Liver is the most important organ of our body. It aids in metabolism. It serves hundreds of functions. When this organ gets inflamed due to over use of alcohol, it is called as alcoholic hepatitis.
Alcohol abuse is a huge burden on most societies, and the health costs related to it are a substantial.
However, all heavy alcohol drinkers may not develop hepatitis, and those who drink in moderation can also develop the disease.
If your doctor has diagnosed you with alcoholic hepatitis, your main goal should be complete abstinence from alcohol. Those who still continue with alcohol consumption have greater chances of developing serious damage to liver.
Alcoholic hepatitis develops when alcohol damages your liver. The exact reason behind how alcohol damages the liver and why it does so only in some heavy drinkers is not very clear.
What are the symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis?
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Pain in abdomen or tenderness in abdomen
- Fever
- Weakness, tiredness
- Jaundice (Yellowish discoloration of skin and eyes)
- Weight loss
In severe cases, there can be symptoms such as:
- Retention of fluid (ascites) – there can accumulation of fluid in abdomen
- Behavioral changes and confusion, as the liver is not able to break the toxin buildup
- Liver failure
Complications of alcoholic hepatitis
If ignored, alcoholic hepatitis can cause serious complications as well. Some of which include:
- High blood pressure in liver
- Ascites – accumulation of fluid in abdomen
- Drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech (Hepatic encephalopathy)
Treatment of alcoholic hepatitis
- Cessation of alcohol – complete cessation of alcohol is the only way to prevent further damage or chronic liver disease.
If you are unable to quit alcohol, your doctor may help you with the following:
- Medications
- Counseling
- Support groups like alcoholics anonymous
- Diet to address under nutrition
- Liver transplant-
Prevention
You may be able to reduce your risk of alcoholic hepatitis if you:
- STOP ALCOHOL- This is the only certain way to prevent alcoholic hepatitis
- Prevent yourself from hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is an infectious liver disease caused by a virus. If not treated, this liver disease can progress to cirrhosis. If you are diagnosed with hepatitis C and drink alcohol, you are more likely to develop cirrhosis than someone who doesn’t drink.
- Do not mix medications and alcohol. Read the warning labels on over-the-counter medications. Don’t drink alcohol when taking medications that warn of complications when combined with alcohol – especially certain pain killers such as paracetamol
- If already diagnosed with alcoholic hepatitis, take all the necessary precautions so that it does not progress to cirrhosis of liver
You can also enhance your liver health with the help of herbal liver support supplement.
LIVOMYN – formulated by Charak Pharma, is an ideal liver tonic. It is a combination of time tested well documented herbs for liver disorders. This liver support supplement offers antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. LIVOMYN works at cellular level and improves functional competence and protection of hepatocytes against various toxins. LIVOMYN improves the liver function.
The key ingredients of LIVOMYN like Kalmegh, Bhumyamalaki, Katuki, Punarnava etc. protect, regulate and rejuvenate the liver.