Alcoholic hepatitis can it be cured

Alcohol affects every organ in the body and the central nervous system. Alcohol can harm a fetus during pregnancy and increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. It can also lead to unintentional motor accidents and violence. One of the most common signs of alcoholic hepatitis is jaundice , or yellowing of the skin and eyes. Alcoholic hepatitis can be either mild or severe. It is possible to reverse the condition by ceasing to drink alcohol.

Severe alcoholic hepatitis can occur without warning, leading to life-threatening complications, such as liver failure. Signs and symptoms vary between people and depend on the severity of the disease. They can also flare up after consuming alcohol.

The process of breaking down alcohol in the liver causes inflammation that can destroy liver cells. Over time, scars begin to replace functional liver tissue in the body. This interferes with how the liver works. Irreversible scarring — or cirrhosis — is the final stage of alcoholic liver disease.

Cirrhosis can quickly progress to liver failure once it develops. A damaged liver can also interfere with blood flow to the kidneys. This can result in damage and kidney failure. Other factors can contribute to alcoholic hepatitis. People with other types of hepatitis have a higher risk. They should not drink alcohol. A person with alcoholic hepatitis may experience malnourishment.

Drinking significant amounts of alcohol can suppress the appetite. Alcohol may become the main source of calories for an individual. Malnutrition can also contribute to liver disease. An ultrasound , CT, or MRI scan of the can show a more detailed view of the liver and any physical damage.

This involves taking a small tissue sample from the liver using either a needle or through surgery for testing in a laboratory. The results will help to determine the type and scale of the problem. There is no cure for alcoholic hepatitis, but treatment will aim to reduce or eliminate symptoms and stop the progression of the disease. Scarring of the liver is permanent, but the liver can repair some of the damage. Treatment aims to restore as much normal function to the liver as possible. Dietary changes : A doctor may also recommend dietary changes.

Vitamin supplements or a focused diet plan may help to correct the balance of nutrients in the body if a person has malnourishment after regular alcohol use. Alcoholic liver disease adult. Mayo Clinic; Friedman SL. Alcoholic hepatitis: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis. Accessed Oct.

Alcohol-related liver disease. American Liver Foundation. What is a standard drink? National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Mellinger JL, et al. Transplantation for alcohol-related liver disease: Is it fair? Alcohol and Alcoholism. Lee BP, et al. Early liver transplantation for severe alcoholic hepatitis: Moving from controversy to consensus. Current Opinion in Organ Transplantation. Weeks SR, et al.

Liver transplantation for severe alcoholic hepatitis, updated lessons from the world's largest series. Journal of the American College of Surgeons. The liver breaks down alcohol. Over time, if you drink more alcohol than the liver can process, it can become seriously damaged.

What are the symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis? The following are the most common symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis: Belly abdomen tenderness or pain over the liver Nausea Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds Poor appetite Yellowing of the skin and eyes jaundice Weight loss Tiredness and weakness Fever Alcoholic hepatitis usually develops over time with continued drinking.

How is alcoholic hepatitis diagnosed? You may need tests, including: Blood tests These include: Liver function studies Blood cell counts Bleeding times Electrolyte tests Tests for other chemicals in the body Ultrasound of the abdomen This imaging uses sound waves to show internal structures. It does not involve radiation. CT scan This imaging test uses X-rays and a computer to make horizontal, or axial, images often called slices of the body.

MRI MRI magnetic resonance imaging uses a magnetic field, radio frequency pulses, and a computer to make detailed pictures of internal body structures. Liver biopsy For this test, a small tissue sample is taken from the liver with a needle or during surgery. How is alcoholic hepatitis treated? The goal of treatment is to restore some or all normal functioning to the liver. What are the complications of alcoholic hepatitis? Key points about alcoholic hepatitis Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that leads to liver cell damage and cell death.

The liver breaks down alcohol and if, over time, you drink more alcohol than the liver can process, it can become seriously damaged. Severe alcoholic hepatitis can develop suddenly and quickly lead to liver failure and death. You must completely stop drinking alcohol and may need an alcohol treatment program.

Sometimes diet changes are recommended, too. Treatment involves reducing the symptoms and halting the progression of the disease. Next steps Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider: Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.

Before your visit, write down questions you want answered. Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.