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.

Particularly severe damage is caused to the liver, since it is involved 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, the patient experiences 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.

Pay attention! 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 to 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 long-term dangerous effects 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 an acute form of the disease to occur, it 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.

Reasons

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 drug-induced hepatitis manifests itself immediately and is 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.

In the chronic type of the disease, the symptoms 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 make an accurate diagnosis you need to consult 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, etc.);
• taking choleretic drugs that help cleanse the liver (Holosas, Cholenzym).

It is necessary to carry out treatment in a hospital 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 to use milk or a decoction of flaxseed before the doctor arrives in case of an acute attack in order to reduce the toxic effect of the toxic substance on the stomach.

Pay attention! 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.

The prognosis for 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:

• liver failure;
• hepatic coma;
• cirrhosis.

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 manifestations. 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. Biochemical blood test.
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 follows the usual rules. This is the exclusion of fried, fatty, spicy and smoked foods, active consumption of fruits and vegetables.

Among the medications used during treatment are:

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

If necessary, surgical intervention is performed to 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 the penetration of dangerous products into the human body. 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.

Pay attention! The symptomatic manifestations of this hepatitis are similar to those of severe food poisoning and viral hepatitis at the same time.

These include:

• increase in temperature;
• 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.

Instrumental and laboratory research methods should also be used. 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. In severe cases of the disease, hormonal drugs can reduce the activity of the body's immune system, relieve inflammation, and improve the general condition of the patient. 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 the metabolism, synthesis and production of many vital vitamins occurs: E, A, B, C, etc. With hepatitis, this process is disrupted, so additional vitamins are required from the outside. For this purpose, both 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) can be used.

• 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, the following may apply:

  
  

The dosage regimen is selected individually in each case. Traditional methods of treatment for this disease are rarely used due to low effectiveness. Cleansing and strengthening procedures using medicinal plants are allowed, but only after consultation with a doctor.

Principles of therapeutic nutrition

To restore health and normalize liver function, diet plays a big, and in many cases, decisive, role. It allows you to reduce the negative impact on the organ, as well as replenish the lack of nutrients in the body.

For hepatitis, as a rule, the diet developed by Pevzner is used. There are two options for this diet:

• gentle – No. 5;
• more rigid - No. 5a.

The main principles of the treatment table are:

Toxic hepatitis is a dangerous pathology that, if left untreated, can lead to severe complications and even death of the patient. Even timely treatment does not guarantee a favorable outcome. Therefore, if you suspect its development, you should immediately consult a specialist.

The human liver is one of the most multifunctional, yet unpretentious organs.

This food gland is capable of performing more than four hundred different functions, but the main one is filtering all the blood coming from the intestines, neutralizing it from poisons and toxins, and synthesizing useful substances for their further delivery to the necessary organs.

This truly unique organ is capable of independent regeneration of its own damaged hepatocyte cells. But despite its ability to recover, the liver is often exposed to the destructive effects of poisons and toxins if they enter the body in too large doses.

Against the background of the fact that the gland cannot cope with harmful products, an inflammatory process begins, which results in the death and disintegration of hepatocytes. This is how hepatitis develops.

How toxic hepatitis is formed, what are its consequences and how to overcome them - today’s material is about all this.

IMPORTANT! If aggressive chemicals enter the body, active destruction of the liver tissue begins. This phenomenon is called toxic hepatitis. Let's look at it in more detail.

1. Toxic hepatitis begins due to the entry of toxins into the body in small quantities, but in strong concentration. Most often, irritating agents enter through the gastrointestinal tract, sometimes through the respiratory system or through the skin.
2. Chronic hepatitis is diagnosed under the condition of methodical intake of small doses of toxic substances over many years. Hepatitis received ICD-10 code No. K71 - toxic liver damage. Alcoholic diseases of the gland are allocated to a separate category with the serial number K70.

Is it possible to get toxic hepatitis from a sick person? This is excluded, since the disease is exclusively therapeutic in nature and develops only if poisons are ingested from the outside.

Mass poisoning of people is only possible when they all come under the influence of a toxic product, for example, in a production accident.

Statistics say that drinking alcohol is the main cause of toxic damage to the food gland, as well as further taking medications to eliminate hangover syndrome without medical supervision.

