HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Yellowing In Eyes And Alcoholism

default
Posted on Fri, 12 Aug 2016
Question: I began drinking alcohol regularly during the past four years. It became excessive during the past one year (averaging about 12-16 ounces of vodka daily, past year). Tolerance was clearly increased, over time. About 60 days ago, I noticed mild, intermittent upper right quadrant pain. For about 60days now I have been abstaining on most days, drinking about 1-2 days weekly (similar quantity when I do). Also during this time I seem to have slight yellowing around the periphery of my eyes (i.e., underneath the eyelids, not externally visible). My skin may be very slightly yellowed, but not enough that anyone has observed or commented.

Question: If I stop alcohol entirely, (a) will this condition reverse (improve to normal), (b) what is the probability and, if so, (c) how long (on average) to return to normal? Finally, does it matter that I take clonazepam (1 mg bedtime for sleep)? Thank you for your kind help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Tayyab Malik (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Jaundice associated with acute alcoholic Hepatitis is reversible.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thank you for posting query at HCM.

I've read your query and understood your concern.
You've mentioned that you observed mild yellow discoloration in sclera and skin. It's jaundice and usually seen in the setting of hepatitis. Your recommended to also have tests for Hepatitis B and C. Its better to rule out these as a cause of hepatitis.

Yes, acute alcoholic hepatitis is reversible provided you strictly abstain from drinking alcohol. Moreover your advised to

- follow a LOW fat diet
- avoid red meat
- ingest vegetables ingested daily
- perform less activity (no sports). rest MORE.
- use lemon juice (lemonade) once in a day
-"recheck liver enzymes and lipid profile after 6 to 8 weeks".

Secondly, it might take few weeks to couple of months for the liver enzymes to return back to normal. However, yellow skin and yellow sclera (eyes) may be diminished very soon.

Thirdly, clonazepam maybe taken if prescribed by treating physician but you should follow up with your physician regularly.

Further queries are most welcome.

Hope to answer your concern.
Wish you good and sound health.

Regards,
Dr Tayyab Malik
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Tayyab Malik

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 819 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Yellowing In Eyes And Alcoholism

Brief Answer: Jaundice associated with acute alcoholic Hepatitis is reversible. Detailed Answer: Hi. Thank you for posting query at HCM. I've read your query and understood your concern. You've mentioned that you observed mild yellow discoloration in sclera and skin. It's jaundice and usually seen in the setting of hepatitis. Your recommended to also have tests for Hepatitis B and C. Its better to rule out these as a cause of hepatitis. Yes, acute alcoholic hepatitis is reversible provided you strictly abstain from drinking alcohol. Moreover your advised to - follow a LOW fat diet - avoid red meat - ingest vegetables ingested daily - perform less activity (no sports). rest MORE. - use lemon juice (lemonade) once in a day -"recheck liver enzymes and lipid profile after 6 to 8 weeks". Secondly, it might take few weeks to couple of months for the liver enzymes to return back to normal. However, yellow skin and yellow sclera (eyes) may be diminished very soon. Thirdly, clonazepam maybe taken if prescribed by treating physician but you should follow up with your physician regularly. Further queries are most welcome. Hope to answer your concern. Wish you good and sound health. Regards, Dr Tayyab Malik