Toxic hepatitis: symptoms and treatment. Folk remedies - gallery. Acute toxic hepatitis

is a disease that occurs in acute or chronic form.

It develops after exposure to chemicals or other harmful substances such as drugs, alcohol or mushroom toxins. Even though the liver has the ability to regenerate, it is still susceptible to the destructive effects of these harmful substances.

Therapist: Azalia Solntseva ✓ Article checked by doctor

Toxic hepatitis, alcoholic - what is it?

It is an inflammatory liver disease that is caused by exposure to certain chemicals, alcohol and drug abuse. As a rule, organ destruction is stopped after removing the toxin or stopping the use of alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic hepatitis is very dangerous.

Long-term exposure causes permanent damage to the body's largest gland. Almost any aggressive substance or drug was once recognized as the cause of toxic hepatitis.


Aggressive substances can sometimes cause a chronic form of the disease and even cirrhosis if the negative effect does not stop.

Toxins that can damage the liver are divided into two groups:

1. Predictable ones are those that cause damage when exposed to one or more of these chemicals. Examples are cleaning solvents, carbon tetrachloride, and the pain reliever acetaminophen.
2. Unpredictable agents damage the liver in a very small proportion of people. Recent evidence suggests that the toxic response to drugs likely depends on the type of enzyme a person inherits for metabolism medicines.

Liver cells typically remove and destroy most drugs and chemicals from the bloodstream. The destruction of toxins creates by-products which can damage the organ.

Although the liver has the ability to regenerate, constant exposure to an aggressive environment can cause serious, sometimes irreversible damage.

Toxic hepatitis can be called:

1. Alcohol.
2. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. They can cause damage to the gland, especially in combination with alcohol-containing drinks.
3. Prescription drugs. These include statins used to treat high cholesterol, amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin), phenytoin, azathioprine, niacin, ketoconazole, certain antivirals, anabolic steroids, and others.
4. Herbs and supplements. Some are considered harmful to the liver, especially aloe vera, black cohosh, buckthorn, chaparral, comfrey and ephedra.
5. Industrial chemicals. These include carbon tetrachloride solvent, vinyl chloride (used to make plastics), the herbicide paraquat, and polychlorinated biphenyls.

www.epainassist.com

www.mayoclinic.org

Symptoms of liver hepatitis

Mild forms of toxic hepatitis may not cause any symptoms and can be detected in a blood test.

Signs and symptoms of the disease:

• anorexia;
• pain in the right upper abdomen;
• rashes;
• yellowness of the sclera and skin;
• dark or tea-colored urine;
• weight loss;
• nausea and vomiting;
• fatigue.

Get medical help right away if there are signs of acetaminophen overdose:

• anorexia;
• stomach ache;
• coma;
• nausea and vomiting.

Long-term alcohol consumption leads to a severe form of toxic hepatitis - alcoholic. The medical history is usually obvious. In some patients, alcohol use may be hidden.

With liver hepatitis, symptoms and treatment are interrelated. Patients with symptomatic alcoholic hepatitis usually present nonspecific symptoms nausea, malaise and low-grade fever.

Clinical manifestations may be caused by complications of liver dysfunction or portal hypertension, such as gastrointestinal bleeding from esophageal varices, confusion, lethargy from hepatic encephalopathy, or increased abdominal volume due to the presence of ascites.

A person who drinks alcohol may seek medical attention because of an intercurrent illness that is manifested by altered mental status or constant vomiting, which in turn causes alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

In such cases, the doctor may check for the presence of subdural hematoma, acute pancreatitis, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, seizures, and delirium, in addition to related issues with alcoholic hepatitis.

www.mayoclinic.org

Emedicine.medscape.com

Treatment of toxic liver hepatitis

In most cases, cessation of exposure to the toxin causing inflammation liver, will reduce the symptoms experienced by the patient.

Treatment for toxic hepatitis may include:

1. Maintenance therapy. For people with severe symptoms, the hospital will give this type of treatment, including intravenous fluids and medications to relieve nausea and vomiting.
2. Medicines to prevent liver damage caused by acetaminophen. If hepatitis is caused by an overdose of this drug, acetylcysteine ​​is immediately prescribed. The earlier this drug is administered, the more likely stopping liver damage. It is most effective to administer the medication within 16 hours of an acetaminophen overdose.
3. Liver transplant. When its function is severely impaired, organ transplantation may be the only option. A liver transplant is an operation to remove a diseased gland and replace it with a healthy donor one. In some cases, an organ can be transplanted from living donors who donate part of their tissue.

Most patients with alcoholic hepatitis have a mild form of the disease. The short-term forecast is good and special treatment not required. Hospitalization is not always necessary.

Alcohol consumption should be stopped and good food. In contrast, acutely ill patients are at high risk of death within 30 days.

Hepatic encephalopathy is the most severe symptom life-threatening. As a rule, observation of the patient in the intensive care unit is required until the function of the gland becomes stable.

Patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis may be prescribed corticosteroids, which are widely used for this purpose, although their benefits have not been clearly demonstrated.

IN long term, the main principles of care include improving liver function, preventing the progression of cirrhosis and reducing mortality. Abstaining from alcohol helps speed up recovery.

www.mayoclinic.org

Emedicine.medscape.com

Chronic type of disease

Defined as inflammation of the liver that lasts at least 6 months. The causes of the problem are medications and long-term alcoholism.

Many people show no signs of illness, but some have nonspecific symptoms such as malaise, poor appetite and fatigue. Chronic toxic hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis with portal hypertension and liver failure.

To confirm the diagnosis, a biopsy of the affected tissue is performed. Corticosteroids and special diet, and in the terminal stage of the pathology, a liver transplant may be required.

Chronic hepatitis, although less common than acute hepatitis, can continue for for long years, even decades. For many, it does not cause significant liver damage. However, in some people, prolonged inflammation leads to cirrhosis (severe scarring of the liver), liver failure, and sometimes liver cancer.

www.msdmanuals.com

Drugs for treatment

Drugs for the treatment of toxic liver hepatitis:

1. Naltrexone or acamprosate is used to help patients who have reached the stage of abstinence to avoid relapse (alcoholic toxic hepatitis).
2. Prednisolone should be considered unless steroids are contraindicated in patients with severe disease.
3. Pentoxifylline is allowed to be used in case of intolerance to the previous drug. IN clinical trial the use of a combination of the latter two medications did not lead to improved survival.
4. Infliximab is monoclonal antibody against tumor necrosis, which has been successfully used in immunologically mediated inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. In two small experimental studies the drug improved the condition, normalized bilirubin levels and C-reactive protein in serum and, more importantly, increased the survival rates of patients with a toxic form of pathology.
5. Trental is a hemorheological agent that reduces blood viscosity and portal hypertension.
6. Anabolic steroids (oxandrolone) have been used to treat toxic hepatitis due to their ability to stimulate protein synthesis and cell repair. These medications may also improve nutrition by increasing appetite.
7. Insulin and glucagon are hepatotropic hormones that may play an important role in the regeneration of liver cells in response to injury. Sulfhydryl drugs can act as free radical scavengers and promote the formation of reduced glutathione, an important element in the antioxidant defense of the liver.
8. Acetylcysteine ​​is widely used as an antidote for acetaminophen hepatotoxicity.
9. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant substance that is a hepatoprotector in both animals and humans.
10. Ursodeoxycholic acid is widely used either as monotherapy or as adjuvant treatment for various cholestatic liver diseases such as primary biliary and sclerosing cholangitis. Preliminary data clinical trial patients with hepatitis showed significant improvement in liver chemistry parameters.

Emedicine.medscape.com

Proper medical diet

Rational nutrition is the basis for tissue regeneration, since it eliminates the influence unfavorable factors and create conditions for rapid recovery, providing the body with all the necessary substances.

It is necessary to exclude all foods that are difficult for the body to digest:

• alcohol;
• pastries and fresh bread;
• sparkling water;
• mushrooms;
• fatty fish and meat (pork, lamb);
• some types of cheese and cottage cheese, sour cream, butter;
• confectionery, ice cream;
• canned food;
• smoked meats;
• strong tea, coffee, cocoa;
• onions, garlic, radish, sorrel;
• nuts;
• seasonings and sauces;
• eggs.

The diet should include:

• chicken meat, veal;
• low-fat fish varieties;
• low-fat dairy products;
• vegetables and fruits;
• oatmeal;
• bran;
• crackers.