Toxic hepatitis from medications taken can occur after a single dose of a large dose of medication or during long-term treatment, even under medical supervision.

The most dangerous groups of drugs for the liver are:

• antipyretics;
• medicines for tuberculosis;
• containing sulfonamide;
• antiviral;
• from cramps.

A separate category of hepatitis is a disease acquired after a course of chemotherapy. When taking cancer suppressive medications, all organs and systems suffer without exception, but most of all the liver.

If a course of chemotherapy is unavoidable, after it a blood test for biochemistry is required, on the basis of which diet and therapeutic measures are selected.

Industrial poisons are another “insidious” type of toxin, since they are able to penetrate the body through the digestive tract, respiratory system, and be absorbed through the skin.

The most dangerous modern toxins for the digestive gland are:

• pesticides, which include insecticides;
• hydrocarbons containing chlorine (products of the oil refining industry);
• phenols;
• aldehydes;
• arsenic;
• phosphorus.

Plant poisons can also cause a lot of damage to the liver. The most toxic are:

• toadstool mushroom;
• cross;
• heliotrope;
• bitter

IMPORTANT! Do not collect mushrooms yourself without certain training and knowledge, and do not take herbal infusions if their origin is unknown to you.

Toxic hepatitis can manifest itself in different ways, depending on the severity of the disease. The acute form is marked by the appearance of the first symptoms after 2-4 days, but with mushroom poisoning they can occur within 12-24 hours.

Acute chronic hepatitis is characterized by the following symptoms:

• fever;
• pain under the right rib;
• loss of interest in food, vomiting and nausea;
• loss of color in feces;
• the whites of the eyes turn yellow;
• urine becomes darker;
• When poisons influence the nervous system, consciousness is disrupted and mental disorders begin.

The chronic course of the disease is characterized by the periodic appearance and disappearance of symptoms:

• a slight increase in body temperature to 37-37.5 o C;
• feeling of discomfort under the right rib;
• diarrhea, bloating;
• bitterness in the mouth, frequent attacks of nausea;
• severe fatigue and itching of the skin.

When presenting with these symptoms to the hospital, the patient’s blood is taken for a biochemical analysis, which as a result shows an increase in the level of bilirubin, alkaline phosphatases and an imbalance in the level of AST and ALT enzymes. In order to exclude an infectious form of hepatitis, additional tests are prescribed.

Treatment of toxic hepatitis

Therapy when toxic hepatitis is detected consists of removing the pathogen from the body as quickly as possible, eliminating symptoms and establishing a regimen for the rapid regeneration of hepatocytes.

Drugs to protect the liver help with all this - hepatoprotectors, vitamin complexes and herbal enzymes.

1. The most commonly prescribed drugs for liver cell restoration are Liv 52, Essentiale, and Heptral. They accelerate the synthesis of amino acids, normalize the production of the required amount of phospholipids and have choleretic properties. You need to take hepatoprotectors for a long time - up to six months.
2. Ascorbic acid and B vitamins.
3. Choleretic “Holenzym”, “Holosas”.

IMPORTANT! Traditional methods of combating toxic hepatitis can be used with the notification of the attending physician!

To relieve nausea and normalize liver function, use:

• sauerkraut juice;
• grapefruit juice;
• tincture of horseradish root;
• calendula;
• pumpkin and pumpkin juice.

Diet is one of the key points when it comes to restoring the liver after exposure to toxins. A competent approach to food intake will help create all the necessary conditions for the gland for its independent restoration and removal of poisons.

Also, if you have liver problems, it is important to remember the “golden” rule that the best medicine for the liver is no medicine. Indeed, it is very important to minimize the use of medications.

Diet for toxic hepatitis

During toxic hepatitis, it is necessary to exclude the consumption of absolutely all foods that are difficult for the gland: fatty foods (especially and), dairy products with high fat content, fried, smoked, spicy and salty, and also sharply limit the intake of confectionery, carbonated water and strong tea and coffee.

Nicotine and alcohol are strictly prohibited!

The daily diet of a patient with hepatitis should consist of dishes prepared by boiling or stewing:

• porridge;
• bread crumbs;
• chicken or veal;
• skim milk and cottage cheese;
• lean fish;
• bran;
• vegetables and fruits.

It is advisable to wash it all down with unsweetened green tea or dried fruit compote.

