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Is Alcohol Induced Ascites Reversible?
Question: Is ascites reversible? I was diagnosed with acute alcoholic hepatitis and after 4 weeks of weening have managed to completely stop for 4 days now, I have been drinking as much water as possible and starting a very strict diet tomorrow for liver health.
I was not diagnosed with ascites but I have some symptoms and my abdomen is a bit large.
I am just wondering if this is the case if it will reverse as the liver heals. I was told last month I am still at a point where it can reverse. Both numbers were under 300 (but close) (AST/ALT)
I was not diagnosed with ascites but I have some symptoms and my abdomen is a bit large.
I am just wondering if this is the case if it will reverse as the liver heals. I was told last month I am still at a point where it can reverse. Both numbers were under 300 (but close) (AST/ALT)
Brief answer...alcohol induced ASCITES is nearly irreversible.
Detailed answer..
Hello,
Thanks for the query,
I have read your query and understand your concern.
The normal sequence of alcoholic hepatitis is progression to cirrhosis which leads to portal hypertension which ultimately causes build up of fluid in the abdomen ( ASCITES )
A person with cirrhosis would develop ascites only when portal hypertension occurs.
Ascites is a marker of severe progression of liver disease.
Cirrhosis is the stage where there occurs scarring of liver tissue and this scar is then a permanent thing and this can not be reversed,although with a proper treatment plan process can be slowed or stopped and prevent or minimize ASCITIS.
I think you don't have ascites yet otherwise your doctor would have told you.
It can be easily diagnosed by an ultrasound of abdomen.
Alcoholic hepatitis is the stage which can be reversed completely by total abstinence from alcohol but once cirrhosis occurs,it can not be reversed.
Since you are having only alcoholic hepatitis,your doctor is ensuring a 100% recovery provided not even a single drop of alcohol is consumed from now onwards.
I hope it helps however you may revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks
Detailed answer..
Hello,
Thanks for the query,
I have read your query and understand your concern.
The normal sequence of alcoholic hepatitis is progression to cirrhosis which leads to portal hypertension which ultimately causes build up of fluid in the abdomen ( ASCITES )
A person with cirrhosis would develop ascites only when portal hypertension occurs.
Ascites is a marker of severe progression of liver disease.
Cirrhosis is the stage where there occurs scarring of liver tissue and this scar is then a permanent thing and this can not be reversed,although with a proper treatment plan process can be slowed or stopped and prevent or minimize ASCITIS.
I think you don't have ascites yet otherwise your doctor would have told you.
It can be easily diagnosed by an ultrasound of abdomen.
Alcoholic hepatitis is the stage which can be reversed completely by total abstinence from alcohol but once cirrhosis occurs,it can not be reversed.
Since you are having only alcoholic hepatitis,your doctor is ensuring a 100% recovery provided not even a single drop of alcohol is consumed from now onwards.
I hope it helps however you may revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
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