Alcoholic hepatitis (patient information)

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Alcoholic hepatitis

Overview

What are the symptoms?

What are the causes?

Who is at highest risk?

Diagnosis

When to seek urgent medical care?

Treatment options

Where to find medical care for Alcoholic hepatitis?

Prevention

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

Possible complications

Alcoholic hepatitis On the Web

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Shadan Mehraban, M.D.[2]

Overview

Alcoholic hepatitis is the inflammation of liver which is caused by excessive drinking alcohol over the time. However, the association between the amount and period of drinking alcohol and development of alcoholic hepatitis is not clear. Alcoholic hepatitis may develop after short time of drinking.

What are the symptoms of Alcoholic hepatitis?

What causes Alcoholic hepatitis?

Alcoholic Hepatitis is suspected to occur in patients with excessive drinking over the decades.

Who is at highest risk?

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made based liver tests and abdominal ultrasound.

When to seek urgent medical care?

Call your health care provider if:

  • You develop symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis
  • You develop symptoms after prolonged or heavy drinking
  • You are concerned that drinking may be damaging your health

Treatment options

All patients with Alcoholic hepatitis must stop taking alcohol. Additionally, nutritional supplements including [folic acid]], thiamine, vitamin B6, vitamin A and zinc can be provided. Glucocorticoids is the most common pharmacologic treatment in alcoholic hepatitis.

Where to find medical care for Alcoholic hepatitis?

Directions to Hospitals Treating Alcoholic hepatitis

Prevention

The primary prevention of Alcoholic Hepatitis is alcohol abstinence.Alcohol abstinence improves histological features of hepatic injury and reduces portal hypertension and the risk of cirrhosis. Additionally, combination psychotherapy with cognitive behavioral therapy, peer driven support counseling, motivational enhancement therapy, and comprehensive medical care can be considered to reduce recidivism.

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

Alcohol abstinence improves your prognosis. However, The outcome will likely be poor if you keep drinking.

Possible complications

Complications of alcoholic hepatitis include:

Sources

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