Weak tea, dried fruit compote, rice and salad vegetables are useful. You should eat in small portions 4-5 times a day. It is advisable not to mix protein, carbohydrate foods and fruits at one time.

www.botanical-online.com

Disease in children

Some herbs that are widely used in oriental medicine to treat various symptoms that provoke liver damage. Additional measures may be taken to remove toxic substances.

Symptoms in children may include:

• anorexia;
• pain or discomfort in the stomach or muscles;
• flu-like symptoms;
• diarrhea;
• itchy red spots on the skin;
• fever;
• malaise;
• yellowing of the skin or sclera;
• darkening of urine;
• nausea or vomiting.

The diagnosis is made based on his history, laboratory data, ultrasonography and liver biopsy. Treatment will depend on the symptoms, age and severity of the child's general condition. The goal of therapy is to stop liver damage.

www.synapse.koreamed.org

www.urmc.rochester.edu

Consequences and complications for the patient

Not every patient understands that such a disease can lead to dire consequences, however, the inflammation associated with toxic hepatitis provokes liver damage and scarring (formation of connective tissue partitions).

Over time, this process, called cirrhosis, reduces the number of cells in the gland, causing it to function less well.

Ultimately, scarring leads to liver failure. The only effective treatment for such an irreversible condition is to replace the organ with a donor (liver transplantation).

The consequences of an advanced disease are irreversible.

www.mayoclinic.org

Blood tests and other diagnostics

Tests and procedures used to diagnose toxic hepatitis include:

1. Physical examination. In addition, the doctor will examine your medical history. Be sure to bring all medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs and herbs, in their original containers to your appointment. Tell your doctor if you work with industrial chemicals or may have been exposed to pesticides, herbicides or other environmental toxins.
2. Blood analysis. Your doctor may do a procedure to help determine the levels of certain liver enzymes. They can show how well an organ is functioning.
3. Examination of the gland using ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
4. Liver biopsy. Helps confirm the diagnosis of toxic hepatitis. During a biopsy, a needle is used to remove a small sample of tissue from the liver. The sample is examined under a microscope. A non-invasive research method that confirms organ damage is magnetic elastography.

Diagnostics is aimed at identifying toxic substances inside the human body.

Toxic hepatitis is inflammatory disease liver, which develops as a result pathological action toxic substances on the body. Most often, people with alcohol addiction or workers in chemical plants suffer. Tends to progress to cirrhosis of the liver.

Contents [Show]

Causes

The route by which toxic substances enter the human body varies. It could be long action chemical or toxic factors of production due to professional activities, accidental or intentional poisoning, prolonged or uncontrolled use of hepatotoxic medications. Such substances can enter the body through the digestive tract, respiratory system and skin.

The most common hepatotoxic substances that provoke toxic hepatitis are: different types. The clinical picture and course of the disease depend on the nature of the toxic substance.

Alcohol

Long-term consumption of alcoholic beverages promotes increased absorption of iron in the gastrointestinal tract, which entails its excess deposition in hepatocytes. Due to certain chemical processes, iron forms free radicals in liver cells, which leads to the destruction of the hepatocyte membrane. Drinking alcoholic beverages outside of meals greatly increases the risk of developing alcoholic hepatitis.

Medications

Toxic hepatitis while taking medications occurs in cases where the patient suffers from any chronic diseases and is forced to take prescribed medications for a long time. The second common cause is the independent uncontrolled use of medications without supervision or without medical indications. Such drugs include almost all antibacterial drugs: sulfonamides, beta-lactam antibiotics, tetracyclines, nitrofurans, etc.

Industrial poisons

Toxic hepatitis due to exposure to poisons can be acute or chronic. Acute occurs when the body is exposed to a large amount of poison, severely affects the liver and other organs, and in many cases is fatal. Chronic hepatitis is diagnosed mainly in employees of enterprises who have had constant contact with small doses of toxins for many years.

Natural (plant) poisons

These include poisons of weeds and mushrooms. They act directly on the liver and lead to acute toxic hepatitis. Even a small dose of such poison can cause severe coma and death. The sooner help is provided to the patient, the more favorable the prognosis for recovery.

Narcotic drugs

Like causative factor It is rare and is mainly diagnosed in people with severe drug addiction who take several types of drugs at once (for example, cocaine and phenobarbital).

Symptoms

Manifestations of the disease depend on the type of toxic effect on the body and the severity of hepatitis. For acute form characteristic clear symptoms illness and severe course. Most often, in the acute form of toxic hepatitis, the following manifestations are observed:

• hepatosplenomegaly (enlarged liver and spleen);
• sharp or dull pain in the right hypochondrium;
• nausea, vomiting, disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract;
• increased body temperature, general weakness, dizziness;
• bleeding from the nose or gums, hemorrhages (subcutaneous hemorrhages), the appearance of spider veins;
• signs of mental agitation or retardation, clouding of consciousness, hallucinations;
• jaundice, urine becomes dark and feces become light;
• loss of consciousness, stupor, stunning, coma.

Because chronic poisoning toxic substances occur throughout long period time, the symptoms of hepatitis are not clearly expressed.

Such manifestations of the disease are not always specific and can sometimes be disguised as other pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract and liver.

The main symptoms of chronic toxic hepatitis:

• periodic pain in the right hypochondrium, which mainly occurs after eating heavy food or alcohol;
• slight increase in body temperature (up to 37.5);
• yellowness of the skin;
• itchy skin, small pinpoint subcutaneous hemorrhages;
• periodic nausea, bloating, digestive disorders;
• bitterness in the mouth or bitter belching;
• fatigue, loss of strength, decreased performance;
• bile stagnation, dyskinesia;
• dark urine and light stool;
• cytolysis (destruction) of hepatocytes;
• neutrophilic leukocytosis (increased number of leukocytes in the blood);
• weight loss up to anorexia.

Cases of toxic form of hepatitis in children

The toxic type of hepatitis in children is relatively less common than in adults. Such hepatitis occurs when poison enters the body as a result of parental negligence (for example, household chemicals), during long-term drug therapy, or after mushroom poisoning.

In children, toxic forms of hepatitis are very severe. In many cases, they can be fatal due to untimely provision of specialized medical care.

Children predominantly suffer from the acute form of the disease and the symptoms will be almost the same as in adults. The main task is to prevent severe irreparable consequences both for the liver and for the entire body that can occur due to poisoning. The prognosis is mostly unfavorable.

Toxic hepatitis during pregnancy

Cases of hepatitis during pregnancy caused by toxic substances are quite common and, as a rule, there is a chronic form of the disease. Signs of severe liver failure gradually develop, pregnant women feel well, but the prognosis is rarely favorable.

The main symptoms of the disease will be the following:

• the occurrence of jaundice (skin and sclera);
• change in the color of urine and feces;
• pain in the right hypochondrium;
• nausea, vomiting.

Complications normal course pregnancy in this case there will be intrauterine fetal death, postpartum hemorrhage in the early period, the development of cholestatic hepatitis with blood clotting disorders. Treatment of toxic hepatitis during pregnancy is carried out through active drug therapy.

Diagnostics

To confirm the diagnosis of a toxic form of hepatitis, the patient must undergo a full medical examination, which includes examination of the patient, palpation of the liver and internal organs, percussion and auscultation. An important point in making a diagnosis is the collection of information about the patient’s lifestyle: alcohol abuse, place and working conditions, the presence of chronic and past diseases, current complaints.

Diagnosis of acute toxic hepatitis can be difficult in some cases, since the patient may be unconscious. In this case, it is difficult to determine the cause of poisoning and the patient’s complaints.

Such patients are provided with emergency medical care in order to prevent the development of a terminal condition. After stabilization of the patient's condition, other laboratory and instrumental studies are carried out.

Laboratory diagnostic methods include: general analysis blood and urine, stool analysis, as well as liver tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin, thymol test, total protein, protein fractions). Instrumental methods include ultrasound of organs abdominal cavity, radiography and, if necessary, liver biopsy.

Treatment

Treatment of hepatitis resulting from the toxic effects of toxic substances depends on the form of the disease (acute or chronic) and the type of poison.

In acute form, everything therapeutic measures must be carried out in a hospital setting. First of all, the patient undergoes gastric lavage to clean water, active infusion therapy, plasmapheresis (blood purification), antidotes are administered (for a known toxic substance), parenteral nutrition is provided (if the patient is unconscious). Hepatoprotectors and choleretic drugs are also prescribed, symptomatic therapy. During the rehabilitation period, the patient must regularly take medications prescribed by the doctor, undergo timely preventive examinations, follow a diet and proper nutrition, and treat any associated complications.

