MedlinePlus defines hepatitis as the inflammation of the liver. People can develop hepatitis as a result of a virus, such as with hepatitis C, or from an ingested substance, such as alcohol. Both alcoholic hepatitis and hepatitis C can cause health problems for patients, though certain aspects of these conditions vary.
Causes
Both hepatitis C and alcoholic hepatitis injure the liver. The hepatitis C virus causes hepatitis C, though people can get the virus through multiple transmission methods. For example, if a hepatitis C patient shares a drug needle with another person, the non-infected person can get the virus.
People could contract the hepatitis C virus through blood transfusions and organ transplants before 1992. Since then, tests for organ and blood donations can detect the virus before a patient receives organs or blood. The Mayo Clinic's website notes that while not as common, children born to a hepatitis C-carrying mother can get the virus, as well as sexual partners of hepatitis C patients.
With alcoholic hepatitis, heavy alcohol consumption causes the hepatitis. When the liver breaks down the alcohol, the breakdown produces acetaldehyde, which causes inflammation of the liver, according to the Mayo Clinic's website.
Symptoms
In the early stages of these diseases, patients may not have symptoms, though they develop as the disease progresses. Both conditions cause patients to experience fatigue, fever, tenderness around the liver, nausea and a loss of appetite, according to the Mayo Clinic's website. Hepatitis C can also cause muscle and joint pain. Alcoholic hepatitis causes more symptoms. For example, alcoholic hepatitis patients can have abdominal swelling from fluid accumulation, rapid weight gain, dry mouth and unusual thirst. Jaundice may occur with alcoholic hepatitis, in which patients have yellowing of their skin and eyes. Other alcoholic hepatitis symptoms include mental confusion, lightheadness and paleness.
Complications
As both conditions progress, patients can develop serious health complications. For example, both conditions can result in cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver. The Mayo Clinic's website points out that cirrhosis occurs 20 to 30 years after the hepatitis C infection surfaces. Hepatitis C patients may suffer from liver cancer or liver failure, in which their livers stop functioning. Alcoholic hepatitis patients may develop hepatic encephalopathy, in which a build-up of toxins in the liver damages the brain. Other complications of alcoholic hepatitis include bruising in the gastrointestinal tract, fluid retention and enlarged veins.
Treatment
Patients with either form of hepatitis have multiple treatment options. The Mayo Clinic website explains that hepatitis C patients may not need treatment if the damage is not severe. If a hepatitis C patient does need treatment, he may receive antiviral medications. With alcoholic hepatitis, stopping alcohol consumption is the most important part of treatment. Drug therapy, such as using corticosteroids, reduces inflammation in the liver. The Mayo Clinic's website notes that alcoholic hepatitis patients may undergo nutritional therapy, in which they eat a high-calorie diet that is full of nutrients. Antioxidants can help prevent damage from free radicals. Quitting smoking can also help with alcoholic hepatitis. In severe cases of both hepatitis C and alcoholic hepatitis, doctors may recommend a liver transplant.
Prevention
People can take different measures to prevent hepatitis C and alcoholic hepatitis. People can prevent getting hepatitis C by not using illicit drugs that involve using needles, having safe sex and not going to tattoo or piercing parlors that use unclean needles. The Mayo Clinic's website points out that prevention of hepatitis C can also reduce the risk of alcoholic hepatitis. Alcoholic hepatitis prevention methods include drinking alcohol sparingly and not mixing alcohol with acetaminophen (Tylenol), a pain medication.
