Hepatitis Symptoms

Hepatitis is derived from the Greek word "hepat" meaning liver and the Greek suffix "-itis" meaning inflammation. It is characterized by the destruction of liver cells and the presence of inflammatory cells in the liver tissues. It can either be acute or self-limiting where it heals on its own or it can be chronic which is longer or more persistent. There are many causes including:

hepatitis

Toxins such as alcohol. Infections. Autoimmune processes which is an immune response against your own cells or tissues.
Often people do not have any symptoms or only develop them further on in the disease so it can be difficult to detect and can be quite advanced before it is actually picked up.

HEPATITIS

Hepatitis B:

Hepatitis B is inflammation of the liver caused by a DNA virus causing viral hepatitis. At the moment in Western countries only 2% of the population are infected with chronic hepatitis. It is a blood-borne infection which can be transmitted by:

Re-use of contaminated needles. Unprotected sexual contact. Blood transfusions During childbirth from the mother to the child if the mother is infected.
There are several vaccinations for Hepatitis B: it can either be made from recombinant DNA technology or obtained from the plasma of patients with long-standing Hepatitis B virus infections. Recombinant DNA technology involves adding the relevant bits of DNA into a bacterium plasmid which is put back into the bacteria which then replicates itself including the new piece of DNA. This can then be used as a vaccine so that people develop their own antibodies against the virus. The vaccine is targeted at people who are most at risk including:

Family members of people with Chronic Hepatitis B Sexual partners of people with Hepatitis B Newborn babies of mother with Hepatitis B Drug Users Homosexual men Hospital staff who frequently come into contact with blood.
Symptoms of Acute Hepatitis B:

General ill-health Loss of appetite Nausea Vomiting Body aches Mild fever Dark urine Development of jaundice. This is a yellowing of the sclera (white parts of the eye) the skin and the mucous membrane. It is caused when bilirubin (a yellow break down product of haem which is an iron containing group) levels in the blood increase. This is an insoluble substance which travels to the liver bound to serum albumin. It is joined with glucuronic acid forming bilirubin diglucuroonide which is more soluble and is excreted from the liver as bile. Unnatural cell death (necrosis) reduces the liver's ability to make and excrete bilirubin leading to a build up of blood in the liver. 
Acute Hepatitis B lasts a few weeks and in most people it gradually improves and doesn't usually require treatment. The incubation period for Hepatitis B is usually 2-6months and 1 in 20 patients develops chronic Hepatitis B while 1 in 5 develops cirrhosis.

Symptoms of Chronic Hepatitis B:

· It can be asymptomatic.
· Chronic inflammation of the liver
· Develop fibrosis which is liver scarring
· Develop cirrhosis which is advanced liver scarring. The symptoms of cirrhosis are:
· Bruising
· Bleeding
· Bone pain
· Enlarged veins (varicose veins) around the abdomen
· Fatty stools
· Jaundice
· Increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma or liver cancer.

Chronic Hepatitis B can be diagnosed by using blood or serum tests that detect the presence of the viral antigens which are proteins produced by the virus, or they detect the presence of antibodies which are produced by the host as an immune response. The hepatitis surface antigen is most frequently tested for as it is the first detectable viral antigen.

There are 7 medications that can be used to treat Hepatitis B;

5 antiviral drugs:

Lamivudine Adefovir Telbivudine Entecavir Tenofovir
2 immune system modulators:

Interferon alpha-2a Pegylated interferon alpha-2a.
95% of infected adults and older children will stage a full recovery and develop protective immunity to the virus.

Hepatitis C:

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne infection caused by the Hepatitis C virus which affects the liver. It is spread by blood to blood contact and at the moment there is no vaccination to protect against it. Acute Hepatitis C is the first six months of the infection. 60-70% of infected people are asymptomatic during this phase but they can suffer:

General ill health including: Marked weight loss Fatigue Flu-like symptoms Muscle and joint pain Nausea Depression Sleep disturbances Head aches Loss of appetite Abdominal pain Development of Jaundice. Itching Flu-like symptoms
Since the acute phase is often asymptomatic it is difficult to pick up early and treat so many people have developed more serious problems before they are aware they are infected making it more difficult to treat.

