The primary cause of alcoholic hepatitis is usually excessive alcohol consumption. When alcohol is processed in the liver, it produces highly toxic chemicals that can cause extreme inflammation of the liver and damage to liver cells. Eventually, this damage causes scar tissue known as cirrhosis, which is permanent and results in the organ being unable to function correctly.

In some cases, alcoholic hepatitis occurs in individuals who only consume moderate amounts of alcohol. Furthermore, the condition doesn’t necessarily occur in all heavy drinkers. It is thought, therefore, that there are other factors which cause it.

Genetic factors are known to influence the way the body processes alcohol and, therefore, the likelihood of an individual developing alcoholic hepatitis. Experts also know that women are twice as likely as men to get alcoholic hepatitis, due to differences in the way men and women absorb and process alcohol in the body.

Secondly, individuals with other disorders of the liver, such as hepatitis C, are more likely to develop the condition. Thirdly, individuals who are malnourished are at an increased risk of alcoholic hepatitis. Finally, it is known that drinking alcohol outside of meal times can make an individual three times more likely to develop the condition.