liver infections, such as hepatitis B or hepatitis C.
- Women are more susceptible to alcoholic hepatitis due to differences in alcohol absorption and breakdown.
What Are the Symptoms of Alcoholic Hepatitis?
Symptoms can vary depending on the extent of liver damage and include:
- Changes in appetite
- Dry mouth
- Weight loss
- Vomiting and nausea
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Fever
- Mental changes and confusion
- Fatigue
- Easy bleeding or bruising
Symptoms may resemble those of other liver infections. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
How Is Alcoholic Hepatitis Diagnosed?
The doctor will conduct a physical examination to determine if there is an enlargement of the liver or spleen. Some tests can confirm the diagnosis, including:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Liver function tests
- Blood clotting tests
- Abdominal CT scans
- Ultrasound of the liver
- Liver biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of alcoholic liver infections
Treatment for Alcoholic Hepatitis
Quitting drinking helps reduce symptoms and prevent further liver damage. In the early stages, avoiding alcohol may help treat liver cirrhosis. However, once more damage occurs, liver changes may become permanent.
Your doctor may prescribe medications such as corticosteroids or pentoxifylline to help reduce inflammation in the liver and improve liver function.
If you are experiencing malnutrition, taking nutritional supplements can aid in recovery.
Liver transplantation may be an option if the liver has suffered extensive damage.
Complications of Alcoholic Hepatitis
Alcoholic hepatitis can lead to severe and permanent liver damage, causing life-threatening health complications, including:
- Liver cirrhosis
- Esophageal bleeding
- Ascites
- Hepatic encephalopathy
- Kidney failure
- Blood clotting problems
- Low platelet count
- Excess iron deposition
How to prevent Alcoholic Hepatitis?
The best way to prevent hepatitis is to avoid alcohol. You can also reduce risks by taking steps to protect yourself from hepatitis B and hepatitis C:
- Maintain a balanced, low-salt diet.
- Drink an adequate amount of water.
- Add more protein to your diet.
- Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, if you are able to exercise.
Alcoholic hepatitis can be serious, but it is treatable. Gradually quitting drinking and seeking immediate medical care help protect the liver from cirrhosis and severe complications.
Best Doctor for Alcoholic Hepatitis Treatment
Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie is the best doctor for treating alcoholic hepatitis. He is a specialist in hepatology, gastroenterology, and endoscopy, a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in England, and a member of the American College of Gastroenterology. Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie currently serves as a lecturer in general internal medicine, liver, and gastroenterology at Al-Azhar University Faculty of Medicine in Cairo.
Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie regularly participates in various local and international scientific conferences and has numerous scientific research publications in prestigious medical journals. Schedule your appointment now if you would like to consult with Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie regarding alcoholic hepatitis and other acute and chronic liver diseases.