It can be tested for as the virus is detectable in the blood 1-3weeks after being infected and the antibodies which are produced as an immune response can be detected 3-12weeks after being infected but as mentioned above many people do not seek medical help because they don't have any symptoms. 15-40% of people are able to clear the infection in the acute phase but 60-85% of people develop chronic hepatitis C which is where the infection has lasted more than 6 months. The incubation period is usually 1-6months and 8 in 10 patients develop chronic Hepatitis C while 1 in 3 develops cirrhosis.

Symptoms of Chronic Hepatitis C:

Often asymptomatic. Inflammation of the liver Leads to fibrosis which is liver scarring Two thirds progress to cirrhosis (which is advanced liver scarring) within 20-30 years.
The rate of progression is increased by:

Increasing age Gender: In males the progression is usually faster Alcohol consumption HIV co-infection Fatty liver
Liver biopsy tests are used as they are best for detecting the amount of scarring and inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis C can also be diagnosed using blood serum tests or serology, which detects the presence of antibodies against the Hepatitis C virus. In 80% of people the antibodies can be detected after 15weeks and in 90% they are detected after 20 weeks. You can also test for the presence of the virus using molecular nucleic acid testing methods which measure the amount of virus present.

In Western countries 90% of the people infected with Hepatitis C were infected through transmission of unscreened blood to blood contact for example:

· Body piercing and tattoos
· Injection drug use
· Nasal inhalation
· Blood products from blood transfusions or organ transplants
· From un-sterilized equipment
· Unprotected sexual contact
· Sharing personal items such as razors, tooth brushes and scissors

Hepatitis C can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her child during childbirth.

At the moment a combination of pegylated interferon alpha and an anti-viral drug called ribavirin are used for 24-48weeks to treat the disease. However, this is physically demanding and in some cases can cause temporary disability.

Smoking and alcohol consumption increases the progress of Hepatitis C virus associated fibrosis, cirrhosis and increases the risk of developing liver cancer. Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome can worsen the prognosis of hepatitis.

It can be prevented by:

Not sharing needles (or other drug paraphernalia) Avoiding unsanitary tattoo methods Avoiding unsanitary body piercing methods Avoiding unsanitary acupuncture methods Not sharing personal items Not having unprotected sex.

Hepatitis Symptoms

HEPATITIS

Alcoholic Boyfriend? How Alcoholic Behavior Destroys Your Trust

As a psychiatrist that specializes in addiction, I have heard a lot of complaints over the years from different clients about their experiences dating an alcoholic boyfriend. The stories are like a country western song where the chorus is always the same. The recurring theme is a pattern of alcoholic behavior which includes being irresponsible and lying. Here is a recent case from my practice that illustrates the difficulties of having a boyfriend with an alcohol problem.

alcoholics anonymous 4th edition

T.R. is 24 years old and has been dating a recovering alcoholic for six months. They get along well and she has been very pleased that he treats her 4 year-old son in a loving and kind way. Her son has become very fond of him. Several weeks ago, T.R. was at a family dinner with her alcoholic boyfriend, her parents, and some close friends. Her boyfriend excused himself from the table. He never returned! She called him multiple times on his cell phone, but he did not respond. She did not know what to think. She felt a range of emotions including anger, resentment, worry, embarrassment (how do you explain this to your family) and panic. She did not hear from him for 2 days! When he finally contacted her, he told her some crazy excuse why he had left the dinner without telling anyone. She knew he was lying. She confronted him about having an alcohol relapse. He denied it and became very defensive.

ALCOHOLIC

This case is a variation of the following themes I hear: he disappeared, he lost his cell phone, his car broke down etc. The other common scenarios are the girlfriend finds empty alcohol bottles hidden in drawers, her boyfriend comes in smashed at 3AM, he promises to quit drinking alcohol, but continues to drink.

Typical alcoholic behavior impacts the victim (you) in negative ways. Alcoholic behavior includes lying, hiding drinking, not being responsible about keeping in touch, getting defensive about an alcohol relapse when confronted, and being in denial that alcohol is the dominant force in his life (interfering with his personal life and his work).