Treatment of the chronic form of toxic hepatitis is carried out in courses and includes:

• vitamin therapy;
• detoxification therapy (glucose and Rieger solutions, saline solution);
• regular use of hepatoprotectors and choleretic drugs;
• taking membrane-stabilizing drugs, glucocorticoids;
• diet;
• in severe conditions, liver transplantation is indicated.

Diet and nutrition

Following a diet and proper nutrition during the toxic form of hepatitis is very important, since eating heavy foods can significantly complicate the course of the disease. An approximate list of products and dishes is given in the table:

Diet and proper nutrition significantly reduce the load on the liver and promote speedy recovery and more light current diseases. Any errors in diet and nutrition can provoke an acute attack of pain and disrupt normal digestion.

Toxic hepatitis is a liver disease that occurs due to the ingestion of chemicals or other toxic substances into the body. They, in turn, have a harmful effect on the liver, thereby destroying its tissue. Every person is susceptible to the disease. Therefore, what toxic hepatitis is, symptoms and treatment should be carefully considered.

Causes of the disease

The main reason for the development of this disease in humans - the effect of toxic substances entering the body on the functioning of the liver. The most common sources of damage are:

1. Medications. Taking excessive amounts of some highly effective medications has a toxic effect on the body. Particularly dangerous is non-compliance with the dosage of antiviral, anti-tuberculosis, anticonvulsants, as well as antibiotics.
2. Industrial substances. Toxic poisons that are released during industrial production can affect the body through inhalation, as well as through the skin. The greatest dangers are arsenic, chlorine, phenol, phosphorus and many others.
3. Alcoholic drinks. Abuse of these drinks, especially those of dubious production, leads to liver damage.
4. Poisons plant origin. Poisonous mushrooms and plants of the weed order contain toxic elements. Entering the human body causes an acute form of the disease.

Important to remember! When dealing with these harmful substances, you should be extremely careful!

Symptoms of toxic hepatitis

This disease can manifest itself in acute and chronic forms. Acute toxic hepatitis occurs rapidly and can cause the following symptoms:

1. Localization of pain in the abdominal cavity. Appears most often in the hypochondrium. Occurs a couple of days after a harmful substance enters the body. During the same period, the liver enlarges.
2. Intoxication of the body. Observed sharp increase body temperature, fever, nausea leading to vomiting, body aches and joints.
3. Hemorrhage. There may be bleeding from the nose and slight bleeding on the skin.
4. Mental disorder. There is an inhibited reaction or, conversely, an overly excited state. Spatial orientation is impaired, which is caused by damage to the central nervous system.
5. The appearance of jaundice. The process of liver destruction is always accompanied by the appearance of yellowness on the skin and mucous membranes. Also, urine becomes darker in color and stool becomes discolored.
6. Increased liver size. Inflamed liver cells are replaced by fatty tissue.

With this form of the disease, symptoms appear quite quickly. It is very important to react to them in time and start effective treatment. Chronic toxic hepatitis - symptoms and treatment resemble the acute form, but the signs are gradually increasing:

• regular abdominal pain;
• slight increase in body temperature up to 37.5° C;
• nausea;
• lack of appetite;
• feeling of bitterness in the mouth;
• the appearance of rashes accompanied by severe itching;
• enlarged liver and spleen.

In the chronic form, these symptoms may disappear and become active again.

Important to remember! At the first discomfort, you should consult a specialist and undergo an examination! The sooner treatment is started, the less destructive the disease will have on the liver.

This disease poses a particular danger to children. It is quite rare in children, so diagnosing such hepatitis in them is very difficult.

Toxic hepatitis in pregnant women

The occurrence of this disease in women during pregnancy is quite rare. Pregnant women from disadvantaged sections of the population are usually affected as a result of consuming alcohol-containing liquids of dubious origin. Alcoholic toxic hepatitis appears. Poisoning of the body with potent drugs also sometimes occurs.

Treatment of hepatitis in pregnant women occurs in a radical way. To do this, the woman undergoes drug therapy, which lasts about 1 week, followed by termination of pregnancy. In conditions of intoxication of the body, the fetus has no chance to survive, so most often the disease leads to spontaneous abortion.

It is important to know! Carrying a future baby is a responsible step, so you should avoid drinking harmful drinks! There is a chance to preserve a healthy child only if the disease appears in the late stages of pregnancy. It should also be conveyed to expectant mothers who are at risk that drinking alcohol during pregnancy affects the child’s brain. This is fraught with inhibited development of the baby after birth.

Diagnosis of the disease

In order to accurately detect hepatitis, you should undergo many tests. After all, the symptoms of the disease are similar to other liver pathologies. The following activities will help determine the diagnosis correctly:

1. General analysis of urine and blood. Detects inflammatory processes in the body.
2. Biochemical research. Shows deviations from the norm in blood components, which indicates damage to the body.
3. Ultrasound of organs. Allows you to determine the severity of damage to the liver and other internal organs.
4. Liver biopsy. It is used to determine the level of damage to a given organ.

Important to remember! Only a specialist can make a diagnosis! Only he can correctly decipher the results of the research.

Treatment of toxic hepatitis

Treatment of this disease is aimed at the dynamic removal of harmful substances from the body. The method of getting rid of poison consists of the following measures:

1. Bed rest for the entire rehabilitation period.
2. Gastric lavage. It is necessary to clean it of any remaining harmful substances. To do this, patients are given a special probe, cleansing the stomach with water in several approaches.
3. Removing toxic substances from the body. Special cleansing droppers and activated carbon are used, which absorbs toxins.
4. Taking vitamins B and C. Help maintain normal functioning of the body, help restore strength and vigor.
5. Use of hepatoprotectors. Aimed at restoring damaged liver tissue. Such medications can be: Heptral, Essentiale, Leaf 52 and products with a similar composition.
6. Taking choleretic drugs. Toxic substances are excreted from the liver along with bile. The following medications are suitable for this function: Holosas, Cholenzym, as well as their analogues.
7. Compliance balanced diet. Daily meals should be fractional, that is, eating food often, but in small portions. The diet includes the exclusion of fatty, smoked, fried, canned and spicy foods. Lean poultry, rabbit, veal, fresh vegetables and fruits, and pasta will benefit the body.

Important to remember! The dosage of medications must be observed correctly! After all, their incorrect use will slow down recovery.

Treatment with folk remedies

Toxic liver hepatitis can be treated at home with recipes traditional medicine. The advantage is the use of natural ingredients that have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the liver and the relief of inflammatory processes. There are a number of ways to prepare such medicines.

Calendula

You will need 2 tbsp. l. finely chopped calendula flowers, pour 1 cup of boiling water, leave for 1 hour. Strain the broth and take 50 ml 4 times a day. This medicine promotes the rapid excretion of bile.

Chicory

Pour 0.5 liters of boiling water into 2 tbsp. l. chicory, add 1 tbsp. l. honey and 1 tsp. lemon juice. Stir the resulting mixture. Use as tea in unlimited quantities.

Dandelion

Grind 1 tbsp. l. dandelion root, add 1 cup of purified water. Simmer on low heat for about 1 hour. Then cool and take 1 tbsp. l. decoction 3 times a day before eating.

St. John's wort

You should take 2 tbsp. l. chopped St. John's wort, pour 1 glass of hot water. Put on fire, boil for 5 minutes. Cool and strain. Take 100 ml 3 times a day before meals.

Elecampane

Grind the stems of the plant, take 1 tsp. Pour 1 glass of hot water and leave overnight. Take 50 ml of the resulting medicine 4 times a day.

Horseradish

Grate horseradish root about 2 tbsp. l. 1 glass homemade cow's milk bring to a boil, add the starting ingredient, mix thoroughly. Take small amounts throughout the day, preferably before meals.

Honey and currants

You will need 1 kg of honey and the same amount of black currants, which should be crushed to a paste consistency. Mix the ingredients well. Consume before every meal. Continue this treatment until the end of the medication.

These methods can help with mild form diseases. More severe cases can only be treated with medication.

It is important to know! Before using such medications, you should consult a doctor so as not to harm your health! It is possible to consider the option of taking prepared medications with medications in a comprehensive manner.

Consequences

A mild form of the disease can be treated quite easily. As for the heavier and running forms, then hepatitis can cause the following complications:

• liver failure, which disrupts the normal functioning of this organ;
• damage to the central nervous system, which leads to periodic convulsions and loss of consciousness;
• cirrhosis of the liver, which most often leads to death.

