What Is Alcoholic Hepatitis? What Are The Various Alcoholic Hepatitis Treatment Available Today?
Alcoholic hepatitis typically develops after ten years of heavy alcohol use. The average daily intake was 100 g of alcohol. The typical patient presents with a recent onset of jaundice, ascites, and proximal muscle weakness. Patients with a fever should be evaluated for infection. Liver biopsy shows steatosis, swollen hepatocytes with Mallory bodies, and prominent neutrophilic inflammatory cell infiltration. However, liver biopsy is rarely necessary because the accuracy of clinical diagnosis is very high.
While it is not a cure for Alcoholic Hepatitis Treatment, corticosteroids are often used to treat severe cases. The effectiveness of this therapy has been questioned, but the American Association for the Study of the Liver (AASL) recommends it for patients who do not respond to anti-inflammatory drugs. Prophylaxis and treatment for alcohol withdrawal are essential to the patient’s well-being. Symptomatic treatment should include nutrition supplementation.
In addition to alcohol abuse, heavy drinking can result in hepatorenal syndrome. Alcohol is known to promote scarring of the liver, and people with alcoholic hepatitis who drink heavily are at a 16-fold greater risk of developing cirrhosis. Alcohol can also worsen the infection and interfere with hepatitis C treatment. It can even lead to death. Although alcohol does not cause hepatitis itself, it can worsen symptoms of the disease.
Alcoholic hepatitis treatment may vary from case to case. In the early stages, stopping drinking alcohol may prevent liver damage and cure alcoholic hepatitis. However, once liver damage has progressed, a liver transplant may be necessary. If symptoms persist, treatment may consist of quitting alcohol under the supervision of a physician. Quitting alcohol cold turkey may result in dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, the best treatment is to consult a liver specialist as soon as possible.
In addition to liver disease, alcoholism can cause several other problems. Alcohol intake suppresses appetite, so heavy drinkers feel no need to eat. Additionally, patients with severe alcoholism may develop fluid accumulation in the abdomen and experience confusion or abnormal behavior. Furthermore, alcohol is known to build up toxins in the liver, which is normally responsible for breaking them down. This can result in liver failure. Further, severe alcoholism can lead to liver failure.
While alcohol-induced hepatitis is usually reversible, it can progress to cirrhosis if left untreated. Once diagnosed, healthcare providers may prescribe steroid drugs to reduce inflammation and promote the regeneration of liver cells. If detected early enough, alcoholic hepatitis can be reversed or curbed. Quitting drinking can reduce the risk of developing scarring in the liver and improve the life expectancy.
When alcohol is consumed in excess, the liver cannot process it. This excess alcohol builds up in the liver and is stored as fat. Alcohol consumption leads to fatty livers, and fatty liver is associated with alcoholic hepatitis. Fatty livers are the most common symptom of alcoholic hepatitis, and the disease can lead to long-term disability. While the symptoms of alcohol-induced hepatitis are varied, however people should visit the doctor immediately.