Anyone with an active alcohol problem is focused on drinking alcohol and is not focused on a relationship. His main relationship is with a bottle of alcohol. A person who is actively drinking alcohol or using drugs is unable to meet the needs of his partner in a consistent way. He believes he needs alcohol (his brain is alcohol dependent) and you think you need him.

The more alcoholic behavior you are willing to put up with, the more you are demonstrating that you are addicted to him, in your own way.If you want a stable, healthy, and happy relationship, find someone else. If he decides to go into alcoholic recovery, it usually takes a year of sobriety to be able to handle a romantic relationship.

Marriages to an alcoholic husband tend to be very stormy and difficult. If you go on to marry your alcoholic boyfriend, you most likely have issues with your own self-esteem that should be addressed. Try attending Al-Anon meetings to get some perspective about your unhealthy relationship and learn how to set appropriate boundaries. Therapy may be helpful as well. Learn to take care of you.

Alcoholic Boyfriend? How Alcoholic Behavior Destroys Your Trust

ALCOHOLIC

Challenge And Defeat Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral disease, which is caused by the transmission and infection with the hepatitis virus B. This particular infection can determine the formation of scared tissue inside the liver of an individual, hepatic dysfunction as well as hepatic cirrhosis, hepatic cancer or even decease of the infected person.

hepatitis

It can be found in affected blood or in other infected liquids of the human body, for example seminal liquid, vaginal secretions. This is why the transmission of this virus can be done through blood transfusions with infected blood, by using infected syringes and needles, either in hospitals or in dentist's offices, manicure proceedings, piercing, etc. It also very easily trabsmitable through sexual unprotected contact and it can be transmitted from the mother to the newborn, too.

HEPATITIS

The symptoms of the acute hepatitis B infection are diverse. One of them is the color change of the white part of the eye; it becomes yellowish. The skin can go through the same changes, which could also indicate an infection with that virus. The urine of an infected individual could turn orange or even brown when such an infection happens, and feces are discolored.

There are also other symptoms of the hepatitis B infection. Exaggerated and persistent exhaustion could be one of them. If that exhaustion is present for days or even for weeks, it could be a sign that the individual is infected with this virus.

There are also a number of symptoms, which can be the manifestation of other affections, like flu, which can also mean a viral infection with B hepatitis. The patient may present fever, lack of appetite, nausea, and even vomit.

These symptoms appear after a one to six month period of incubation of the virus, after the initial contact with the infected person or object. What you must be attentive about and know is that approximately thirty percent of the infected individuals present no symptoms what so ever. The symptoms of chronic hepatitis B are similar to the acute hepatitis B, with the particularity that the exhaustion is more severe, and the patient may get confused or disoriented.

When a doctor suspects a viral B hepatitis, he or she will proceed to a full examination and a series of blood tests to establish if the hepatic functions are working right. If this virus is traced, and when the hepatitis is chronic, hepatic biopsy is recommended. This will reveal the severity of the illness. The doctor will recommend special treatment in the matter, depending on the patient's state and the severity of the affection.

Acute B hepatitis can be treated and cured in about six months, and the cases are usually limited. Few of the acute hepatitis cases turn into chronic hepatitis. If the individual sees a doctor as soon as he or she was exposed to the virus, a special vaccine will be administered. The dosage of the vaccine will stimulate the immune system to fight against the infection. Patients with acute B hepatitis are recommended a lot of rest, to hurry up the recovery.

Challenge And Defeat Hepatitis B

HEPATITIS

What You Should Know About Hepatitis

I have yellow fever doctor, said a patient. How do you know you have yellow fever? The doctor asked. The patient reply "Doc, I have fever and my eyes are yellow."

hepatitis

Here in lies the sea of confusion between Yellow fever, Jaundice and Hepatitis. There seems to be a great deal of confusion about the trio of Yellow fever, Jaundice and Hepatitis. To many people, it would seem that fever along with yellow discoloration of the eyes and mucous membranes and skin (technically called Jaundice) must be yellow fever.

