Difference Between Alcoholic Hepatitis and Alcoholic Cirrhosis
The liver is a large organ that lies up under the ribs on the right side of the belly (abdomen). It helps filter waste from the body. It also makes bile to help digest food, and stores sugar that the body uses for energy. Long-term alcohol abuse or alcoholism can lead to dangerous alcohol liver damage [1].
Proper liver function depends on the liver synthesizing proteins, detoxifying metabolites, and producing different digestion chemicals. Alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis are two diseases that present different roadblocks to this normal function.
Hepatitis is an infection of the liver, usually caused by a virus, that leads to acute or chronic inflammation of the liver. Cirrhosis is the scarring of the liver whereby healthy liver tissue is not generated to replace the scarred tissue.
While both cirrhosis and hepatitis affect the liver, hepatitis has many variants, from hepatitis A through E (and even autoimmune hepatitis), while cirrhosis may actually be caused by chronic hepatitis infection.
Hepatitis in its various forms also has many causes, including but not limited to the following generalized areas: direct sexual contact, sharing needles with an infected person, or being accidentally stuck with a needle from an infected person.
Alcoholic hepatitis is caused by drinking too much alcohol. The liver breaks down alcohol. Over time, if you drink more alcohol than the liver can process, it can become seriously damaged.
Alcoholic hepatitis usually develops over time with continued drinking. But severe alcoholic hepatitis can develop suddenly. It can quickly lead to liver failure and death.
Cirrhosis has many causes but is limited to a particular few: alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis C, and chronic hepatitis A. Less common causes of cirrhosis include:
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Genetically inherited liver diseases
- Various diseases that destroy or block the bile ducts
- Long term use of certain medications
- Chronic heart failure with liver congestion
Alcoholic cirrhosis happens after years of drinking too much alcohol and is an advanced form of alcohol-induced liver disease. If you have alcoholic cirrhosis, likely, your liver has not been functioning well for a long time.
Alcoholic cirrhosis symptoms typically develop when a person is between the ages of 30 and 40. Your body will be able to compensate for your liver’s limited function in the early stages of the disease. As the disease progresses, symptoms will become more noticeable.
Get Your Life Back
Find Hope & Recovery. Get Safe Comfortable Detox, Addiction Rehab & Mental Health Dual Diagnosis High-Quality Care at the We Level Up Treatment Centers Network.
Hotline (877) 378-4154General Symptoms of Liver Diseases
Liver disease symptoms may be present with hepatitis, cirrhosis, or any other conditions that result in dysfunction of or damage to the liver. These may include:
Jaundice
Yellowish discoloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes (the sclera), is a common symptom of liver disease but has many possible causes. Jaundice happens due to a build-up of bilirubin, a yellow pigment in the blood (hyperbilirubinemia). Jaundice can develop rapidly and dramatically (as with acute hepatitis or bile duct obstruction) or instead develop gradually and subtly.
Enlarged Breasts in Male Patients
Enlarged breasts, referred to as gynecomastia, are common with liver disease due to an increase in estrogen caused by liver dysfunction.
Itching Skin
Chronic itching (pruritis) is common with liver disease and is due to bile salts, which build up in the skin. This itching usually occurs without a rash.
Vomiting of Blood
Vomiting of blood can be related to liver disease in several ways. One of the more ominous is esophageal varices. Esophageal varices are essentially varicose veins in the esophagus. Varicose veins in the legs develop due to poor blood flow in the legs, causing blood to back up and pool, while blood flow to the esophagus may increase due to damage to the liver, which causes portal hypertension and increased blood pressure in the liver. Portal hypertension is much more common with cirrhosis than hepatitis, as scarring acts as a “kink in the hose” for blood vessels traveling through the liver.
An Enlarged Liver
In hepatitis, the liver often becomes tender and enlarged and can be felt below the ribs in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. With cirrhosis, the liver often becomes small and firm and may feel like a rock when it is felt in the upper abdomen.
Bacterial Peritonitis
Peritonitis refers to an infection in the abdominal cavity.
Ascites, or Fluid in the Abdomen
Ascites can cause abdominal swelling and bloating and when severe, can result in shortness of breath due to the pressure of the abdomen pushing upward on the chest cavity.