If you are sick, you should eat in small portions, and also follow the rules of separate meals - do not eat proteins with carbohydrates, and fruits separately from everything else.

Forecast

The liver, as we said, is a unique organ because it can independently restore up to 75% of damaged cells. Based on this, the prognosis for rehabilitation after toxic hepatitis is generally favorable. But subject to timely access to the hospital and correct treatment of the disease.

Sad consequences can develop only if the liver is severely damaged by a large dose of poison of increased concentration and there is a delay in medical care. Thus, the poison of the toadstool instantly affects the liver and signs of poisoning are immediately visible.

IMPORTANT! Constant consumption of alcohol or regular intake of toxins into the body often leads to the fact that dead liver cells simply do not have time to recover and are then replaced by scar tissue. This is called cirrhosis of the liver.

To summarize, it is worth noting the key points. It is impossible to become infected with chronic hepatitis. Because it develops under the influence of industrial, plant, medicinal or alcohol poisons entering the body.

Symptoms include discomfort under the right rib, bitterness in the mouth, nausea, a slight or sharp increase in temperature and an upset stomach. You can recover quite quickly, the main thing is to consult a doctor in time to prescribe a diet and a course of hepatoprotectors.

Diseases that develop against the background of toxins occur in different forms, causing general malaise. Prolonged stay in this state leads to deterioration of health, harms health, and causes irreversible processes.

Even the slightest malfunction of the liver is fraught with consequences for the body. If a vital area suffers from the action of toxic substances, the situation becomes critical and requires immediate intervention.

What is toxic hepatitis

We are talking about liver dysfunction under the influence of harmful substances of various origins. As a result of the vital activity of pathogenic substances, the development of an inflammatory process and then necrosis is observed. The risk group consists of the following categories:

• Children, elderly people, women.
• Adults actively practicing self-medication.
• Persons who regularly drink alcoholic beverages.
• Workers who are constantly in contact with chemical mixtures.

Stages and types

• Medication.
• Alcoholic.
• Professional.

One of two options for the course of the disease is possible:

1. Acute toxic liver hepatitis. Its manifestations are present if the body is once exposed to a large dose of poison or a harmful substance in high concentration. Clinical signs characteristic of the pathology appear within 2–5 days from the moment the toxins enter the body.
2. Chronic hepatitis. Due to the constant supply of poisons in minimal dosages. Symptoms may increase over several years. A common result of this slow progression is liver failure or cirrhosis.

Separately positions the nutritional-toxic type - a consequence of oral-genital contacts. The triggering factor for the disease is the localization of fecal fragments of an infected person on the mucous membrane. Apart from this option, the other types of the form of hepatitis in question are not contagious and are not transmitted by contact. In ICD-10, the pathology is coded K71.

Symptoms of the disease

Manifestations depend on whether the course is acute or chronic, as well as on the main cause of the negative process.

In case of severe poisoning

Signs of the disease are as follows:

• Sharp pain occurs on the right side in the hypochondrium.
• General intoxication is indicated by an increase in temperature up to 38 degrees, nausea, loss of appetite, and joint pain.
• Against the background of general malaise, jaundice progresses. If acute toxic hepatitis is diagnosed, the symptoms are complemented by staining of the mucous membranes and integument in a yellow-orange tint, darkening of the urine along with discoloration of the feces. All these changes are a consequence of impaired outflow of bile.
• As a result of the destructive effect of toxins on capillaries and vessels, hemorrhagic defects appear in the form of pinpoint superficial hemorrhages and bleeding from the nasal passages.
• Changes in the psyche are noted, manifested by excessive excitability or unreasonable slowness, disorientation in space.

For chronic hepatitis

The following symptoms are present:

• The appearance of intense periodic pain in the right hypochondrium. Basically, increased discomfort is observed after food enters the gastrointestinal tract.
• A feeling of heaviness in the area where the liver is projected, as a result of enlargement of the organ and expansion of its capsule.
• Maintaining the temperature for a long time around 37.5 degrees.
• Insufficient performance, excessive fatigue.
• Weakened appetite, bitter taste in the mouth, bloating, upset stool.
• Additionally, the spleen may become enlarged.

Reasons

Interaction with harmful substances is classified into intentional and professional. Liver poisons enter the body:

• Through the digestive system.
• Airborne through the nose, lungs, blood.
• Tactile - through the skin into the bloodstream.