HEPATITIS

However in the science of medicine, there is a great gulf between these diseases. The yellow fever virus causes yellow fever. A wide range of viruses or toxins on the other hand may cause hepatitis. Both diseases cause inflammation of the liver. An inflamed liver is unable efficiently the breakdown of red blood cells. This results in the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood and connective tissues leading to what is called jaundice. The subject of yellow fever is beyond the scope of this article. Suffice it to say that it is a very deadly ailment with high mortality but totally preventable by an affordable yet very effective yellow fever vaccine which is taken once every ten years.

The specific viruses that cause viral hepatitis include Hepatitis A virus (HAV); Hepatitis B virus(HBV); Hepatitis D virus (HDV) delta agent; Hepatitis E virus (HEV) transmitted in epidemic form in Asia, North Africa and Mexico. There are other viruses that have been implicated in causing hepatitis such as Hepatitis G virus (HGV), SEN-V virus and TT virus (TTV).

HEPATITIS A
The HAV causes the sporadic or epidemic causes of hepatitis. The virus is transmitted or spread through contaminated food and water sources which may therefore lead to outbreaks in large population groups. Its spread is therefore favored by overcrowding, poor sanitation and personal hygiene. The incubation period is usually a few days, 30 days on the average. The illness is usually self-limiting with complete recovery within two weeks. Long lasting infection does not occur. Infections may be severe in adults but may occur in children without any symptoms or indeed ill health. Death from hepatitis A is very rare.

HEPATITIS B
Hepatitis B is usually spread through the inoculation of infected blood or blood products or by sexual intercourse. The virus (HBV) may be found in blood, saliva, semen and vagina fluids in infected persons. A mother who is infected is able to transmit the HBV to the child at the time of delivery. The risk of chronic infection in such cases is very high. HBV tends to occur very commonly in homosexual or gay men and intravenous drug users (IVDUs). Certain groups of people are at higher risk of contracting the infection; doctors, nurses, dentists, blood bank staff, patients and staff of haemodialysis centers etc. Sadly, it takes less blood to transmit HBV than HIV which causes AIDS.

From the time of infection, it takes 6 weeks to 6 months (average 12-14 weeks) for the infected person to become clinically ill. Hepatitis B may also present as very severe form of hepatitis called fulminant hepatitis in about 1% of infected persons. In this group, death may occur in as many as 60% of them. In yet another group, the illness may persist as chronic hepatitis B. In this group, the infection persist for years and then the patient go on to develop liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.

HEPATITIS D (DELTA AGENT)
Hepatitis D is a defective virus that is unable to cause hepatitis on its own except in association with HBV. HDV may therefore co-infect a person with HBV or super infected a person with chronic hepatitis. When it occurs concurrently with acute hepatitis or severe chronic hepatitis leading rapidly to cirrhosis.

HEPATITIS C
May be transmitted by blood transfusion, intravenous drug use, sexual contact and from mother to child. Having multiple sexual partners would therefore increase the risk of infection by hepatitis C virus. Incubation period is around 6-7 weeks.

HEPATITIS E
This is a waterborne hepatitis virus. Outbreaks occur in India, Burma, Afghanistan, Algeria and Mexico. The illness is self-limiting with no carrier state. But mortality is usually high in infected in infected pregnant women (up to 10-20%).

HEPATITIS G
This virus has been detected in blood donors, intravenous drug users, haemodialysis patients, haemophiliacs and patients with chronic hepatitis B or C. Hepatitis G does not appear to cause any important liver disease.

CLINICAL PICTURE OF HEPATITIS
The onset of illness may be abrupt or insidious. There is usually a flu-like illness with generalized malaise, fever, muscle aches, joint pains, easy fatigability, sore throat, nasal discharge and loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Frequently there is diarrhea, constipation and aversion to smoking for those that smoke. Then as the fever begins to ebb, jaundice sets in 5-10 days. Chill or chillness may occur. The liver is enlarged and painful to touch. The spleen and lymph node may become enlarged also. The diagnosis as to which type of hepatitis is aided through various laboratory tests.

TREATMENT
The treatment of hepatitis includes bed rest where applicable. Diet should consist of palatable meals as identified by the patient. Fluid replacement and multivitamin supplements are adjuncts to the treatment. The drug Alpha Interferon has been used in patients with acute hepatitis C and found to reduce the risk of progression to chronic hepatitis C.