Complications of the disease lead to very serious consequences. Therefore, it is very important to stop the destructive effect on the liver in time. You should also pay special attention to preventive measures for the occurrence of hepatitis.

Preventive measures are based on the causes of toxic hepatitis. Therefore, exposure to toxic substances on the body should be avoided. Do not forget that damage can occur not only through the stomach, but also penetrate through the skin and through the lungs. Taking medications should be limited to the amount prescribed by the doctor. Dietary supplements may have very questionable effects; their use should also be agreed with your doctor. Limiting alcohol consumption will protect you from many diseases.

The liver is one of the vital internal organs. It is located in the abdominal cavity under the diaphragm. The liver is an unpaired organ. She performs many various functions. In particular, it protects the body from the damaging effects of toxins, foreign substances, allergens and other harmful compounds.

Disposal mechanism

Inactivation of compounds is a process of their chemical modification. It consists of two stages. In the first phase, the compound undergoes oxidation (electrons are removed). In the second stage, the substance undergoes hydrolysis or reduction (gain of electrons). At the second stage, to the formed chemical active groups another substance is added. As a result, the harmful compound is transformed into a less toxic or harmless one and easily removed from the body. But in some cases the organ ceases to cope with its functions.

Cause of toxic hepatitis

Liver damage can be caused by a number of factors. It can occur as a result of parenteral administration or ingestion of chemical or pharmacological substances, or inhalation. Among the toxic compounds, industrial poisons and some types of mushrooms are dangerous. Pharmacological agents used to treat various pathologies have a strong effect on the liver. Drug poisoning can occur, in turn, due to a number of reasons. One of the main ones is their uncontrolled intake.

Types of poisonous effects

A distinction is made between direct negative influence and idiosyncrasy. In the second case, the effect of the toxic compound depends on the dose. With prolonged use of drugs, chronic toxic hepatitis may develop as a result. Treatment with many medications poses serious health risks. Most drugs undergo metabolism in the liver, which results in the breakdown of the drugs. The resulting products provoke morphological changes. When taking medications in higher dosages, more active harmful metabolites are formed, causing serious liver damage.

Course of pathologies

Usually the latent (hidden) period is short. In some cases it is only a few hours. Clinical signs, meanwhile, appear after a day or two. Acute toxic hepatitis can be triggered by systemic poisons or breakdown products formed in the liver. Each poisonous compound has its own characteristics negative impact. For example, trichlorethylene and carbon tetrachloride cause necrotic processes, and yellow phosphorus leads to periportal damage. With daily intravenous administration Tetracycline in a dose of more than 1.5 g forms small fatty deposits in the liver. In some cases, the damaging effect remains unnoticed for a certain period until jaundice appears.

Idiosyncratic reactions

In these cases, hepatitis occurs rarely and is unpredictable. Its severity depends on the dosage. The pathological condition can develop at any time during or after taking the medication. Symptoms of toxic hepatitis are usually the same. In particular, with idiosyncrasy, extrahepatic hypersensitivity reactions are observed: rash, elevated temperature, arthralgia. In patients, eosinophilia and leukocytosis are observed in almost 25% of cases. A number of studies have revealed that the hepatotoxic effect in such conditions is due to the activity of the formed metabolites of pharmacological agents.

Diagnosis of conditions

Experts note that not all liver reactions that occur when taking certain drugs are classified as idiosyncratic or toxic. For example, oral contraceptive drugs (gestagens, estrogens) can cause liver disorders, and in some cases, jaundice. But these medications do not cause necrotic processes or fatty changes. In this case, the manifestation of a hypersensitivity reaction can be considered genetically predetermined. Due to the fact that the diagnosis is presumptive in most cases, and against the background of other pathologies there is a similar clinical picture, it is sometimes difficult for a specialist to establish cause-and-effect relationships between the use of specific drugs and subsequent liver damage. In some cases, the symptoms of toxic hepatitis can be reproduced. In this case, provocation with a suspected drug after a latent period causes a number of signs, biochemical and morphological changes. However, this kind of artificial provocation is in many cases impossible for aesthetic reasons, as well as due to high risk development of severe complications. Toxic drug-induced hepatitis, the treatment of which should be mainly supportive, manifests itself first adverse reactions for the drug. When diagnosed, the suspected drug must be immediately discontinued. At the same time, during the examination, the specialist should not be distracted from damage to the kidneys and other organs. Along with changes in the liver, damage to other organs can ultimately lead to death.

Therapeutic measures

Symptoms of toxic hepatitis manifest themselves in different ways: from mild hypersensitivity reactions to severe conditions. Depending on the clinical picture, therapeutic measures are prescribed. For example, with vomiting and severe anorexia, treatment of toxic hepatitis includes intravenous drip administration of a glucose solution (five or ten percent) in a dose of up to 500 milliliters. If signs of coma or liver congestion are detected, massive plasmapheresis is performed. Using a separator or centrifuge, 1.5-2 liters of existing plasma is removed and two liters of frozen plasma is injected intravenously. If there is no improvement, prothrombin levels increase, or consciousness disturbances persist, the procedure is repeated. Until the coagulation system normalizes, 1-2 liters of fresh frozen plasma are administered every day for 2-3 days. TO therapeutic activities This also applies to diet. For toxic hepatitis, food enriched with carbohydrates is recommended, fruit juices a lot. The patient should limit his intake of fats.

Therapeutic measures outside of exacerbations

The factor that provoked the pathological condition has significant clinical significance when choosing measures that make up the treatment of long-term toxic hepatitis. With prolonged liver damage, moderate fibrosis and a predominantly preserved lobular structure of the organ are observed. In the absence of exacerbation, treatment of toxic hepatitis requires a special diet. Spices, spicy foods, fried foods, and refractory fats are excluded from the diet. It is recommended to consume cottage cheese daily (up to 100-150 g), boiled lean fish, mild cheese. Treatment of toxic hepatitis in some cases is carried out in combination with the treatment of alcoholism (in case of alcohol poisoning). It is extremely important to ensure absolute cessation of contact with the toxic substance.

Therapy for exacerbations

In such conditions, hospitalization and a more strict diet are recommended. For toxic hepatitis, bed rest is required. Patients are prescribed predominantly B-group vitamins, as well as folic, nicotinic, and ascorbic acid. To improve the course of anabolic processes, steroid hormones are used (orally - methandrostenol 15-20 mg per day, with a gradual decrease in dosage, or intramuscular retabolil once every two weeks, 20-50 mg). For more severe conditions, corticosteroid hormones are recommended (Prednisolone 20-40 mg/day), immunosuppressants - long-term, but in small dosages.

Toxic hepatitis. Treatment with folk remedies

To alleviate the condition, there are several recipes using herbal ingredients. So, the juice is effective sauerkraut. For long-term illness, it is recommended to drink half a glass a day. Duration of admission - not less than a month. Another fairly popular remedy is horseradish tincture. To prepare it, take 2 tbsp. l. grated raw materials, pour milk. The mixture should be heated until boiling, removed from heat, and cooled. Take small sips throughout the day. Duration - until the condition improves. Tincture of mint (leaves) helps reduce the severity of symptoms. 2 tbsp. l. plants are poured with 2 cups of boiling water. The solution is infused for a day. Drink the product up to three times a day.

Preventive actions

The main measures to prevent the development of pathological conditions include careful adherence to hygiene rules. You should not eat inedible or edible, but old mushrooms or other products that have expired. As noted above, one of the main causes of toxic liver damage is the use of increased doses of medications. When prescribing potent drugs, the use of which is associated with a risk of hypersensitivity reactions and other complications, it is necessary to comply with the doctor’s instructions and follow the recommendations in the annotations for the drugs. It is highly not recommended to change the treatment regimen on your own. If pathological conditions associated with liver dysfunction develop, you must immediately visit a specialist and receive qualified help.

Toxic

is a liver disease, acute or chronic, that develops as a result of the ingestion of chemicals or other harmful substances (drugs, alcohol, fungal toxins) into the body, their toxic effect on liver cells, accompanied by inflammation of the cells and their death, and manifested by an enlargement of the liver in size, pain in the right hypochondrium and progressive

jaundice

Acute toxic hepatitis, called “Acute toxic hepatitis,” develops as a result of exposure to a single, large concentration of poison or a small dose of poison that has an affinity for liver cells; as a rule, symptoms appear after 2-5 days.

