Toxic hepatitis

The liver processes almost everything a person consumes, including chemicals, drugs, and alcohol. In some cases, these substances can cause severe liver damage, leading to toxic hepatitis, a condition that causes inflammation of the liver.

What is toxic hepatitis

Toxic hepatitis is inflammation of the liver due to medication or exposure to toxic chemicals. Inflammation is the immune system’s response to infection, irritation, or injury, often resulting in swelling and damage to the affected tissue.

Causes of toxic hepatitis in adults

The main task of the liver is to break down foreign elements that enter the bloodstream. Some chemicals or drugs are difficult for the liver to process and can damage the liver, leading to inflammation.

So what causes toxic hepatitis?

Medicines. Many drugs can cause liver toxicity, and labels warn about this. Most of the time when problems do occur, they are minor, show up only on blood tests, and can be resolved by reducing the dose of the drug or stopping the drug. However, in rare cases, some patients experience a reaction to the drug, causing massive destruction of liver cells and liver failure. Patients experiencing a severe reaction to the drug should stop taking the drug immediately. They also need an urgent referral to a transplant center for a liver transplant, which can save lives.

Among the drugs that can cause toxic hepatitis is worth noting;

• acetaminophen;
• some antibiotics;
• isoniazid;
• halothane;
• statins;
• methyldopa;
• gold compounds.

Herbs and nutritional supplements. Although widely available, some herbs and dietary supplements can cause toxic hepatitis. It is important to note that these substances are not subject to the same regulations, testing or approval procedures as conventional drugs. Studies have shown that some herbs and supplements contain steroids or antibiotics.

Herbs that can be toxic to the liver:

• comfrey;
• chaparral;
• germander
• coffee;
• valerian;
• mistletoe;
• traditional chinese herbs.

People with liver disease should not consume herbs or supplements without a doctor’s approval.

Alcohol. Alcohol abuse is known to cause liver damage. Alcohol abuse can lead to acute liver failure, a life-threatening condition that requires hospitalization and intensive care. Some people may develop progressive liver disease due to regular alcohol consumption.

Treatment in this case will be aimed at eliminating alcohol from the diet and eliminating the psychological dependence on alcoholic beverages. Even at an advanced stage of cirrhosis of the liver caused by alcohol, a significant improvement can be observed with a complete rejection of it.

Other factors. Toxic hepatitis can also be provoked by:

• high doses of vitamin A;
• industrial poisons – arsenic, phosphorus, pesticides, hydrocarbons, phenols, insecticides, etc.
• natural poisons – poisons of fungi and plants.

Symptoms of toxic hepatitis in adults

The symptoms of toxic hepatitis vary depending on the cause. However, some of the most common are:

• jaundice;
• dark urine;
• white or clay-colored stool;
• fatigue;
• loss of appetite;
• nausea and vomiting;
• headache;
• abdominal pain;
• diarrhea.

Treatment of drug-induced hepatitis in adults

There is no specific test to diagnose every case of toxic hepatitis. To make a diagnosis, the doctor will carefully examine the medical history. Questions will be asked about the use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs and any potential chemical exposures, especially in the workplace.

A physical exam can help determine the size of the liver and any associated tenderness. A blood test measures how well the liver is functioning. In some cases, a doctor may recommend a liver biopsy to directly evaluate liver tissue.

Diagnostics

Several tests are used to make a diagnosis and assess the severity of liver damage;

• liver function tests – these include a series of special blood tests that help determine if the liver is working properly, determine the extent and type of damage;
• Ultrasound;
• computed tomography (CT);
• biopsy – this is ordered if, after examination using other methods, there are still questions about the nature and severity of the problem.

Modern treatments

First of all, specialists will find out what caused toxic hepatitis. And, of course, you need to eliminate the negative impact.

If liver damage is severe and life-threatening, transplantation may be recommended.

Prevention of toxic hepatitis in adults at home

Exposure to toxic substances in the workplace can be prevented by proper use of protective clothing and equipment.

People who are at risk for liver disease should consult their doctor for a list of medications to avoid.

Popular questions and answers

Answered our questions about toxic hepatitis Gastroenterologist Marat Zinnatullin.