Mental Confusion or Forgetfulness
One of the primary functions of the liver is to “detoxify” the blood, that is, to remove toxins and other substances from the blood. When the function of the liver is compromised, these toxins can build up in the bloodstream. Hepatic encephalopathy is a condition characterized by lethargy, confusion, abnormal muscle movements, amnesia, and often a dramatic personality change. It is sometimes mistaken for Alzheimer’s disease, but is, in some cases, at least partly reversible.
Fatigue
Chronic tiredness, the kind of tiredness that does not respond to a good night of rest, is extremely common in both hepatitis and cirrhosis.
More symptoms of acute hepatitis are possible, including bleeding gums, edema (or swelling) in your legs, sleep reversal and other sleep disorders, and loss of consciousness.
Get Help. Get Better. Get Your Life Back.
Searching for Accredited Drug & Alcohol Rehab Centers Near You? Or Mental Health Support?
Even if you have failed previously, relapsed, or are in a difficult crisis, we stand ready to support you. Our trusted behavioral health specialists will not give up on you. Call us when you feel ready or want someone to speak to about therapy alternatives to change your life. Even if we cannot assist you, we will lead you wherever you can get support. There is no obligation. Call our hotline today.
FREE Addiction Hotline – Call 24/7Alcoholic Hepatitis vs Cirrhosis and How to Differentiate
The link between alcohol abuse and liver damage is known since the times of ancient Greeks. The clinical spectrum of alcoholic liver damage differs from asymptomatic hepatomegaly to profound hepatocellular failure with portal hypertension. The clinical picture tends to be more evident in people with more advanced alcohol liver damage.
Alcoholic liver damage may progress from fatty changes through alcoholic hepatitis to alcoholic cirrhosis. The majority of the people who abuse alcohol will develop fatty changes in their liver at some stage of their drinking habits. However, approximately 20% of such individuals will develop alcoholic cirrhosis.
The clear predisposition of certain individuals to develop alcoholic cirrhosis is still unknown. Fatty liver, though indicating a profound metabolic disturbance within the liver, is not necessarily harmful. Certainly, cirrhosis may develop in an alcoholic who has never had fatty change, and isolated fatty change has not been shown to proceed directly to cirrhosis.
Alcoholic hepatitis develops in only a portion of drinkers even after years of alcohol abuse and is assumed to be a pre-cirrhotic lesion, although its natural history is not well understood. It has been suggested that although alcoholic hepatitis may contribute to the evolution of cirrhosis. Though most alcoholics may have a combination of alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis on biopsy and more or less similar clinical and biochemical features, there are certain features that may help in differentiating the two conditions.
Since alcoholic hepatitis is reversible and hepatic function improves over a period of time with abstinence, management consists predominantly of abstinence from alcohol and supportive care; whereas alcoholic cirrhosis once established is irreversible and hepatic function may not improve over time, management consists of abstinence from alcohol, treatment of complications and liver transplantation may be a viable option in carefully selected patients.
Liver transplantation should not be done in patients with pure alcoholic hepatitis. Hence it is very essential to differentiate a patient having alcoholic problems from the one having alcoholic cirrhosis as the management and prognosis are different.
Differentiation Between Alcoholic Hepatitis and Alcoholic Cirrhosis
Symptomatology
Alcoholic Hepatitis
- Patients with alcoholic hepatitis have been abusing alcohol till the time of presentation; they look more ill and are symptomatic present to a physician
- Jaundice is usually one of the most common symptoms. Some common modes of presentation are jaundice – 50% of the patients, ascites in 30 – 60%, and splenomegaly – 15% of the patients.
- Fever (even high grade) is seen in up to 50% of the subjects.
- Symptoms of variceal bleeding and hepatic encephalopathy are uncommon.
Alcoholic Cirrhosis
- Patients with alcoholic cirrhosis may not have abused alcohol for many years prior to presentation; most of them are well-compensated, with only one-third being symptomatic.
- Ascites is usually the common symptom. Some common modes of presentation are 40%, dilated abdominal wall veins – 60%, and splenomegaly – 25% of the patients.
- High-grade fever is not seen (unless there is superadded infection).
- Variceal bleeding and hepatic encephalopathy are quite common.
Investigations
Alcoholic Hepatitis
- Polymorphonuclear leucocytosis (upto) 20,000/mm3) is quite common.
- Platelet function is depressed, but there may not be thrombocytopenia. There is no evidence of hypersplenism.
- SGOT and SGPT are elevated upto 300 to 400 IU with SGOT/SGPT ratio > 2.
