Alcoholic Hepatitis

The most common sign is jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Other symptoms may include:

• Fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal tenderness and fluid accumulation (ascites)
• Low-grade fever
• Behavior changes due to toxin buildup (hepatic encephalopathy)

Diagnosis may include a physical exam, review of alcohol use, liver function and blood tests, and imaging (ultrasound/CT/MRI). Management focuses on stopping injury and treating complications:

• Alcohol cessation: cornerstone of care; counselling, medications, and recovery programs support abstinence.
• Nutritional therapy: high-protein, high-calorie diet with vitamin supplementation.
• Medications: corticosteroids or other agents in severe cases to reduce inflammation.
• Hospitalization: for severe disease to provide IV fluids, electrolyte correction, and manage infections/bleeding.
• Liver transplant: considered in select non-responsive, advanced cases.