ALCOHOLIC HEPATITIS

What Is Alcoholic Hepatitis?

Alcoholic hepatitis is when your liver gets swollen and sore because of drinking too much alcohol for a long time. Your liver helps clean your blood and digest food, but drinking a lot can hurt it.

What Causes Alcoholic Hepatitis?

The main cause is drinking too much alcohol for many months or years. Not everyone who drinks a lot will get this, but the more you drink, the higher your risk.

Symptoms of Alcoholic Hepatitis

You might feel:

• Tired or weak
  
  

• Pain or swelling in your belly (abdomen)
  
  

• Yellowing of your skin or eyes (called jaundice)
  
  

• Nausea or vomiting
  
  

• Fever
  
  

• Loss of appetite
  
  

• Weight loss
  
  

How Is Alcoholic Hepatitis Treated?

• Stop drinking alcohol completely — this is the most important step.
  
  

• Your doctor may give medicines to reduce swelling or treat symptoms.
  
  

• Rest and eat healthy foods to help your liver heal.
  
  

• In serious cases, you may need to stay in the hospital.
  
  

Special Diet and Restrictions

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  
  

• Avoid fatty, fried, or processed foods.
  
  

• Stay away from anything with acetaminophen (like Tylenol) because it can hurt your liver more.
  
  

• Drink plenty of water.
  
  

• Avoid alcohol completely.
  
  

Other Important Information

• Follow your doctor’s advice carefully.
  
  

• Keep all your appointments.
  
  

• Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines and supplements you take.
  
  

• Avoid taking any medicine that can hurt your liver without asking your doctor.
  
  

When to Call Your Home Health Nurse or Doctor

Call your nurse or doctor if:

• You feel more tired or weak than usual
  
  

• Your belly gets more swollen or painful
  
  

• Your skin or eyes become more yellow
  
  

• You have vomiting that won’t stop
  
  

• You have fever or chills
  
  

• You feel confused or very sleepy
  
  

When to Call 911 or Go to the Emergency Room

Call 911 or go to the ER if you:

• Pass out or lose consciousness
  
  

• Have severe belly pain
  
  

• Have trouble breathing
  
  

• Vomit blood or have black, tarry stools
  
  

• Feel very confused or cannot stay awake
  
  

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

Patient Homework / Assessment

Instructions: Read each statement below. Write True or False at the beginning. If the statement is False, please correct it.

1. True or False: Alcoholic hepatitis is caused by drinking too much alcohol over time.
   
   

2. True or False: Drinking a small amount of alcohol is the main cause of alcoholic hepatitis.
   
   

3. True or False: Yellowing of the skin and eyes is a symptom of alcoholic hepatitis.
   
   

4. True or False: You should keep drinking alcohol if you have alcoholic hepatitis.
   
   

5. True or False: Fatigue and belly pain are common symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis.
   
   

6. True or False: Acetaminophen can harm the liver more if you have alcoholic hepatitis.
   
   

7. True or False: Eating a healthy diet can help your liver heal.
   
   

8. True or False: It’s okay to take any medicine without telling your doctor if you have alcoholic hepatitis.
   
   

9. True or False: You should call your doctor if you vomit and cannot keep food down.
   
   

10. True or False: Passing out is a sign you should call 911 or go to the emergency room.
    
    

11. True or False: Alcoholic hepatitis does not cause any symptoms.
    
    

12. True or False: Avoiding fried and processed foods is good for people with alcoholic hepatitis.
    
    

13. True or False: Fever or chills are reasons to call your home health nurse or doctor.
    
    

14. True or False: You should stop drinking alcohol completely if you have alcoholic hepatitis.
    
    

15. True or False: Drinking plenty of water is not important for alcoholic hepatitis.
    
    

16. True or False: Confusion or sleepiness are signs you need urgent medical care.
    
    

17. True or False: You can self-treat alcoholic hepatitis without medical help.
    
    

18. True or False: Alcoholic hepatitis can cause swelling in the belly.
    
    

19. True or False: It’s safe to take acetaminophen if you have alcoholic hepatitis.
    
    

20. True or False: Following your doctor’s instructions helps your liver get better.
    
    

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Symptom Identification:

1. Have you noticed yellowing of your skin or eyes, stomach swelling, or new pain in your upper right side that may be linked to your liver?
   
   

Activity Impact / Safety:
2. Are you feeling too weak, tired, or confused to safely do your normal daily activities?

Treatment Adherence:
3. Have you been able to completely avoid alcohol and follow your doctor’s plan, such as taking prescribed medicines or eating a liver-friendly diet?

Preventive Measures:
4. What steps are you taking to protect your liver, such as avoiding alcohol, staying up to date with lab work, and eating healthy foods?

Additional Information (labs):
5. Do you understand when your next liver function tests or blood work are scheduled and why it is important to keep those appointments?

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

Answer Key with Explanations

1. True – Alcoholic hepatitis is caused by drinking too much alcohol over a long time, which damages the liver.
   
   

2. False – The main cause is drinking a lot of alcohol regularly, not a small amount.
   
   

3. True – Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) is a common symptom.
   
   

4. False – You should stop drinking alcohol completely to help your liver heal.
   
   

5. True – Fatigue and belly pain are common symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis.
   
   

6. True – Acetaminophen can harm your liver further if you have alcoholic hepatitis.
   
   

7. True – Eating a healthy diet helps support liver healing and overall health.
   
   

8. False – You should always tell your doctor before taking any medicine to avoid further liver damage.
   
   

9. True – Vomiting and inability to keep food down require medical attention.
   
   

10. True – Passing out is a serious sign and you should call 911 or go to the ER immediately.
    
    

11. False – Alcoholic hepatitis usually causes symptoms like tiredness, pain, and jaundice.
    
    

12. True – Fried and processed foods can be hard on the liver and should be avoided.
    
    

13. True – Fever or chills may indicate infection and need medical evaluation.
    
    

14. True – Stopping alcohol use completely is the most important treatment step.
    
    

15. False – Drinking plenty of water is important to help your body and liver function well.
    
    

16. True – Confusion or excessive sleepiness can be signs of severe liver problems needing urgent care.
    
    

17. False – Medical care is necessary to manage alcoholic hepatitis safely.
    
    

18. True – Alcoholic hepatitis can cause swelling in the belly due to liver damage.
    
    

19. False – Acetaminophen can worsen liver damage and should be avoided unless your doctor approves.
    
    

20. True – Following your doctor’s instructions helps your liver heal and prevents complications.