- The highest levels of rising gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, glutamate dehydrogenase, and tumor necrosis factor are seen in alcoholic hepatitis.
- Most of the elevated enzymes fall back to normal levels within 1 week of abstinence.
- Isotope liver scan may show a total absence of radiotracer uptake by the hepatic parenchyma (“Medical hepatectomy”) with avid uptake by the spleen and the bone marrow of vertebrae and the ribs. After a period of recovery, the liver scan may show normal tracer uptake.
- Liver biopsy histology:
- Three obligatory features for the histologic diagnosis are – ballooning degeneration of hepatocytes, with areas of necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltrates predominantly
- 20% of alcoholics show features of hepatitis 18.3% of alcoholics show features of cirrhosis (6.7%) or in combination with cirrhosis (13.4%).8 Alcoholic hepatitis rarely is seen as an isolated pathology on liver biopsy. On most occasions, it is seen in combination with either fatty liver or cirrhosis.
Alcoholic Cirrhosis
- Polymorphonuclear leucocytosis though seen may not be as high as in alcoholic hepatitis.
- Both platelet function and number are reduced and there is evidence of hypersplenism.
- SGOT and SGPT are usually normal.
- There is a mild to moderate rise in gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and glutamate dehydrogenase in alcoholic cirrhosis.
- No significant fall in enzyme levels is seen over a period of time, even if abstinent.
- Isotope liver scan shows inhomogeneous tracer distribution in the liver, with left lobe uptake greater than the right lobe, colloid shift to the spleen (“Hot spleen”), and visualization of the bone marrow of the vertebrae. The liver scan picture does not show improvement over time.
- Liver biopsy histology:
- On liver biopsy the following features are seen- parenchymal necrosis, regeneration, scarring
- 18.3% of alcoholics show features of cirrhosis on biopsy; 5% as only cirrhosis and 13.4% in combination with alcoholic hepatitis. Thus alcoholic cirrhosis may be the only pathology alcoholic cirrhosis may be the only pathology
Management
Alcoholic Hepatitis
- Alcoholic hepatitis is usually reversible
- Treatment consists of abstinence and proper nutritional support. Liver transplantation is not recommended at this stage.
Alcoholic Cirrhosis
- Alcoholic cirrhosis is generally considered to be an irreversible lesion once it is established.
- Apart from abstinence and treatment of complications, liver transplantation may be a viable option.
Prognosis
Alcoholic Hepatitis
- Though high initial in-hospital mortality of about 50%, the long-term prognosis of those who abstain from alcohol is very good.
Alcoholic Cirrhosis
- Though initial in-hospital mortality may not be high (but depends on the mode of decompensation), long term prognosis is presentation and degree of hepatic dismal with nearly 50% 5-year mortality
First-class Facilities & Amenities
World-class High-Quality Addiction & Mental Health Rehabilitation Treatment
Rehab Centers TourRenowned Addiction Centers. Serene Private Facilities. Inpatient rehab programs vary.
Addiction Helpline (877) 378-4154Proven recovery success experience, backed by a Team w/ History of:
15+
Years of Unified Experience
100s
5-Star Reviews Across Our Centers
10K
Recovery Success Stories Across Our Network
- Low Patient to Therapist Ratio
- Onsite Medical Detox Center
- Comprehensive Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
- Complimentary Family & Alumni Programs
- Coaching, Recovery & Personal Development Events
Treatment – Alcoholic Hepatitis vs Cirrhosis
According to NCBI [3], individuals with alcoholic hepatitis (AH) may also experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Mild to moderate symptoms include irritability, anxiety, headache, sweating, tachycardia, and hand tremors with clammy skin. Severe symptoms include delirium tremens in which the patient is confused and may have visual hallucinations along with agitation, convulsions, and fever.
The goal of treatment is to restore some or all normal functioning to the liver by addressing the underlying issue of alcohol abuse. You will need to stop drinking alcohol. To do this, you may need to be in an alcohol treatment program. Sometimes you may also need to change your diet. Scarring of the liver is permanent. But the liver is often able to repair some of the damage caused by alcohol so you can live a normal life.
Alcoholism is one of the primary causes of liver damage. Alcohol-associated liver disease is the leading cause of chronic liver disease. Chronic alcohol use will result in a progression from steatosis to alcoholic hepatitis and then finally to alcoholic cirrhosis. The complications associated with alcoholic liver damage can be severe. Significant alcoholic cirrhosis can increase the risk for liver cancer, other cancers, kidney failure, and dementia.
