Alcoholic Hepatitis
Alcoholic hepatitis is a chronic disease that requires lifelong abstinence from alcohol to prevent progression to cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, and death. The most important treatment for alcoholic hepatitis is complete abstinence from alcohol. Despite this fact, only about 20% of people with alcoholic hepatitis can abstain from drinking for 6 months or more. Individuals with alcoholic hepatitis must see a hepatologist or other liver specialist to get the best care possible.
The most common symptom of alcoholic hepatitis is liver pain characterized by pain in the upper right part of the abdomen. Individuals with alcoholic hepatitis may also experience fatigue, jaundice, fever, nausea and vomiting, and weight loss. Alcoholic hepatitis can also cause changes in one’s mental state, such as confusion and drowsiness. These symptoms usually develop over a period of weeks or months. They may come and go at first, but they tend to get worse over time.
There is no specific medical treatment for alcoholic hepatitis. The main goal of treatment is to stop drinking alcohol completely so that the liver can heal. Even individuals with mild alcoholic hepatitis must stop drinking alcohol early enough to reverse liver damage.