Toxic hepatitis of a chronic course, called “Chronic toxic hepatitis”, develops with repeated exposure to poison, in small doses, which does not have an affinity for liver cells, and can manifest itself after months or years. Manifestations of acute toxic hepatitis, expressed, are severe, the patient must be urgently hospitalized, and if medical care is not provided in a timely manner, it can lead to death. Chronic toxic hepatitis develops slowly, symptoms appear gradually, and if the cause is not eliminated, they are complicated by liver cirrhosis and liver failure.

Causes of toxic hepatitis Ingestion of harmful substances into the body can be accidental, professional (work activity) or intentional (desired). Harmful substances that enter the body and damage the liver are called liver poisons. They enter the body through in different ways. Through the digestive tract: mouth → stomach → blood → liver. Through the respiratory system: nose → lungs → blood → liver. Through the skin, poisons can also penetrate into the blood, and then into the liver. Penetrating into the blood, some liver poisons can have a direct effect on the liver cell (hepatotropic poisons), disrupting its function and vital activity. Other types of poisons that interfere with blood circulation small vessels feeding the liver, this leads to a lack of oxygen in the cells and their death, with subsequent dysfunction of the organ.

Liver poisons have different origins:

1. Medicines, in doses prescribed by the attending physician, have therapeutic effect, with a single large (toxic) dose of one of the drugs in these groups, toxic liver damage and the development of acute toxic hepatitis occur.

• sulfonamide drugs: Biseptol, Sulfadimethoxine
• antiviral: Interferon, Amantadine;
• antituberculosis: Phtivazid, Tubazid; antipyretic: Paracetamol, Aspirin
• anticonvulsants: Phenobarbital and others.

2. Industrial poisons

enter the body by inhalation or through the skin; when large doses enter the body, acute liver damage develops with the death of its cells and replacement with fat cells; with repeated exposure to small doses, chronic toxic hepatitis develops.

• arsenic– released at metallurgical plants;
• phosphorus– found in phosphate fertilizers, used for metal processing
• pesticides– used in agriculture to kill weeds
• chlorinated hydrocarbons– oil components.
• aldehydes(for example: acetaldehyde) is used in industry to produce acetic acid
• phenols– contained in antiseptics used for disinfection, found in canned food
• insecticides– used in agriculture to combat harmful insects

3. Alcohol-

Chronic and excessive consumption of alcohol, especially poor quality, leads to toxic liver damage. 20-40 grams of alcohol per day for men, and up to 20 grams for women, are considered safe doses, in higher doses, it has a toxic effect.

All alcohol taken from the digestive tract travels with the blood to the liver. The liver actively processes incoming alcohol. The main component of alcohol conversion in the liver is its interaction with the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase. As a result of this enzymatic transformation, the breakdown of alcohol leads to the formation of acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is a fairly toxic substance, under the influence of which various chemical reactions in the liver are disrupted (in particular, fat metabolism). Fatty acids accumulate and liver cells are replaced by adipose tissue.

4. Plant poisons(weed poisons: bitterling, ragwort; mushroom poisons: toadstool) have a hepatotropic effect (act directly on the liver cell, disrupting its vital activity and replacing it with adipose tissue), resulting in the development of a clinical picture of acute toxic hepatitis.

Symptoms of toxic hepatitis Signs of acute toxic hepatitis:

In mild cases, it can occur almost without symptoms and is detected only during a group examination (for example: consumption of poisonous mushrooms).

In more severe cases, it may manifest itself as the following symptoms:

• Pain in the right hypochondrium, occurs suddenly, 2-5 days after the penetration of hepatotropic poison into the body, is the result of stretching of the capsule by an enlarged liver (due to an acute inflammatory process in it);
• Signs of intoxication of the body: increased body temperature >380C, general weakness, lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting (may be with blood), joint pain;
• Bleeding from the nose, gums, minor pinpoint hemorrhages on the skin, these manifestations are the result of the destructive effect of the toxin on the walls of blood vessels;
• Impact on the patient’s psyche in the form of agitation or lethargy, disorientation in space, tremors, since poisons have the ability to have a toxic effect on nerve cells;
• Progressive jaundice, dark urine, light feces (oily, shiny) appear simultaneously with signs of intoxication, and are the result of a violation of the outflow of bile through the small intrahepatic bile ducts;
• Enlargement of the liver as a result acute inflammation liver cells and their replacement with adipose tissue ( fatty degeneration liver)

Signs of chronic toxic hepatitis:

• Periodic pain in the right hypochondrium, of moderate intensity, worsening after eating;
• Heaviness in the right hypochondrium is associated with liver enlargement;
• Low-grade body temperature 37-37.50C;
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, bitterness in the mouth, bloating, diarrhea, these manifestations develop as a result of a violation of the outflow of bile;
• Fatigue, decreased performance;
• Itchy skin, itchy skin due to the accumulation of bile acids;
• Enlarged liver and spleen.

These symptoms may subside for a while (remission) and appear again (worsen).

Complications of toxic hepatitis In mild cases, toxic hepatitis is completely cured. In other cases, it may be complicated by one of the following diseases:

1. Liver failure, is the result of the death of liver cells, their replacement with fat cells and disruption of its functions, manifested by the following symptoms:

• Edema (as a result of protein metabolism disorders);
• Jaundice

• Bleeding (the production of blood clotting factors decreases);
• Weight loss (due to lack of saturation of the body with proteins, fats, carbohydrates, energy produced by the liver);
• Hepatic encephalopathy (mental and neuromuscular disorders) develops as a result of impaired toxic liver function;

2. Hepatic coma, progressive disorders of the liver and central nervous system (impaired consciousness, reflexes, convulsions and others), the result may be death;

3. Cirrhosis of the liver, a chronic disease that results in the death of liver cells and their replacement with connective tissue.

Treatment of toxic hepatitis Traditional methods of treating toxic hepatitis First of all, it is necessary to prevent contact with poison. To prevent poison from entering the blood, and subsequently into the liver, it is necessary to remove it from the stomach (in cases where it has entered the digestive tract) through artificially induced vomiting. Take a comfortable position for vomiting (half-sitting position with head tilted forward), by irritating the root of the tongue by pressing on it with your finger (but this is not used in all cases). To weaken the effect of poison on the walls of the stomach, you can drink milk or a decoction of flax seeds. If there is an increase in temperature, you can apply cold compresses to the forehead. While we are doing all this, we urgently call an ambulance, or urgently contact a specialized medical institution(department of toxicology).

If signs of acute toxic hepatitis appear, the patient must be urgently hospitalized, where they will be carried out under the supervision of the attending physician, following methods treatment:

Treatment of toxic hepatitis

• Bed rest
• Gastric lavage, cleansing the remaining poison that has entered the stomach. The patient, sitting on a chair with his head tilted forward, has a special probe inserted into his stomach; a funnel is attached to the other end of the probe. When pouring water, the funnel (1 liter capacity) is raised above the level of the mouth; if it is full, it is lowered and water is poured from the stomach into the vessel. And again a new portion of water is poured. The water should be at body temperature; for an adult, 8-10 liters of water are needed to rinse the stomach.
• Removal of poisons from the body (activated carbon, droppers with electrolyte solutions), hemosorption, plasmapheresis (purification of blood from toxic substances). Activated carbon absorbs toxins remaining in the stomach on its surface, preventing them from entering the blood.
• Vitamin therapy - the use of vitamins B and C.
• Hepatoprotectors (Lif 52, Heptral, Essentiale). These drugs are actively involved in the processes of reproduction of liver cells and their restoration after damage. Lif 52 is prescribed 2 tablets 3 times a day, the duration of administration is individual, depending on the degree of liver damage.
• Choleretic drugs (Holosas, Cholenzym). Along with bile, some toxic substances are removed from the liver. Choleretic drugs activate this process.
• Antidotes (for mushroom poisoning, Atropine). Chemicals that specifically act on toxic agents or cell receptors to prevent toxic damage.

Hepatoprotectors of plant origin for the treatment of toxic hepatitis Hepatoprotectors– increase the liver’s resistance to harmful influences (medicines, alcohol, herbal and chemical poisons). Accelerate the restoration of damaged cells. Strengthen the neutralizing function of the liver.

Drug Liv.52, description, composition, action

Compound: common chicory, spiny capers, common yarrow, western cassia, terminal arjuna, black nightshade, Tamarix gallicum.

Mechanism of action and effects of Liv. 52:- Neutralization of toxic substances Increases the activity of enzymes (cytochrome P 450, acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, etc.) that are involved in the neutralization of toxic substances. Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase reduces the damaging effects of alcohol and promotes its elimination from the body.