PREVENTION
In general, the careful handling of needles and the screening of blood before transfusion are useful ways to prevent hepatitis. Hepatitis A may be prevented by vaccination and the use of immunoglobin in people who are in close contact with patient of HAV infection. Hepatitis B has a very potent and effective vaccine, which gives a lifelong protection and requires only intermittent booster doses. Hepatitis B immunoglobulin may also protect or attenuate the severity of illness, if given within seven days of exposure to the HBV.

What You Should Know About Hepatitis

HEPATITIS

Hepatitis C - What You Should Know

What is hepatitis C? First, hepatitis as defined in most dictionaries and medical literature is simply "inflammation of the liver." Inflammation is, again from the dictionary, "localized heat, redness, swelling and pain as the result of irritation, injury or infection." In other words inflammation is an abnormal or diseased state of the body. In the case of hepatitis the abnormal or diseased state refers to the liver. As to the "C" part of hepatitis C, the "C" refers to a specific virus that is believed by conventional medicine to cause the inflammation and the disease.

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As a footnote here just a short note on viruses. Mankind and medicine are still in their infancy when it comes to understanding,defining and categorizing the viruses. There is still some debate as to whether or not a virus demonstrates the characteristics to be truly called a life form, like a bacteria or protozoa, or whether it is more of a chemical substance simply capable of synthesis and change - kind of like adding an Alka Seltzer to water. There is reaction and change, movement, but of course this does not fit the definition of life.

HEPATITIS

What is life? What is not? It is like green merging into blue or orange into red. There is simply a point where you can not tell one from the other or the point of where the perception of one observer differs from that of another.

Enough on viruses. Their existence as life forms or as chemical substances is simply not pertinent to the scope of this article. The purpose of this article is to help people who have been diagnosed with the medical condition conventional medicine refers to as "hepatitis C."

Note also that conventional medicine will treat hepatitis C with drugs like interferon and ribavirin. This article is not about medicine and drugs that kill viruses, it is about returning the body (in this case particularly the liver) to a healthy state. The purpose of the article is to inform you of some procedures which have shown in the past to allow the body to either fight viruses via the immune system or alter the chemical pathogenic viral like substances. Let's provide the body with what it needs so our own immune system can protect us and so the correct chemical constituents are present to produce health and there by disrupt disease.

Step one is a "don't" instead of a "do." We have been taught from grade school that liver is a food with a high iron content. It would therefore seem logical that persons infected with hepatitis C, a disease that attacks the liver, should supplement their diet with iron rich foods and/or an iron supplement.

However, this is not the case because the hepatitis C virus does most of its damage by attaching onto iron molecules which then sets the stage for cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Many doctors are unaware of this fact and this is one reason why we are told once we have the virus we will always have it and why conventional medicine finds its eradication very difficult. You must reduce iron levels when fighting hepatitis C. Notice I say reduce - not eliminate - your body must keep iron levels within a certain range to effectively fight the disease. Decide with your doctor where you want your iron levels to be while you are recovering from hepatitis C.

The second most important thing to consider in recovery from hepatitis C is a "do." Do increase the levels in your body of a substance known as "glutathione." Officially glutathione is a tripeptide. Yeah, wonderful so what does that mean? I mean unless you are a chemist so what. Let's just say that glutathione is one of the most important substances in your body. It is multi-functional. Sometimes working like an oil to take out the squeaks, sometimes like a paint to prevent oxidation, sometimes like a tool to knock something apart or to put something together. All in all fantastic stuff.

Now don't run out to your health food store and by a bottle of glutathione and think it will help, The problem with this approach is that the digestive tract will alter much if not all of the glutathione chemical structure and you won't receive much benefit.

All cells produce glutathione so what we need to take are foods or supplements that are known as accelerators, i.e. substances that contain the building blocks which help formulate the glutathione molecule structure.

The following is a list of items that can help to inhibit iron uptake, accelerate glutathione development, or simply help in maintenance and repair of your liver. I have purposefully left out the amounts and means (oral, shot, sublingual) in which these substances should be taken - discuss these with your doctor or health care professional. Please consider the following.

