Alcoholic hepatitis: Signs, diagnosis and treatment

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The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Gastroenterologist - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.
Alcoholic hepatitis is a disease that occurs in people who drink a lot of alcohol over many years. When being diagnosed with hepatitis, the patient needs to quit drinking, if he continues to drink, the liver will be seriously damaged and easily lead to death.
Below is information about alcoholic hepatitis - signs, diagnosis and treatment that readers can refer to.

1. Alcoholic hepatitis

Alcoholic hepatitis is an inflammatory disease of the liver caused by heavy drinking, tolerating large amounts of alcohol with high alcohol content over a long period of time. Alcoholics also have the question that "Does drinking a lot of alcohol get hepatitis B?" And the answer is that hepatitis B is caused by heavy drinking.
The cause of alcoholic hepatitis is the body's process of breaking down alcohol into extremely toxic chemicals. These chemicals trigger an inflammatory process that destroys liver cells. Over time, scarring replaces healthy liver tissue, interfering with liver function. This irreversible scarring (cirrhosis) is the end stage of alcoholic liver disease. However, alcoholic hepatitis can occur in people who drink less and have other risk factors.
Alcoholic hepatitis in the severe stage, the disease can cause portal vein hypertension, gastrointestinal bleeding, peptic ulcer or hemorrhagic esophageal varices, if not treated promptly. potentially fatal complications.

2. Signs of alcoholic hepatitis

Alcoholic hepatitis is a serious disease that can lead to death. Symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis vary depending on the extent of liver damage. The most common sign of alcoholic hepatitis is jaundice and yellowing of the whites of the eyes. There are also other signs and symptoms such as:
Change in appetite (loss of appetite) Weight loss Nausea and vomiting Abdominal pain High fever Fatigue and weakness Easy bleeding or bruising Malnutrition common in people with alcoholic hepatitis. Drinking large amounts of alcohol suppresses appetite, and heavy drinkers get most of their calories from alcohol. For patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis, symptoms such as:
Accumulation of fluid in your abdomen (ascites) Confusion and behavioral changes due to the accumulation of toxins are often disrupted and eliminated by the liver Kidney and liver failure Symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis are similar to those caused by other health conditions. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and start treatment.

3. Diagnosis of alcoholic hepatitis

If symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis develop, the doctor needs to know about the patient's medical history, daily alcohol consumption, and drinking habits. Your doctor will likely perform a physical exam to see if you have an enlarged liver or spleen. At the same time, your doctor may order tests that can confirm the diagnosis. These tests may include:
Blood tests to identify alcoholic hepatitis including: liver function studies, complete blood count, measurement of bleeding time, electrolyte tests, tests for other substances in the blood. Body A liver ultrasound, CT, or MRI scan can show a more detailed view of the liver and any physical damage. At the same time, your doctor may order a liver biopsy if necessary to confirm the diagnosis of alcoholic hepatitis. A liver biopsy is an invasive procedure with some inherent risks. A liver biopsy will show how much liver damage has been done. In many cases, people may not have symptoms until the disease has reached an advanced stage. If other tests don't provide a clear answer, your doctor may perform a liver biopsy.

4. Treatment of alcoholic hepatitis

In fact, there is no cure for alcoholic hepatitis. Treatments with the aim of reducing or eliminating symptoms and stopping the progression of the disease compromise security. Liver scarring is permanent, but the liver can be treated to limit damage. Treatments help restore the liver's original function as much as possible.
Treatment for alcoholic hepatitis may include medications that reduce inflammation in the liver and improve liver function. Doctors may prescribe medications including corticosteroids and pentoxifylline to help reduce liver inflammation. At the same time, the doctor prescribes vitamin and nutrient supplements if the patient is malnourished. These nutrients may need to be given through a catheter if you have trouble eating.
In case, the liver is severely damaged, the patient will be assigned a liver transplant. To be eligible for a transplant, a patient must abstain from alcohol for at least six months prior to the transplant. For malnourished patients who need a healthy diet, nutritional supplements create a balance in the body.
At Vinmec International General Hospital, which is deploying hepatobiliary screening packages, you can visit directly at Vinmec Health System nationwide or register online HERE.
With nearly 10 years of experience in the field of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong has successfully performed many complicated endoscopic interventions, detecting many digestive cancer lesions at an advanced stage. early, bringing health and peace of mind to many patients. Dr. Phuong specializes in early cancer diagnosis in stomach and colon, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the treatment of biliary tract stones, biliary atresia, cholangiocarcinoma, biliary fistula and treatment of cardiac spasm with technique of opening muscle through the mouth to treat cardiac spasms.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

References: Mayoclinic.org, Healthline.com, Medicalnewstoday.com