-Combats the harmful effects of free radicals The components of the drug stimulate the production of substances (tocopherols, glutathione) that reduce the effect of free radicals (antioxidant effect). Free radicals- these are molecules whose electron shell contains an unpaired electron (O·, HO·, RO·, etc.). Such molecules damage healthy cells, accelerating their aging and death.

-Cholagogue effect The drug stimulates the formation of bile by liver cells and promotes its excretion through bile ducts. Excess fats (cholesterol, B-lipoproteins, triglycerides) and toxic substances (phenols, benzoperenes, etc.) are removed from the body with bile.

-Anti-inflammatory effect The effect is achieved due to the action of the active components of the drug on inflammatory factors (leukotrienes, prostaglandins, cyclins). So the extract from black nightshade, which is part of Liv. 52 reduces the formation of leukotrienes, substances responsible for the formation of allergic and inflammatory reactions.

How to take Liv. 52?

Essentiale forte: composition, action, how to take.

Essentiale forte. Normalizes the metabolism of lipids, proteins and carbohydrates in the liver, enhances its neutralizing function. Promotes

restoration of the liver after damage, prevents the formation of scar tissue in it. The basis of the drug is special fats (essential phospholipids) obtained from soybeans.

-Strengthens and restores liver cells. Special fats (essential phospholipids) are integrated into damaged liver cells, which helps restore its integrity and functional ability.

-Reduces blood fat levels Blood levels of cholesterol and other fats (triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins). The effect is achieved by reducing the formation of cholesterol in the liver, reducing its absorption in the intestines and increasing its excretion in the bile.

-Reduces the formation of scar tissue in the liver. The drug stimulates an enzyme (collagenase), which inhibits the formation of the main component of scar tissue (collagen).

The effectiveness of Essentiale in the treatment of alcoholic hepatitis.- The drug stops the progression of the disease in the early stages.

Slows down the onset of a severe stage (cirrhosis), in which liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue (fibrous).

Improves liver function in severe stages of the disease.

The drug is effective in the treatment of toxic liver damage. Especially in case of poisoning with pesticides, antiepileptic drugs and mushrooms.

A drug

essentiale Available in two versions:

1. With added vitamins (B1,B2,B6,B12,PP,E) – essentiale
2. Without vitamins - Essentiale N

Vitamins in the composition of the drug impair tolerability and impose a number of restrictions on the use of the drug:

• The duration of use of the drug Essentiale (with vitamins) is reduced due to the possibility of developing an excess of vitamins in the body.
• Patients with hypersensitivity to vitamins cannot take this type of drug.
• The daily dose of the drug is limited due to the likelihood of side effects from large doses of vitamins.

Essentiale forte N how to take?

Heptral tablets instructions, action of heptral, how to take, dosage Heptral increases the protective properties of liver cells, promotes their restoration, accelerates the process of neutralizing toxic substances (alcohol, medications, etc.). Has an antidepressant effect.

Mechanism of action and effects of the drug: The main active ingredient of heptral is ademetionine. Ademetionine is involved in the growth and protection of liver cells, nervous system and cells of other organs. Takes part in the processes of neutralizing toxic substances. Promotes the synthesis of the hormone of happiness (serotonin). In diseases of the liver and brain, its concentration in tissues decreases in parallel with the development of the disease. Heptral replenishes the deficiency of ademetionine and also stimulates its formation in the body.

-Restoration and protection of liver cells The drug promotes the formation of special fats (phospholipids). Phospholipids form the basis of the cell wall, protect against damage, stimulate the growth and restoration of liver cells.

-Cholagogue effect Heptral increases the permeability of liver cell walls. This effect helps to increase the formation of bile and improves its excretion into the bile ducts. Toxic substances (medicines, phenols, benzopyrenes, etc.) are removed from the body with bile.

- Neutralization of toxic substances. Heptral enhances the detoxifying ability of the liver by stimulating the synthesis of specific amino acids (glutathione, taurine). Glutathione is involved in the processes of neutralizing toxic substances and promotes their elimination. Taurine binds toxic bile acids in the liver, forming harmless compounds that make up bile.

-Antidepressant effect Heptral promotes the synthesis of mood-enhancing substances (dopamine, norepinephrine), as well as the “happiness hormone” (serotonin). In addition, heptral increases the susceptibility of brain structures to these substances, which also improves the antidepressant effect.

Heptral has been clinically proven to be effective and harmless in the treatment of alcoholic and drug-induced liver damage.

How to take Heptral?

Diet for toxic hepatitis Drinking alcohol and smoking is strictly prohibited. The patient should eat in small portions and often, thus improving the excretion of bile. Food should not be fatty, fried, salty, lack seasoning, be rich in vitamins and vegetable fiber. Therefore, the main products in the diet should be fresh vegetables and fruits (various salads), legumes (beans, peas). Use only butter and vegetable oils. Eat only easily digestible meat (chicken, rabbit). Completely avoid smoked meats and canned foods. Do fasting days, one day out of the week, eat only vegetables or fruits. Persons working in industrial enterprises with exposure to harmful substances need daily consumption of dairy products.

Toxic hepatitis is a disease that occurs when the body is exposed to poisons (toxic substances) of various origins. There are acute and chronic toxic hepatitis.

So, acute hepatitis develops when it enters the human body large dose harmful substance once or over a short period of time.

This form is characterized by rapid and massive death of hepatocytes with the development of symptoms within a few days.

In chronic toxic hepatitis, poisons have their effect harmful effects on the liver by systematically entering the body over a long period of time (usually several years or even decades). The concentrations of toxins may be small, but as a result of the accumulation effect they inevitably lead to inflammation and necrosis (death) of the liver tissue.

Causes of the disease

Exposure to toxic substances may occur through accidental exposure, intentional use, or occupational exposure.
So, toxic hepatitis includes the following groups of causes:

1. Effects of drugs

Often the patient may exceed the recommended dose and go beyond the limits. therapeutic effect drug. In this case, it will become toxic to the body as a whole and to the liver in particular. The following groups of drugs pose the greatest danger:

• anti-tuberculosis drugs (ftivazide, rifampicin);
• antipyretics (paracetamol, ibuclin);
• anticonvulsants (phenobarbital);
• antiviral (interferons);
• sulfonamides (sulfadimethoxine);
• cytostatics (cyclophosphamide).

2. Excessive alcohol consumption

With the systematic consumption of alcoholic beverages, a negative effect on the liver occurs with the development of alimentary-toxic hepatitis. In terms of pure alcohol, men are not recommended to consume more than 30-40 g, and women - 20-30 g per day. Negative effects occur as a result of the fact that all alcohol consumed is metabolized through the liver.

As a result of biochemical transformations, a toxic substance acetaldehyde is formed in it, which directly destroys hepatocytes. Thus, normally functioning liver cells turn into fat cells, and are subsequently replaced by connective tissue. Unfortunately, alcoholic toxic hepatitis is the most common reason development of this pathology today.

3. Industrial toxins

Such poisons can enter the body in several ways: through Airways or through the skin. Absorbed into the blood, they flow through the veins to the liver, where they exert their harmful effects.

Under the influence of industrial poisons, both acute and chronic hepatitis of the liver can develop, depending on the concentration of incoming substances and the frequency of human contact with them.

The following industrial poisons have a harmful effect on the liver:

• arsenic – most often found in metallurgy;
• pesticides – used in agriculture;
• aldehydes - used as raw materials for the production of acetic acid;
• phenols are components antiseptics;
• insecticides – used to control insects;
• carbon tetrachloride is part of rubber and resins.

4. Plant poisons

In nature, there are some fungi and plants that specifically destroy liver cells when they enter the body. These include bitterling, cross, heliotrope, and toadstool. When collecting and eating such plants, the symptoms of toxic hepatitis develop acutely.

Clinical manifestations of toxic hepatitis

Toxic hepatitis can have various symptoms associated with the nature of the development of the pathology. In some cases, signs of liver damage may not manifest themselves in any way and are detected only through instrumental studies performed by chance.
When acute lesion liver Clinical signs appear after 2-3 days. They include:

1. Pain in the right hypochondrium - occurs due to stretching of the capsule in which the liver is enclosed. Because the liver itself does not have nerve endings; only when it significantly increases in size does pressure occur on the capsule equipped with nerve endings. The pain occurs acutely and is a consequence of acute inflammation of the liver tissue.
2. Intoxication – characterized by fever, feeling unwell, apathy and lethargy, loss of appetite and body aches.
3. Bleeding and hemorrhage - can be expressed in the form of pinpoint hemorrhagic rash, nasal or gingival bleeding resulting from damage to the vascular walls by harmful substances.
4. Jaundice - the sclera becomes yellowed, the urine darkens (becomes the color of beer), feces, on the contrary, become chalk-like. Fat also appears in the stool due to the inability to digest it. Jaundice is a manifestation of impaired outflow of bile through the biliary tract. As the disease progresses, jaundice also increases.