Medically Assisted Detox
Usually, the first step in inpatient treatment is medically assisted detox. Doctors and addiction specialists monitor clients’ vital signs while alcohol exit the system. Depending on the type of substance a person is detoxing from, withdrawal symptoms may differ.
Cravings are very common during detox and can be challenging to overcome. This often leads to relapse. Constant medical care provided during inpatient treatment helps prevent relapse. Clinicians can provide necessary medicine and medical expertise to lessen cravings and withdrawals.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-Assisted Treatments (MAT) for alcohol use disorder and liver disease are commonly used in conjunction with one another. This includes the use of medications and other medical procedures. Typically, individuals undergoing withdrawal management are administered benzodiazepines under the supervision of an addiction medicine physician, whereas steroids are often used to deal with inflammation of the liver that is associated with alcoholic-related liver disease.
Because individuals who have the alcohol-related liver disease often suffer from nutritional deficiencies, physicians may consult with nutritionists and recommend a specific diet. In addition, nutrition therapy, including the use of supplementation and special diets, is often used in the treatment of alcohol-related liver disease.
Integrated Mental Health Care
Alcohol affects mental health, so people may use it to self-medicate undiagnosed disorders. Rehab centers typically provide mental health screenings, diagnoses, and integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders. In addition, holistic and therapeutic approaches are often used to treat recovering addicts with these conditions.
World-class, Accredited, 5-Star Reviewed, Effective Addiction & Mental Health Programs. Complete Behavioral Health Inpatient Rehab, Detox plus Co-occuring Disorders Therapy.
CALL (877) 378-4154End the Addiction Pain. End the Emotional Rollercoaster. Get Your Life Back. Start Drug, Alcohol & Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Treatment Now. Get Free No-obligation Guidance by Substance Abuse Specialists Who Understand Addiction & Mental Health Recovery & Know How to Help.
Behavioral Therapies, Dual Diagnosis Programs in New Jersey
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) can improve the behavior of the individual. CBT targets negative and maladaptive thought patterns as it promotes positive emotions and beliefs, while DBT helps clients address conflicting impulses so they can make healthy choices. Both therapies treat substance abuse, anxiety disorders, and other mood issues. Therapy also empowers clients to identify, avoid and mitigate cues that trigger drug cravings.
Individual and Group Counseling
Alcoholism and mental health counseling occur in both individual and group settings. One-on-one treatment sessions may address unresolved trauma, unconscious conflicts, and specific struggles, while group sessions often involve training in life skills, stress management, conflict resolution, and social connections. Group counseling also gives clients the chance to share their thoughts and experiences to develop social support, which is essential for lasting recovery.
Individual and Group Counseling
Alcoholism and mental health counseling occur in both individual and group settings. One-on-one treatment sessions may address unresolved trauma, unconscious conflicts, and specific struggles, while group sessions often involve training in life skills, stress management, conflict resolution, and social connections. Group counseling also gives clients the chance to share their thoughts and experiences to develop social support, which is essential for lasting recovery.
Find the Treatment Plan at We Level Up NJ
During your rehabilitation, the staff from We Level Up NJ treatment facility will help you identify what caused your alcoholism and teach you skills that will help you change your behavior patterns and challenge the negative thoughts that led to your alcoholism. Sometimes, the pressures and problems in your life lead you to rely on alcohol to help you forget about them momentarily.
Please, do not try to detox on your own because the alcohol detox process can be painful and difficult without medical assistance. If you or someone you know is experiencing some early signs of liver disease, don’t wait and ask for medical help before it gets chronic like alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis, it is important to intervene early. Learn more about alcoholic hepatitis vs cirrhosis. Call We Level Up inpatient rehab New Jersey today.
Experience Transformative Recovery at the We Level Up Treatment Center.
See our authentic success stories. Get inspired. Get the help you deserve.
Start a New Life
Begin with a free call to an addiction & behavioral health treatment advisor. Learn more about our dual-diagnosis programs. The We Level Up treatment center network delivers various recovery programs at each treatment facility. Call to learn more.
- Personalized Care
- Caring Accountable Staff
- World-class Amenities
- Licensed & Accredited
- Renowned w/ 5-Star Reviews