- Ruby Hall Clinic - Sassoon Road, 40, Sasoon Rd, Sangamvadi, Pune - 411001
Alcoholic Hepatitis
Home > Alcoholic Hepatitis
What is Alcoholic Hepatitis?
Alcoholic Hepatitis is a condition where the liver becomes inflamed and damaged due to excessive alcohol consumption. Our liver plays a vital role in breaking down alcohol and other toxins, but when it is overworked by heavy drinking, it can become injured. Over time, this damage can affect liver function and lead to serious complications like liver scarring (cirrhosis), liver failure, or even liver cancer.
This condition is common in people who drink heavily over a long period, but it can also occur in those who binge drink or have other risk factors like poor nutrition or obesity. The good news is that with proper medical care, lifestyle changes, and early diagnosis, alcoholic hepatitis can be treated and, in some cases, reversed.
Causes of Alcoholic Hepatitis
The primary cause is excessive and long-term alcohol consumption, which affects the liver’s ability to function normally. Some other contributing factors include:
- Drinking large amounts of alcohol regularly over several years
- Poor diet or malnutrition, which weakens the liver’s ability to repair itself
- Genetic factors that make some people more prone to liver damage
- Obesity or diabetes, which increase the risk of liver disease
- Concurrent liver conditions, such as fatty liver disease
It’s important to note that not every person who drinks heavily will develop alcoholic hepatitis, but the risk increases significantly with higher and prolonged alcohol use.
Symptoms of Alcoholic Hepatitis
In the early stages, many people don’t experience symptoms or may ignore them. As the condition worsens, the following symptoms may appear:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain or discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Swelling in the legs and abdomen
- Confusion or difficulty thinking clearly, which may indicate liver-related brain dysfunction
If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms along with alcohol use, it’s important to seek medical help as early as possible.
How is Alcoholic Hepatitis Diagnosed?
A liver specialist will diagnose alcoholic hepatitis based on a combination of medical history, physical examination, and lab tests. These tests may include:
- Blood tests to check liver enzymes and bilirubin levels
- Ultrasound or FibroScan to see fat deposits and liver stiffness
- CT scan or MRI, in some cases, to assess the liver’s condition
- Liver biopsy, where a small sample of liver tissue is tested to confirm the extent of inflammation and damage
Early diagnosis is key to stopping the damage before it becomes severe.
Treatment for Alcoholic Hepatitis
Treatment depends on how severe the condition is, but it always begins with stopping alcohol consumption. Continuing to drink will only worsen the liver damage and lead to life-threatening complications.
1. Stopping Alcohol Completely
This is the most critical step in managing alcoholic hepatitis. Support groups, counseling, and rehabilitation centers can help people stay sober.
2. Healthy Nutrition and Lifestyle
A well-balanced diet rich in proteins, fruits, and vegetables helps the liver recover. Avoiding fatty and processed foods is also important. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and hydration support healing.
3. Medications
Doctors may prescribe medicines to reduce liver inflammation, control complications like infections or fluid buildup, and improve overall health. However, medication alone cannot reverse the damage if alcohol use continues.
4. Monitoring and Regular Follow-Ups
People with alcoholic hepatitis require continuous monitoring through lab tests and imaging to track liver health and prevent complications.
5. Advanced Care
In severe cases, when the liver is extensively damaged, patients may need specialized treatment, including intensive care support and, in some cases, liver transplant evaluation.
How Can It Be Prevented?
Alcoholic hepatitis is largely preventable. Here’s how you can reduce your risk:
- Limit alcohol consumption or avoid it completely if you’re at risk
- Maintain a healthy weight and eat a nutritious diet
- Stay active and engage in regular physical activity
- Avoid binge drinking, even occasionally
- Seek medical advice if you have underlying health conditions like diabetes or obesity
Attend regular health check-ups, especially if you drink frequently
Expert Care at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune
At Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, patients with alcoholic hepatitis receive expert care under the supervision of Dr. Tushar Madhav Madke, Consultant in the Transplant Hepatology Department.
Dr. Madke has completed his MBBS and MD in Internal Medicine from TNMC, Mumbai, followed by DM in Hepatology from the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), New Delhi, where he trained under Padma Bhushan Prof. Shiv Kumar Sarin. He has also gained advanced experience in transplant hepatology at Dr. Rela Institute, Chennai.
With over five years of experience in managing liver diseases, including critical care for liver failure and interventional procedures like endoscopy, liver biopsy, and ERCP, Dr. Madke is dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate care. He is actively involved in educating general practitioners about liver health and has published research in international medical journals.
Whether you need early-stage treatment or advanced care for liver complications, Dr. Madke and the team at Ruby Hall Clinic are committed to helping you regain liver health and live a better life.
Take Control of Your Liver Health
Alcoholic hepatitis can be a serious but manageable condition when detected early and treated effectively. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use or showing symptoms of liver disease, don’t wait. Consult Dr. Tushar Madke at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, and take the first step toward healing.
📞 Schedule your consultation today and begin your journey to better liver health.