The effect of toxins is different - hepatotropic ones cause direct damage to liver cells, others provoke disruption of local vascular blood flow. The consequence of this process is insufficient oxygen supply to the organ and hypoxia with tissue death. Depending on the provoking factor, toxic hepatitis manifests itself as follows:

1. In case of acute injury carbon tetrachloride (a component of solvents) initially affects the brain, which is manifested by depression of consciousness (even coma is possible for 24–48 hours), headache, and severe weakness. Afterwards, dyspepsia develops, breathing becomes difficult, and the skin acquires a bluish tint. Gastrointestinal bleeding is possible.
   If left untreated, the disease becomes severe and the prognosis is disappointing. The constant attack of toxins leads to cirrhosis after just two months.
2. If benzene derivatives become poisonous, the brain is affected, cataracts and aplastic anemia develop. Chronic toxic hepatitis manifests itself in ascites, hemorrhagic syndrome, and destruction of liver cells.
3. After arsenic enters the body(sphere - metallurgy) the function of the liver and kidneys changes, peripheral nerves suffer.
4. About the pathogenic effect of phosphorus(metal processing, fertilizer production) indicates increased bleeding, signs of decreased blood sugar levels.
5. Symptoms of copper poisoning– acute stomach pain, symptoms of dyspepsia, scanty volume of urine. In the absence of detoxification measures, liver failure develops.
   Similar symptoms are typical for iron poisoning.
6. Eating poisonous mushrooms is fraught with a rapid worsening of the condition with damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. The main signs of toxic hepatitis are yellowing of the skin, severe abdominal cramps, heart rhythm disturbances, and convulsions. In acute necrosis, a massive hemorrhagic defect is visualized.
7. Contact with insecticides without precautions leads to the development of multiple organ failure and hepatitis. In addition to the classic signs, there are such negative indicators as heart pain, kidney dysfunction, and leukopenia.

Another source of the problem is cereals contaminated with heliotrope seeds. Often, infection causes chronic intoxication and veno-occlusive disease with jaundice and pain in the right hypochondrium.

Effect of drugs

Negative effects of drugs are possible when taken in large doses. The following drugs are considered dangerous:

• Biseptol.
• Interferon and other antiviral drugs.
• Anti-tuberculosis medications.
• Antipyretics in the form of Aspirin, Paracetamol.
• Drugs that relieve seizures.

Effect of alcohol

During the processing of substances included in alcoholic drinks, their interaction with liver enzymes and the subsequent formation of acetaldehyde, which is highly toxic and provokes disruption of cellular metabolism, is noted. The result is the gradual death of tissues, their replacement with fatty material.

Accurate diagnosis

To select treatment measures, two methods are used:

• Laboratory. Blood biochemistry is required to determine the level of bilirubin, enzymes ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase. True, the results are not always as informative as possible. According to medical statistics, about 3% of people have altered indicators against the background of general liver health.
  In some cases, special tests are prescribed. Mandatory tests include donating blood for HIV and viral hepatitis.
• Instrumental. Ultrasound, CT, and MRI become informative in this situation. Additionally, elastography and Doppler measurements of liver vessels may be prescribed. Another indicative examination is radioisotope diagnostics of the entire hepatobiliary system. A liver biopsy with histology is also performed as prescribed.

Treatment of toxic hepatitis

• Maintaining bed rest.
• Freeing the body from toxins. Medicine offers the use of activated carbon, the use of an electrolyte dropper, and plasmapheresis.
• Liver support through the use of complexes based on vitamins B and C.
• Following a protein-free diet.
• Prescription of drugs to improve the outflow of bile and restore the function of the hepatobiliary system.

If a large dose of poison is ingested once, gastric lavage or artificial vomiting is important. If acute toxic hepatitis is diagnosed, the patient is urgently hospitalized in a hospital.

Drugs

Two groups of drugs are used for treatment:

• Hepatoprotectors. Popular formulations include Gepadif, Sirepar, Essentiale, Silimar, Hepatosan. The action of medications is aimed at relieving inflammation and activating the outflow of bile. The course of treatment is about six months.
• Antidotes - indicated for mushroom poisoning to protect cells from toxins.