Damage to the nervous system

Toxins also affect nervous system, leading to various violations psyche, for example, increased excitability or disturbance of spatial orientation. With chronic toxic hepatitis, the symptoms will be less pronounced, in addition, periods of exacerbation and remission will be observed. Most often, patients present the following complaints:

• a feeling of heaviness and discomfort in the right hypochondrium - the pain is dull and aching, diffuse, intensifies after eating food, especially fatty or fried food, as well as after drinking alcohol;
• subfebrile temperature - usually its level does not exceed 37.5 degrees;
• itching of the skin - associated with the deposition of bile acids in the skin, which have a strong irritating effect on the skin;
• decreased intelligence, memory, impaired concentration, personality changes;
• disturbance of appetite and digestive processes - diarrhea, attacks of nausea and even vomiting;
• bloating;
• increase in the size of the liver and spleen.

Diagnosis of toxic hepatitis

Establishing a diagnosis of “toxic hepatitis” requires differentiated approach and a carefully collected medical history, due to the fact that the signs of this pathology are extremely similar to liver lesions that arise for other reasons.
It is mandatory to perform general clinical tests, such as blood and urine tests. To assess the severity of liver damage and the level of impairment of its functions, it is necessary to perform biochemical analysis blood. The level of such indicators is assessed:

1. total bilirubin and its fractions;
2. alkaline phosphatase;
3. GGTP;
4. total protein and albumin.

A coagulogram is performed to assess the severity of damage to the vascular walls and the risk of bleeding.
To exclude hepatitis of other etiologies, tests for viral hepatitis and HIV infection are performed.

To conduct a visual assessment of the degree and nature of liver damage, instrumental examination methods are performed, namely:

• Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity with Dopplerography of the hepatic vessels;
• CT and MRI – in diagnostically difficult situations;
• radioisotope research;
• targeted biopsy of liver tissue with its histological examination.

Consequences of toxic hepatitis
The consequences of severe liver damage and prolonged exposure to poisons boil down to the following manifestations:

1. The development of liver failure is a consequence of the death of most of the working cells, which are replaced by adipose tissue that is not capable of performing all the functions of the liver.
2. Transition of the disease to cirrhosis of the liver - in in this case liver cells turn into connective tissue (scar).
3. Hepatic coma– develops with increasing damage to nerve cells by toxins. There is a disturbance of consciousness, extinction of reflexes, the appearance of convulsions, etc. This condition can cause death for the patient.

Treatment

Many people wonder whether toxic liver hepatitis can be cured. This type of hepatitis is curable if measures are taken on time and the disease has not yet progressed.
Toxic hepatitis and its treatment are directly related to the form of the disease (acute or chronic). However, in any case, the most important point treatment is to completely stop contact with the poison, which led to liver damage.

The development of acute toxic hepatitis is a situation requiring emergency hospitalization.

Treatment is as follows:

• Bed rest for the patient;
• Gastric lavage is carried out as an emergency until the lavage water is clean. Usually it takes about 10 liters of water to completely remove the remaining poison from the stomach;
• Prescription of antidotes (if any) - unithiol and sodium thiosulfate for heavy metals, deferoxamine - for iron, glucocorticosteroids - for copper;
• In case of severe liver/renal failure, hemodialysis is necessary;
• Removing toxins from the body - taking activated carbon, placing droppers with electrolyte solutions, performing plasmapheresis;
• The purpose of vitamins is group B and ascorbic acid;
• Hepatoprotectors – for speedy liver regeneration;
• Choleretic drugs - to remove poisons from bile.

In the chronic course of the disease, the basis of treatment is proper diet, reception enzymatic preparations, hepatoprotectors and vitamins.

1. The diet consists of eating fractionally, in small portions. This promotes better flow of bile and prevents the appearance of jaundice. In addition, it removes some of the poisons from the body. It is necessary to exclude fried, fatty foods, spicy and smoked foods from the diet. Strict abstinence from alcohol. Consume increased amounts of foods containing a large number of fiber and pectin (fresh fruits and vegetables, beans).
2. Hepatoprotectors – have an anti-inflammatory effect, aimed at the synthesis of phospholipids, which are necessary for the restoration of liver cells. The most well-known drugs are Heptral, Essentiale, and Legalon. Hepatoprotectors must be taken long-term, in courses from 3 months to six months.
3. Vitamin therapy – B vitamins and vitamin C are prescribed.

Thus, toxic hepatitis is a disease that can arise both as a result of an unhealthy lifestyle and forced contact with poisons due to occupational hazards. This pathology is treatable if a small part of the liver is affected, and treatment is started on time, so it is very important to consult a doctor in a timely manner to determine the exact cause of liver damage and prescribe targeted therapy.

Toxic hepatitis is one of the types of severe liver pathologies. It is a non-viral liver injury that occurs when harmful substances enter the body. There are no exact data on the frequency of its detection in Russia. But the danger of this disease requires its detailed consideration, identification of its causes and characteristics, as well as methods of prevention.

The development of toxic hepatitis begins with the penetration of chemicals into the body. Their harmful effects interfere with the normal functioning of organs and systems and lead to numerous disorders.

Especially severe harm applied to the liver, as it participates in cleansing the body and removing pathological substances. If there are too many of them, the organ cannot cope with them, and its cells gradually begin to break down.

Subsequently, the liver increases in size, and the patient develops severe pain and other negative changes. If left untreated, this leads to organ destruction and death of the patient. But even timely measures do not guarantee a favorable outcome.

Note! The penetration of harmful substances into the body can be accidental or intentional. There are also some types of employment in which a person is forced to come into contact with poisons.

These substances can enter the body through the respiratory tract, through the skin or gastrointestinal tract. From there they penetrate the blood, after which they reach the liver.

Toxic hepatitis does not occur with every chemical exposure on the body. Very often, the liver and other organs involved in cleansing, as well as the immune system, cope with the pathological influence. But under strong influence, resistance may be useless.

The same thing happens with prolonged dangerous influence on the body. Gradually, the immune system weakens and organs wear out, resulting in hepatitis.

This disease can manifest itself in acute or chronic form:

1. The acute form occurs when a large amount of toxic substances of any origin enters the body at once. The result is hepatitis with pronounced intensity of symptoms, developing over several days (2-5).
2. The development of the chronic type of this disease is due to systematic minor effects on the body. In this case, the pathology develops gradually, without even showing symptoms at first. This can drag on for months and even years.

There are several types of toxic hepatitis according to the type of substance involved. These include:

• Alcoholic.
  The liver is pathologically affected by alcohol abuse, due to which pathological processes begin to develop.
• Medication.
  It is caused by taking medications unnecessarily and in large quantities. Over time, the body may become poisoned by their active components.
• Food.
  In this case, toxic substances enter the body with food. Most often this happens due to poisonous mushrooms eaten.

Based on what substances can provoke this disease, we can identify the main risk groups. This:

• people employed in hazardous work;
• persons prone to alcohol abuse;
• patients who prefer not to wait for doctor’s orders to take medications, but begin treatment on their own and without taking into account instructions.

Dosage form

The occurrence of drug-induced hepatitis is caused by taking drugs in large quantities. This can happen in two ways, due to which there are two types of such hepatitis - chronic and acute.

For the occurrence acute variety illness is necessary strong immediate impact a toxic drug, as a result of which the symptoms of the pathology appear very intensely.

The chronic type of hepatitis develops due to prolonged exposure on the liver with medications.

The symptoms in this case are less severe.

Causes

The development of hepatitis occurs if the patient greatly exceeds the dosage of the prescribed drug or uses medications unnecessarily for a long period of time.

This causes either acute poisoning by the active substances, or their gradual accumulation in the body, which also causes poisoning. The result is liver damage and gradual destruction of its cells.

Among the drugs that can have a damaging effect on the liver are:

• antiviral;
• sulfonamides;
• anticonvulsants;
• anti-tuberculosis;
• antipyretic.

Manifestations

Caution is needed with funds from these groups. The development of acute symptoms is immediate and quite severe. When using dangerous drugs, you need to pay attention to the following symptoms:

• sudden sharp pain in the right hypochondrium;
• hyperthermia;
• decreased appetite;
• body aches;
• nausea;
• weakness;
• development of jaundice;
• nosebleeds;
• skin hemorrhages;
• excessive irritability;
• unusual lethargy and apathy.

