Alcohol over-use causes a variety of problems, from the mildly uncomfortable to the severely dangerous. Alcoholic hepatitis is one of the problems that can sneak up without one knowing it and end up resulting in serious consequences. This disease is more likely in heavy drinkers, but even moderate drinkers are at risk. Women are also at higher risk than men. The exact connection between the disease and alcohol consumption is still unknown, making it even more dangerous.
When the liver is damaged by alcohol consumption, it is prevented from breaking down ethanol. This leads to the production of toxic chemical, which inflame the liver and end up destroying liver cells, leaving behind a spider-web of scar tissue. This damage can also lead to cirrhosis. Risk factors for this type of hepatitis include genetics, which affect the rate at which the liver metabolizes alcohol, as well as malnutrition. People with other forms of hepatitis, especially hepatitis C, are at much higher risk as well.
However, sometimes symptoms may never appear, even into the late stages of alcohol hepatitis, there are some common signs to look for. Loss of appetite and the subsequent loss of weight, plus nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are all indicators. Abdominal pain, swelling and tenderness can occur as a result of building fluids or liver damage. Low fever, fatigue, and mild confusion are a few more. Spider-veins may begin to appear on the skin or the skin may start to turn yellow from jaundice onset.
If left untreated, more long-term effects may begin to occur. Easy bruising and bleeding is one sign that can be seen by a sufferer. The other results are not always so obvious. Enlarged veins may lead to bleeding within the stomach or esophagus and result in blood-filled vomiting. Fluid retention in the abdominal cavity will result in soreness and it may become infected. Ultimately, hepatic encephalopathy may occur, resulting in brain damage that can cause forgetfulness and confusion and possibly end in a coma.
The only real treatment is to stop drinking immediately. The disease cannot be cured, but it can be halted. There are no medications as of yet aside from those used to reduce the symptoms. Increasing attention to nutrition and eating healthy will help to halt the progress of the disease as well. In extreme cases, a liver transplant may be needed.
Though the signs of alcohol hepatitis may be hard to spot, or even non-existent, every drinker should have regular check-ups, just in case. Undiagnosed, this disease can lead to liver damage and eventually liver failure. The mortality rate for this condition is very high, so early diagnosis and treatment is needed.