Folk remedies

The use of homemade formulations is permissible only after the approval of the attending physician. Mint infusion, grapefruit juice, and pumpkin pulp give a good effect. It is recommended to use such medications regularly to obtain the desired effect and only as additional therapy.

Surgical treatment

Such a radical method is indicated in extreme situations:

1. With the development of severe cirrhosis.
2. If the bile ducts are blocked.

It is important to understand that this method cannot be called gentle at all. Patients will require long-term rehabilitation after the intervention.

Diet

To increase the effectiveness of drug therapy, it is important to adhere to a number of recommendations:

• Alcoholic drinks are completely excluded.
• Portions are made small, but eaten more often. Thanks to this correction, the outflow of bile improves.
• Fatty, salty, spicy foods, fried foods are consumed in minimal portions.
• The basis of the diet is baked fruits, boiled or stewed vegetables, and legumes.
• The menu is varied with chicken, rabbit, and lean fish.
• Smoked and canned foods, baked goods, mushrooms, lard, cocoa, and coffee are completely excluded.

Porridges, pasta, and vegetable puree soups cooked in water are allowed.

Complications and prognosis

Liver damage is always accompanied by serious disruptions in the body. You can count on recovery only if you have timely, comprehensive diagnosis and adequate treatment, otherwise liver failure and even organ degeneration cannot be ruled out. Dangerous complications are:

• Replacement of hepatocytes with their replacement by adipose tissue. The consequence is a disruption of the functionality of an important part of the hepatobiliary system, the development of jaundice, encephalopathy.
• Cirrhosis is a chronic pathology with the transformation of hepatocytes into connective tissue.
• Hepatic coma is a progressive disease affecting the central nervous system. Characteristic symptoms are convulsive syndrome, confusion, impaired reflexes. Death cannot be ruled out.

Doctor's report

Provided a quick response to the first signs of dysfunction, the prognosis is favorable. But if left untreated, death can occur within two months due to irreversible changes.

The disease can occur in both acute and chronic forms.

Reasons

Toxic substances can enter the body either accidentally or intentionally. In the latter case, a person knows that he is using substances or products of a toxic nature, but still cannot give them up.

Absorbed into the blood, toxins quickly reach the liver, causing the death of its cells. Harmful substances can enter the body through food, water, alcohol, inhalation of harmful vapors, and also through contact with the skin.

Common causes of toxic hepatitis include:

Sometimes the cause of toxic hepatitis cannot be established and then we are talking about a disease of unknown origin. Often the disease occurs due to nutritional reasons, that is, due to improper and inadequate nutrition.

Symptoms

Often the symptoms of toxic hepatitis are smoothed out and without visible manifestations. Patients learn about the disease only during any routine examination.

The following symptoms are characteristic of advanced forms of the disease, as well as acute toxic hepatitis:

This symptom is characterized by the following symptoms:

• loss in space;
• emotional excitability or inhibition;
• involuntary twitching of limbs or individual muscles.

When acute symptoms subside and toxic hepatitis enters the chronic stage, the following signs of toxic hepatitis are noted:

1. Dyspeptic disorders. They are characterized by the following symptoms:
   • dull pain in the area of ​​the right ribs, may be girdling and intensify after eating;
   • heaviness in the area of ​​the right hypochondrium;
   • diarrhea;
   • bitter taste in the mouth;
   • nausea and vomiting.
2. Symptoms of intoxication. They are expressed as follows:
   • a fairly prolonged increase in body temperature to 37.5 degrees;
   • increased fatigue;
   • weakness;
   • decreased appetite or lack thereof.
3. Itchy skin over the entire surface of the body. It occurs due to the accumulation of bile due to its impossible outflow. He often disturbs patients at night. Sometimes scratches are visible on the patient's body.
4. Following the liver, the spleen is affected. It also increases in size.

Complications

Due to untimely treatment or when toxic hepatitis is detected at a late stage, a number of complications can occur.

The most common of them are:

1. Functional liver failure (liver failure). It occurs due to fatty degeneration of the organ and is expressed in the following symptoms:
   • swelling of the entire body;
   • jaundice;
   • encephalopathy;
   • a sharp decrease in body weight;
   • external and internal hemorrhages and bleeding.
2. Hepatic coma. This is a loss of consciousness for an indefinite period of time. It may be accompanied by convulsive syndrome. Often patients die without ever emerging from a coma.
3. Cirrhosis. This is an extremely dangerous liver disease, which is expressed in the degeneration of liver tissue. They become rough and dense. The organ stops functioning normally. Alcoholic toxic gastritis often leads to cirrhosis.