At chronic type The symptoms of the disease are different. The patient has:

• a slight increase in temperature over a long period of time;
• reduced performance;
• pain in the right hypochondrium, occurring from time to time and characterized by low intensity;
• gastrointestinal disorders;
• increase in the size of the spleen.

The listed signs do not always indicate the development of hepatitis. They can be caused by many other pathologies, so to diagnose accurate diagnosis you need to contact a specialist. It is especially important to do this for patients who have been taking strong medications for a long time, since they are the main risk group.

Diagnosis and treatment

Before starting treatment, it is necessary to ensure the presence of this pathology. This is not easy to do based on symptoms, so an examination using laboratory and instrumental methods is necessary. Among them:

• blood test (biochemical);
• ultrasound of the liver and abdominal organs;
• radiography, etc.

Based on the results of the study, treatment is prescribed. First of all, it is necessary to exclude taking medications that provoke the development of drug-induced hepatitis.

The remaining measures are as follows:

• gastric lavage;
• neutralization of the effects of toxins, for which electrolyte solutions in the form of droppers are used;
• vitamin therapy (consumption of vitamins B and C is especially necessary);
• treatment with hepatoprotectors (Essentiale, Heptral, etc.);
• reception choleretic drugs which help cleanse the liver (Holosas, Cholenzym).

It is necessary to carry out treatment in a hospital in compliance with bed rest. These patients also need to follow a diet.

With its help, you can relieve the liver and gastrointestinal tract from excessive stress. Its main principles:

Traditional methods of treatment in this case are ineffective. Their use is allowed only after discussion with a doctor and preferably during the recovery stage.

The only thing that is allowed is before the doctor arrives. acute attack use milk or flaxseed decoction to reduce the toxic effect of the toxic substance on the stomach.

Note! Preventive measures include avoiding frequent use of medications. To use any drug, a doctor's prescription is necessary, since drug poisoning very often occurs due to self-medication.

If taking medications is justified, then the specialist’s instructions regarding dosages and schedule should be followed.

Forecast at drug-induced hepatitis depends on many circumstances. If the disease is quickly detected and treated correctly, the patient has every chance of getting rid of the problem. Without treatment, the disease progresses and becomes more complicated.

Among its most common complications are:

• hepatic coma;
• cirrhosis of the liver.

At an advanced stage, when the liver tissue has been significantly impacted and complications have begun to develop, it is much more difficult to overcome the disease.

Alcohol intoxication

This type of hepatitis develops with frequent consumption of large amounts of alcohol. When alcohol enters the body, it interacts with liver enzymes, resulting in the formation of a toxic substance.

Under the influence of this substance, disturbances occur in the cellular structure of the liver, which cause tissue death.

Bile also accumulates in the liver.

Alcoholic hepatitis can be acute or chronic. The occurrence of an acute form of the disease is associated with the consumption of large quantities of alcohol over several days. The result is severe intoxication, the liver becomes inflamed, and destructive processes begin.

Typically, acute hepatitis occurs in the presence of cirrhosis of the liver. The following factors also contribute to its occurrence:

• smoking;
• viral hepatitis;
• drug abuse;
• improper or inadequate nutrition.

Manifestations of this type of hepatitis include:

• nausea;
• a feeling of bitterness in the mouth;
• pain under the ribs on the right side;
• gastrointestinal disorders;
• weakness;
• yellowish skin tone.

This disease develops very quickly. There are several types of acute alcoholic hepatitis. This:

1. Icteric.
   The main feature is that the disease is accompanied by jaundice.
2. Latent.
   In this case, symptoms may be absent or mild.
3. Cholestatic.
   It is considered the most dangerous because most patients with this form of hepatitis die.
4. Fulminant.
   It is characterized by rapid development and progression.

The development of chronic alcoholic hepatitis occurs at a slow pace and with mild symptoms. It has:

• insomnia;
• nausea;
• poor appetite;
• discomfort in the right hypochondrium;
• slight increase in temperature.

Since it is difficult to determine the correct diagnosis based on the symptomatic manifestations of the disease, it is necessary to conduct research.

Doctors use the following methods:

1. Blood chemistry.
2. Coagulogram.
3. Proteinogram.
4. Ultrasound of the liver.
5. FEGDS.
6. Biopsy.

The main directions of treatment are: drug therapy, avoidance of alcohol and diet.

Due to this, it is possible to restore the functioning of the liver, overcome pathological symptoms, cleanse the body and replenish missing microelements. Catering is carried out according to normal rules. This is the exclusion of fried, fatty, spicy and smoked foods, active consumption of fruits and vegetables.

Among medications, used during treatment, we can mention:

• sorbents (Enterosgel);
• hepatoprotectors (Glutargin);
• antibiotics (Kanamycin);
• preparations containing lactulose (Duphalac), etc.

If necessary, carried out surgery, with which you can alleviate the patient’s condition. The likelihood of recovery depends on how carefully the patient follows the specialist’s recommendations, as well as on the degree of advanced stage of hepatitis.

It should be said that most often this disease ends unfavorably, since patients are not able to give up alcohol and do not comply with dietary requirements.

Food type of pathology

The development of food hepatitis occurs due to penetration into the human body dangerous products. These include some plants and varieties of mushrooms. They may contain large amounts of toxic substances, which is why the liver cannot remove them and is exposed to pathological effects.

Note! Symptomatic manifestations of this hepatitis are similar to the signs of severe food poisoning And viral hepatitis simultaneously.

These include:

• temperature increase;
• nausea;
• pain in the right hypochondrium;
• weakness;
• vomiting bile, etc.

Symptoms alone are not enough to make a diagnosis, so the doctor must conduct a differential diagnosis.

You should also use instrumental and laboratory methods research. This:

1. CT scan of the liver.
2. Ultrasound of the abdominal organs.
3. Biochemical blood test, etc.

During treatment, it is very important to eliminate the cause of the pathology. For this, the doctor prescribes specific antidotes (for mushroom poisoning, Atropine is used). The lack of an antidote requires the use of drugs that help remove pathological substances from the body (for example, activated carbon).

1. Hepatoprotectors (Gepabene).
2. Sorbents (Atoxil).
3. Antibiotics.

Characteristics of basic drugs

Therapy of toxic hepatitis has two main directions:

1. Avoiding the entry into the body of substances that injure the liver.
2. Restoration of the organ and removal of toxins through the use of medications.

To restore and normalize liver function, it is necessary to take medications aimed at rehabilitating damaged hepatocytes and removing toxins from the body. For this purpose, the following groups of drugs are used:

Hepatoprotectors. Universal drugs prescribed for any damage to the liver tissue. They are aimed at restoring hepatocytes, as well as protecting them from further damage. Most commonly used medications:




• Antidotes. Drugs aimed at neutralizing certain toxic substances in the body:

  
  

• Sorbent preparations.

  • Activated carbon is the most affordable drug, a natural adsorbent that allows you to effectively cleanse the body of toxins, interrupting their absorption in the gastrointestinal tract;
  • Synthetic adsorbents can be considered analogues of coal: Enterosgel, Atoxil, Smecta.
• Corticosteroids. At severe course illnesses hormonal drugs allow you to reduce activity immune system body, relieve inflammation, improve general state sick. In particular, Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, and Methylprednisolone are used.
• 
  Cytostatics. Non-hormonal immunosuppressants are primarily indicated for malignant processes, but can also be used for hepatitis, in particular autoimmune ones, to stabilize the patient’s condition and reduce the intensity of the body’s immune response. Thus, Azathioprine and Cyclosporine A are prescribed.
• Vitamins. The liver is an organ in which metabolism, synthesis and production of many vital important vitamins: E, A, B, C, etc. With hepatitis, this process is disrupted, so additional vitamins are required from the outside. For this purpose, they can be used as monopreparations (Tocopherol, Folic acid, Orotic acid, Pyridoxine, Retinol, Ascorbic acid), and special vitamin complexes (Aevit, Neurorubin, Vitrum, Liver active Nutrilite, Hepatrin, Heparoz forte, Hepaton-2).

• Antibiotics. For liver diseases, antibiotics are contraindicated, as they have an extremely negative effect on the affected organ. This primarily concerns tetracyclines and anti-tuberculosis antibiotics. However, in some cases their use cannot be avoided, for example, with the development of other acute pathologies of a bacterial nature or with the development of complications of hepatitis (ascites, peritonitis, sepsis, hepatic encephalopathy). In these cases may be applied.