even be reversed. Unfourtanely for those that develop cirrhosis, the condition is permanent.
If you have an addiction, you may need to stay in the hospital and enter a support program to address your addiction.
Because alcohol can cause malnutrition, someone with alcoholic hepatitis may benefit from a high protein diet that can reverse some of the effects of alcoholic hepatitis. This includes the following:
- meat, fish, and seafood
- nuts and beans
- milk, cheese, eggs, and yogurt
- whole grains, such as oatmeal, brown rice, and whole-grain bread
You can speak with a dietician about finding the right balanced diet that meets your nutritional needs.
A person with alcoholic hepatitis can also opt to take drugs that lower inflammation such as steroids. While steroids can reduce scarring, they can have serious side effects. Your doctor may be able to prescribe you pentoxifylline (Trental) if you can’t tolerate steroids.
READ: Why Hepatitis C Testing is Important
When to see a doctor
HCV is contagious so if you are unsure if you contracted the virus, you should contact your doctor immediately. You should also take precautions to protect others from coming in contact with your blood.
Speaking with your doctor as soon as possible if you are exhibiting any symptoms can prevent permanent liver damage and complications.