1. Milk Thistle with silibinin
2. Selenium a mineral
3.Lecithin which contains PPC (polyenylposphatidylcholine)
4.Ursodeoxycholic acid a bile acid
5.Glycyrrhizin a licorice root extract
6. NAC a building block of glutathione
7. SAMe another building block of glutathione
8. ALA (alpa-lipoic acid) acts as metal chelator (remover) thus reduces stress on the liver
9. Whey protein helps boost glutathione levels
10. Lactoferin reduces iron stores
11.Elemental calcium reduces iron absorption
12. Antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E. And always, always, always vitamin D-3 for whatever problem you are ever experiencing.

If you have or know someone who has hepatitis C hopefully some of the above information will help you in your recovery from this condition.

Hepatitis C - What You Should Know

HEPATITIS

Complete Guide to Hepatitis C

Infectious diseases have always been afflicting humankind since, well, humans existed. These infectious organisms are not always winning the battle. All of them have one thing in common - not all their victims succumb to their morbid or lethal effects. In fact humans always strive to eliminate these insidious agents and we have actually been successful in eradicating smallpox from the face of the Earth. Our next target is the stamping out of polio.

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Both these diseases are caused by viruses and only with the aid of vaccines can we eliminate these agents. A disease can only be eliminated with vaccines if the infecting agent circulates among humans exclusively. If it is infects other animals it is impossible to vaccinate these animals therefore we can never attain eradication.
Unfortunately, hepatitis C is not an infectious disease for which a vaccine is available, yet. This means that we will have to learn how to live with hepatitis C without yielding to it. Hepatitis C is considered a lifestyle disease so we can prevent being infected by practicing a safe lifestyle. What do we need to take heed of to prevent being infected? Here is a list of points to be conscious of while going about our daily chores.
Use screened blood if transfusion is needed Wear rubber gloves is you are a health care provider and get trained on how to handle hepatitis C patients Do not share instruments e.g., syringes, toothbrush and razor blades Take precautions against contact with someone else's blood Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B. Being infected with either or both of these other hepatitis diseases will increase the chances of hepatitis C infection.

HEPATITIS

Here are some things that a hepatitis C patient should practice.
Modify your diet. Some food types are unsuitable as they tax the liver excessively Abstain from alcohol Exercise regularly Avoid anal sex or any sexual acts that could cause exchange of blood Avoid multiple sexual partners Avoid body piercing, tattooing and acupuncture so as to prevent further transmission Discuss with your dentist your situation before your appointment

There is a seventy percent probability that hepatitis C patients can be cured with the use of a cocktail of drugs. It involves a weekly injection and a twice-a-day regime of tablets for between 24 to 48 weeks. This combination therapy is not recommended for the following groups of people:
Those with depression Alcoholics Pregnant women Untreated thyroid diseases Those with kidney and heart conditions

Complete Guide to Hepatitis C

HEPATITIS

Alcoholism - Causes and Treatments

The term alcohol comes from the Arabic 'al kuhl', meaning fine powder of antimony or other distilled substance. Its over-use can lead to extreme impairment in physical, social and occupational functioning. Disorders associated with its chronic abuse include cirrhosis, fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis and liver failure.

Malnutrition may become apparent as those afflicted forget to eat in their quest for more drink and since alcohol robs the body of important micronutrients, including vitamins B, C and E, nutritional status is impaired. B vitamins are particularly important for the nervous system, which is often adversely affected. On top of this, the amount of psychological, emotional and social problems resulting from this disturbing condition may lead to untold damage to the individual and those they share close relationships with. It has to be admitted that if alcohol is used sensibly, it is unlikely to become a problem. If controlled, it is a pleasurable social activity. If can promote a feeling of well being and help in the inter-action between friends and colleagues in an informal environment. It can be found to be useful over a drink, in making new acquaintances at a formal function, where you may be uptight or on a date, particularly if your personality is not an outgoing one.

ALCOHOLIC HEPATITIS

There in lies a problem, because if your confidence is boosted with alcohol, you may take the view that a little more taken more often might have a better affect on your social life. The down side of this attitude is that if you succumb, you will find yourself in the stage known as "functional state". At this point, you will be able to perform your work well and indeed it has been noted by Dr Martin Bland, Director of Alcohol Research Project at the University of Edinburgh, those drinkers are often focused on ensuring that their drinking does not impinge on their work.

