Alcoholic Hepatitis Vs Cirrhosis

Alcoholic Hepatitis Vs Cirrhosis. Two of the leading health problems related to the liver are alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis. These conditions happen when you consume excessive  alcohol and your liver malfunctions. While these two conditions are similar in terms of their symptoms, they still have some major differences that you should know.
 

Definition

Alcoholic hepatitis happens because of liver inflammation. This condition occurs because of the hepatitis B virus. Besides HBV, alcoholic hepatitis also develops due to  an autoimmune condition as a result of excessive alcohol consumption. Without proper treatment, alcoholic hepatitis can lead to liver damage.

Meanwhile, cirrhosis refers to liver scarring. While our liver can regenerate after damage, repeated episodes of injury within that organ can cause chronic and severe disease. Once the liver malfunctions, scars develop. If proper treatment is absent for cirrhosis, the liver will lose its ability to function. As a result, severe contractions can happen within our body.
 

Symptoms

As mentioned, alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis share similar symptoms and other liver diseases. These are as follows:

• Yellowing of the eyes and skin (Jaundice)
• Enlargement of the breasts (usually occurs in men)
• Skin itchiness
• Blood vomiting
• Nausea and dizziness
• Enlargement of the liver
• Severe abdominal pain
• Extreme tiredness or weakness
• Sleep disorder
• Mental disorders (confusion, lethargy, and amnesia)

Treatment

Treatment with alcoholic hepatitis starts with quitting alcohol, as is the most realistic way to reverse liver damage. Doing so will also prevent the condition from getting worse.

Besides quitting, you may also opt to use medications. Some of the beneficial medications in treating alcohol hepatitis are corticosteroids and pentoxifylline. In case of severity and potential fatality, a liver transplant is necessary.

On the other hand, the treatment for cirrhosis involves correcting and providing medical relief to the underlying causes of the said condition. It includes correcting alcohol addiction or dependency, exercising to lose weight, taking hepatitis medications, and controlling symptoms of cirrhosis.

Like alcoholic hepatitis, people with cirrhosis must stop consuming alcohol. If quitting seems difficult, they must go for professional assistance or s programs designed for alcohol cessation.

If the liver is infected, you will receive antibiotics to mitigate its effects. If detected at an advanced stage, a liver transplant may be necessary to save the life.
 

Takeaway

These conditions may have different definitions or treatment processes; however, the common way to stop them is by stopping alcohol consumption. The liver plays an essential role in your health and your well-being. Not being able to care for it can lead to death. Therefore, quit drinking early.