Alcoholic hepatitis: Main Factors, Causes & Treatment
It takes one look at our current society to see how alcohol is prevalent in many people’s lives.
Drinking alcohol on a regular basis has for some become as common as working out, or getting takeout food.
Having a few drinks is commonly associated with socialising, celebrations, or simply unwinding from a mad world.
But unfortunately, as with any good thing, excess is both possible and probable in some cases, with many consumers drinking more alcohol than is considered healthy.
In fact, some people drink to such an extent that it is damaging to their health.
In this post, we take a look at a condition called alcoholic hepatitis, which is an inflammatory liver condition caused by excessive consumption of alcohol over years.
Alcoholic hepatitis is aggravated by ongoing alcohol use and binge drinking.
Fortunately, in most cases, physicians consider this condition mild – however, if diagnosed, drinking alcohol must be immediately stopped and proper nutritional support provided to ensure a healthy recovery.
If left untreated, alcoholic hepatitis will lead to cirrhosis of the liver, a condition where the liver can’t function properly as its healthy tissues have been replaced by scar tissue.
Cirrhosis of the liver is considered highly dangerous and often leads to liver failure.
The prognosis for those with alcoholic hepatitis is fairly positive, provided it is caught early and the patient decides to change their lifestyle and drinking habits. This is to prevent further stages of liver failure, which in turn could be fatal.
So, how does alcoholic hepatitis occur?
When alcohol is broken down in the liver, it produces toxic chemicals that can destroy liver cells and cause inflammation.
Heavy alcohol use results in alcoholic hepatitis.
However, since alcoholic hepatitis is rare among individuals who consume alcohol heavily (35% according to the ALF (Alcoholic Liver Foundation)), doctors aren’t 100% sure of all the conditions that lead to the condition’s development.
Main Factors of Alcoholic hepatitis
There are generally four main factors to remember about alcoholic hepatitis, which we have highlighted below:
1. Alcohol hepatitis is caused by inflammation in the liver, which results in liver cell damage
2. The condition is linked to excessive alcohol consumption, which leads to more alcohol than the liver can process
3. Alcoholic hepatitis develops over time. The disease can develop suddenly and cause liver failure
4. Individuals diagnosed with alcoholic hepatitis must stop drinking alcohol or risk severe consequences like death. Diet changes are also recommended.
Alcoholic hepatitis doesn’t affect everyone who drinks excessively, but there are other factors that cause the condition.
Genetic factors can influence how alcohol is processed in the liver, and when it comes to the predisposition of alcohol abuse, those with parents who suffer from alcoholism are more likely to encounter an alcohol use disorder in their lifetime.
Another factor is the presence of liver disorders or infections like Hepatitis A, C, and hemochromatosis. Malnutrition and obesity can contribute to alcoholic hepatitis, as food absorption is key in ensuring the liver functions properly.
It has also been confirmed that women have a higher probability of getting the condition than men. This may be linked to how women absorb and process alcohol.
Symptoms of Alcoholic Hepatitis
Symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis vary based on the damage inflicted to the liver.
Mild damage may not exhibit any symptoms. More damage results in symptoms like; Dry mouth, vomiting, nausea, change in appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain/swelling, fever, jaundice, fatigue, confusion, and easy bruising/bleeding.
The symptoms match those of other diseases. It is, therefore, critical to get an accurate diagnosis and start treatment.
As mentioned above, alcoholic hepatitis can lead to complications such as liver cirrhosis and liver failure.
It can, however, also result in kidney failure, as liver damage affects blood supply to the kidneys.
Ascites is another potential complication, which is when abdominal fluid accumulates in the abdomen and can result in infection.
This condition isn’t life-threatening; however, it is a common sign of advanced cirrhosis or alcoholic hepatitis and requires treatment with antibiotics.
Alcoholic hepatitis can also lead to enlarged veins.
When blood flow via the portal vein is interrupted, it causes blood to flow back to other blood vessels inside the stomach and other parts like the oesophagus, legs and feet.
Confusion, slurred speech, and drowsiness are all possible repercussions of alcoholic hepatitis. A damaged liver can’t eliminate toxins inside the body effectively, resulting in build-ups capable of causing brain damage. Severe build-ups can cause a coma.
Treatment of Alcoholic Hepatitis
All of these reasons are why someone who is suspected of having alcoholic hepatitis should seek treatment immediately.
Treatment varies on severity, and your doctor can suggest the following:
1. Stopping drinking
Alcoholic hepatitis (in the early stages) can be reversed if a person stops drinking. This remedy may be accompanied by some medication, therapy, and support groups.
In fact, cessation of alcohol is part of alcoholic hepatitis treatment. The AASLD guidelines state that individuals receiving alcoholic hepatitis treatment should abstain from alcohol completely.
Alcoholic hepatitis can be treated completely or improved by 6 to 12 months of complete alcohol abstinence.
2. Changing diet
Alcoholic hepatitis can be treated by eliminating high-sodium foods from the diet. Taking vitamin supplements and diuretics also helps.
Supplementing with vitamins and minerals, as well as folate and thiamine is highly recommended.
Coagulopathic patients (those with a bleeding disorder) should supplement with Vitamin K parenterally.
3. Antibiotics
Alcoholic hepatitis can cause bacterial infections. Individuals with the condition are usually susceptible to malnutrition and infections.
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections if they appear. Alcoholic hepatitis is treated using broad-spectrum antibiotics.
4. Steroids
Doctors can recommend corticosteroid drugs to treat liver swelling.
Steroids like corticosteroids have short-term benefits, like increasing the life expectancy of individuals suffering from severe alcoholic hepatitis.
Concluding thoughts
Important: If the above treatments don’t work, a liver transplant may be recommended.
It’s also worth noting that corticosteroid drugs have serious effects. They shouldn’t be prescribed to individuals suffering from gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney problems, or any infection.
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