Diagnostics

In its clinical manifestations, chronic toxic hepatitis is similar to other liver diseases.

The following diagnostic measures help to identify the disease:

1. General and biochemical blood test. They will help to identify the presence of an inflammatory process in the body and assess the level of bilirubin, AST and ALT in the blood.
2. Blood test for hepatitis. Allows you to exclude hepatitis B and C.
3. Taking blood, urine and feces to detect toxic substances in them.
4. Ultrasound of the abdominal organs. It is not always reliable due to the inability to study the liver in detail.
5. MRI or CT scan of the abdominal cavity. These are the most accurate research methods that allow us to examine the size of the organ, tissue structure and the degree of advanced disease.
6. Laparoscopy. Allows you to most accurately study the organ. At the end of the long tube is a camera that displays a magnified image on a screen. If necessary, tissue can be removed during the examination for further microscopic examination (biopsy).

Treatment

Treatment of acute toxic hepatitis is carried out in a hospital. It includes the following items:

1. If toxins enter the body with food, then urgent gastric lavage is necessary. You can induce vomiting yourself by first drinking about two liters of tap water.
2. Setting up IVs with various drugs to cleanse the bloodstream of toxic substances.
3. The use of drugs belonging to the groups of sorbents and electrolytes.
4. The use of vitamins B and C.
5. Intravenous administration of drugs such as hepatoprotectors. They are able to revive damaged liver cells. These include drugs such as Heptral or Essentiale.
6. Treatment with choleretic drugs. It is appropriate only in case of good patency of the excretory biliary and renal tracts.
7. Diet. It is an integral part of treatment and can be prescribed for a long period or for life. The diet should completely exclude alcoholic beverages. Smoking is prohibited.
   If a patient has an alcohol addiction, then treatment should be aimed at getting rid of it. Since in most cases, toxic hepatitis is caused by the consumption of alcoholic beverages, the question of the quality of the drinks consumed is acute. Surrogates and low-quality products rapidly destroy liver cells. Alcoholic toxic hepatitis is often detected at a late stage, since the patient does not see symptoms of the disease due to excessive drinking.
   The diet excludes fatty, smoked, spicy, pickled and fried foods. Spices and seasonings are prohibited. Dishes should be served warm and in small portions. The diet includes 6-8 divided meals a day. It is better to limit salt consumption.
   The diet should be enriched with animal and plant fiber. The diet includes a large amount of fresh vegetables and fruits. Food must be properly handled and washed thoroughly. The products are used only fresh and of good quality. The diet allows the consumption of dairy products, but low-fat varieties. The menu includes various cereals, lean meats and fish.
8. Treatment with folk remedies. During the period of remission, when several months have passed after an exacerbation of the disease, treatment at home using all kinds of herbs and herbs is allowed.

Plum buds are considered a good folk remedy for restoring the liver. They are dried, crushed and infused in boiled water. The decoction is taken three times a day before meals.

Treatment with herbs such as corn silk, calendula and immortelle give good results if the full course and all recommendations are followed.

A folk remedy such as chicory promotes the rapid restoration of liver cells. To achieve the best effect, it is better to choose a drink without additives and add honey to it.

During the remission stage, you can take the following mixture:

• lemon juice;
• olive oil.

The components are mixed in equal quantities and consumed on an empty stomach.

Honey, as a folk remedy for treating the liver, can be mixed with royal jelly or pollen. They successfully treat jaundice and infectious hepatitis.

Toxic hepatitis, which was treated on time, may not bother a person in the future.

Prevention

To avoid toxic hepatitis, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

1. The use of medications in a strictly prescribed dosage.
2. Eliminate alcoholic drinks from your life.
3. In a work environment, take all precautions and use personal protective equipment.
4. Eat high-quality and fresh foods, do not eat unknown berries and mushrooms, stick to a diet.

Any disease is easier to treat at an early stage. Therefore, if you suspect toxic hepatitis, you should consult a specialist.

