Alcoholic hepatitis is a serious liver condition that can occur when someone drinks too much alcohol for a long period of time. It is characterized by inflammation of the liver, which can result in serious complications such as liver failure. When someone has alcoholic hepatitis, their liver enzymes, called AST and ALT, are commonly elevated.
What is AST and ALT?
AST and ALT are two types of enzymes found in the liver. They are released when the liver is damaged, which is why they are often used to measure the level of damage caused by alcoholic hepatitis. AST stands for aspartate aminotransferase and ALT stands for alanine aminotransferase.
Why are AST and ALT elevated in alcoholic hepatitis?
When someone has alcoholic hepatitis, their liver cells become damaged and inflamed. This causes the release of AST and ALT enzymes into the bloodstream, which can be detected through a blood test. The higher the levels of these enzymes, the more severe the liver damage.
What can be done to reduce AST and ALT levels?
The most important thing to do in order to reduce AST and ALT levels is to stop drinking alcohol completely. This will allow the liver to begin to heal and reduce the inflammation. In addition, eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, and avoiding other substances that can damage the liver, such as cigarettes and drugs, will also help. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe medication to help reduce the inflammation and improve liver function.