Alcoholic hepatitis is a serious disease of the liver that is caused by drinking too much alcohol. If it is not treated quickly, it can lead to liver failure and other problems. The outlook for people with alcoholic hepatitis depends on how bad the disease is, how healthy the person is overall, and how quickly they get medical care.
Even though there is no cure for alcoholic hepatitis, it can be treated and kept under control by making changes to your lifestyle, taking medicine, and getting support. The first and most important step is for the person to give up all alcohol.
In mild to moderate cases of alcoholic hepatitis, people may be able to get better if they stop drinking, eat well, and get help. In severe cases, however, the person may need to stay in the hospital and get more intensive care, such as fluids through an IV, help with eating, and medicines like corticosteroids.
Alcoholic hepatitis can sometimes lead to cirrhosis, which is a permanent scarring of the liver that can’t be fixed. In these cases, managing symptoms and complications may become the main goal of treatment in order to improve quality of life. People with alcoholic hepatitis should work closely with their health care provider to come up with a complete treatment plan that fits their needs and goals. Many people with alcoholic hepatitis can improve their health and quality of life with timely and correct treatment.
To get better from alcoholic hepatitis, you need medical treatment, changes to your lifestyle, and ongoing support. Here are some things you could try:
- Stop drinking: Stopping drinking is the most important thing to do to treat alcoholic hepatitis. This will help keep the liver from getting worse and let it start to heal.
- Medical Treatment: Depending on how bad the condition is, you may need medical care. This might include staying in the hospital, getting fluids through an IV, getting help with eating, and taking medicines like corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the liver.
- Nutritional Support: People with alcoholic hepatitis often don’t eat well, and it’s very important to fix this. A high-protein, low-sodium diet and vitamin supplements may be used to help with nutrition.
- Regular exercise: Exercise can help improve the health of the liver and the body as a whole. Before starting an exercise plan, it’s important to talk to a doctor or nurse.
- Support for your mental health: It can be hard to deal with alcoholic hepatitis, so it’s important to get help from a mental health professional or a support group.
- Follow-up care: People with alcoholic hepatitis need to have their liver function checked regularly and may need extra medical care or support to stay sober.
It’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to come up with a complete treatment plan that fits each person’s needs and goals. Many people with alcoholic hepatitis can get better and live a better life with the right care and support.
