Alcohol hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver resulting from drinking alcohol. It is the earliest stage of the alcoholic liver disease so it should be differentiated from the liver cirrhosis. Sometimes even moderate drinkers are more likely to get hepatitis rather than the regular drinkers.

CAUSES:

There is no direct link between alcohol and hepatitis but when you drink alcohol, during its processing in the liver, it releases a lot of toxic by-products which can damage the liver cells by limiting the body’s ability to absorb and metabolize food due to the inflammation caused by toxic products.

RISK FACTORS:

• Genetics
• Already present liver disorders or infections
• Malnutrition
• Overconsumption of alcohol
• The timing of consumption of alcohol
• Metabolizing defects in liver
• Overweight
• Women
• Hemochromatosis

SYMPTOMS/SIGNS:

• Your abdomen may become painful and tender.
• Ascites –fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
• The mouth becomes dry.
• Feeling unusually thirsty
• Gaining weight even with not much of an appetite.
• Feeling of tiredness
• Fever
• Faint or light-headiness
• Feeling confused.
• Nausea, vomiting with blood
• Paleness, yellowing of skin and eyes which can indicate the onset of jaundice
• Fatigue
• Easy bleeding and bruising
• Tender hepatomegaly
• Spider angiomata, encephalopathy

DIAGNOSIS:

• Complete physical examination of the liver and spleen by the doctor.
• Liver function test
• CT scan of the abdomen
• Complete blood count
• Liver biopsy
• Ultrasonography
• Hematocrit

TREATMENT:

• First and foremost is to quit drinking to prevent the worsening of the condition.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs such as NSAIDS like ibuprofen will reduce inflammation and pain and will improve liver function.
• Vitamin and nutrient supplements for malnourished through a nasogastric feeding tube if you have trouble in eating.
• Liver transplant is an option when the liver is severely damaged.
• Glucocorticosteroids such as prednisolone are beneficial in patients with hepatic encephalopathy to reduce mortality.
• ALCOHOL COUNSELLING PROGRAM: the patient should be made to realize that there is no medication for alcohol injury except abstinence so that the patient can be encouraged to get participate in the program

PREVENTION:

To prevent further complications:

• Avoid alcohol as much as you can or decrease the amount of intake.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Vaccination for hepatitis B to prevent hepatitis in future
• Protecting yourself from both hepatitis B AND hepatitis C by not sharing infected needles, having protected sex to prevent body fluids from transmitted can help.