Signs & Symptoms
The most common sign of alcoholic hepatitis is yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice).
Other signs and symptoms include:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal tenderness
- Fever, which is often low-grade
- Fatigue and weakness
- Weight loss
Just about everyone who has alcoholic hepatitis is malnourished. Drinking large amounts of alcohol suppresses the appetite, and heavy drinkers get most of their calories in the form of alcohol.
Signs and symptoms of severe alcoholic hepatitis include:
- Fluid accumulation in your abdomen (ascites)
- Confusion and behavior changes due to a buildup of toxins normally broken down and eliminated by the liver
- Kidney and liver failure
When to see a doctor
Alcoholic hepatitis is a serious disease. Up to 30 to 40 percent of people with severe alcoholic hepatitis can die within one month.
See your doctor if, you:
- have any signs or symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis
- feel you can’t control your drinking
- would like help to cut back on your drinking