The Medical Council on alcoholism defines alcohol dependence as the reliance on alcohol intake such as its withdrawal leads to physiological discomfort and/or physical disorders. In the stage of functional alcoholism, the individual does not yet suffer any withdrawal symptoms. They certainly would find it hard to go to a party and not drink as drink to them is their normal social lubrication and they do not drink during working out. They do, according to Dr Andrew McNeil co director of the Institute of Alcoholic studies - when on a drinking spree need to drink more than normal to feel drunk. This is called the tolerance affect - as you drink your body becomes used to it, as you need more to get drunk they achieve this by either drinking more than everyone else or by taking double measures. The interval between functional state and the stage of addiction can be recognised by the definite change in habit. Even personality, which is usually noticed by others, rather than the person concerned, particularly in the early stage of transition. Domestic arguments may become more serious and frequent. They may get into altercations, even a fight and not care about drinking and driving - the "I'm all right attitude". He will gulp his drink down, he will begin to under-perform at work and may be reprimanded. The may turn up to work the worse of wear. If this change of behaviour pattern denotes, he is now entering a future phase which his bleak and in the extreme, that it alcoholic dependence.

We have become in the UK, only too aware of the insidious problem of alcohol abuse. The statistics are almost incredible. Over the past 20 years the admission of alcohol treatment departments in psychiatric hospitals has increased 25 fold. Approximately 1 in 5 male admissions to acute medical wards is directly or indirectly attributed to alcohol abuse. These statistics are serious enough but the effect on the medical staff and other patients on some wards has also been recognised. Physical abuse has reached such a peak that it is now being considered that police posts are to be established within hospitals. Alcoholic dependence or abuse carries with it serious complications. After a 10 year period of drinking, damage will have occurred to all bodily functions and these changes are seen earlier in women than in men.

Treatments

Damage is caused by the effect of alcohol on nutrition and direct tissue toxicity. Cardio Vascular Toxic effects on the heart are cardiomathy, (heart enlargement and arrhythmia's) which means the heartbeat becomes erratic in time and force. Neurological Directly due to toxicity - protaxia (in co-ordination of muscular movement), falls causing head injury and internal haemorrhage, epilepsy (ATS, dementia (loss of mental faculties). A specific syndrome karsakofs syndrome - has been identified. This occurs because of a Vitamin B deficiency (Thyomine) , the clinical features of which are multiple - confusion, ataxia (staggering) nystogmus (erratic eye movement or nerve pulses). Untreated, the patient become drowsy, slips into a coma and dies.

Treatment is given of vitamin injections, even although the diagnosis is only considered. Gastro Intestinal Liver Damage: Inflammation of the pancreas, inflammation of the oesophagus (gut) and there is a chance of developing cancer in that area. Haematology: The blood system - anaemia Physchiatric: Depression, serious possibility of suicide. Social, marital and sexual problems - impotence. Employment problems, financial problems, eventual homelessness and definitive problems.

Dietary and Lifestyle Factors

As far as possible a balanced diet should be aimed for to provide good sources of protein and complex carbohydrates for slow burning energy, including whole grains, pulses such as lentils and beans, pasta and rice. Fresh fruit and vegetables also ensure good supplies of vitamins, minerals and fibre. Perhaps most importantly, make sure that you get enough water on a daily basis, aiming for at least 2.5 litres per day.

These above mentioned complications are horrendous and must be avoided at all costs. They can be avoided if alcohol is used sensibly and of course will never arise if not taken in the first place. The mainstay of treatment for alcoholism is abstinence. This may be easier said than done, but drugs are available to make withdrawal less arduous. Non-profit making groups and associations, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, offer support, helping people stay on the wagon.

Individuals who are moderate drinkers should stick within the Department of Health recommendations. It is advised that the consumption of alcohol should not exceed 14 units per week (women) and 21 unit per weeks (man). One unit of alcohol means, and is equal to, one measure of spirits (one glass of sherry, single vodka, whisky or gin) one glass of wine, half a pint of standard type of beer or lager. One bottle of wine is considered to be nine units!

Alcoholism - Causes and Treatments

ALCOHOLIC HEPATITIS