Useful video about toxic hepatitis

Toxic hepatitis is an inflammatory process that occurs in the liver and is caused by the toxic effects of chemical or natural toxic substances. Such substances include chemical poisons, plant and animal poisons, alcohol and medications. Drug-induced (drug-induced) hepatitis and alcoholic hepatitis are placed in separate groups because they have some features in their course and treatment. Toxic hepatitis can affect people of any age, but the predominant age categories are from 20 to 60 years. Women suffer from this disease somewhat more often than men. In the absence of timely and correct treatment, this pathology can lead to severe complications, including disability and death.

Causes

The main causes of toxic hepatitis:

• Pesticides – agriculture (weed control);
• Arsenic – metallurgical plants;
• Insecticides – agriculture (insect control);
• Phosphorus – agriculture (fertilizers), metallurgy (metal processing);
• Phenols – medicine (antiseptics), food industry (canning);
• Aldehydes – industry (production of acetic acid);
• Chlorinated carbohydrates are a component of oil;
• Plant poisons (ragwort, bittergrass, etc.);
• Mushroom poisons (pale toadstool);
• Animal poisons (snake bites);
• Alcoholic drinks and their substitutes;
• Some medications.

Poisons and their toxins can enter the human body in several ways: through the gastrointestinal tract, through the respiratory system, through the skin and through the blood. They can have both a direct effect on the liver (with a direct effect on hepatocytes) and an indirect effect (when blood flow in the liver vessels is disrupted, which leads to their death and dysfunction).

There are predisposing factors that increase the risk of developing toxic hepatitis:

• Mental disorders, depression (deliberate intake of poisons);
• Alcoholism;
• Work at industrial enterprises;
• Work in the food industry;
• Reduced immunity;
• Children's age (they taste everything they find on walks, at home, etc.);
• Pregnancy;
• Lack of protein in the diet;
• Any history of liver damage.

Classification

According to the nature of the course, toxic hepatitis is divided into two types:

• Acute – develops in the first hours or days after exposure to poisons, has a rapid development and a severe course;
• Chronic – occurs a long time after the onset of exposure to poisons, develops slowly, and is relatively mild.

According to etiological factors, toxic hepatitis is divided into 4 groups:

• Toxic drug-induced hepatitis;
• Toxic alcoholic hepatitis;
• Hepatitis caused by industrial poisons;
• Hepatitis caused by naturally occurring poisons.

Based on the penetration of poisons into the human body, there are 3 groups of hepatitis:

• Intentional hepatitis;
• Random hepatitis;
• Occupational hepatitis.

Symptoms of toxic hepatitis

Despite the fact that there are many types of toxic poisons, the clinical manifestations of toxic hepatitis are quite similar.

Acute toxic hepatitis

The main symptoms of acute toxic hepatitis are:

• The process begins abruptly, a maximum of 3-5 days after poisoning;
• Pain in the area of ​​the right hypochondrium, of pronounced intensity, is associated with an increase in the size of the liver and its capsule;
• Body temperature reaches 38 degrees and above;
• Severe general weakness;
• Aches all over the body;
• Vomiting, possibly with blood;
• Nausea;
• Bleeding from the nose;
• Pinpoint hemorrhages under the skin;
• Disorientation in space;
• Lethargy or, conversely, mental and nervous activity;
• Darkening of urine;
• Lightening of stool;
• Enlarged liver.

Chronic toxic hepatitis

Manifestations of chronic toxic hepatitis are observed:

• The onset of the disease occurs several months or years after the onset of the poison;
• The pain in the right hypochondrium is aching, pressing, periodically goes away on its own, intensifies after each meal;
• Body temperature ranges from 37.0 to 37.5 degrees;
• Reduced ability to work and quickly developing weakness throughout the body;
• Increase in the size of the spleen and liver;
• Bloating;
• Nausea, periodic vomiting;
• Diarrhea;
• All symptoms may go away and recur on their own.

Diagnostics

First of all, the doctor collects an anamnesis. Based on the patient’s complaints, the suspected causes of the pathology and the presence of predisposing factors, the doctor determines a preliminary diagnosis. This is followed by examination and palpation of the patient. This determines the color of the skin and visible mucous membranes, the size and pain of the liver.

Laboratory tests include blood and urine tests, as well as microscopy of liver tissue:

• Blood biochemistry - liver tests (ALT, AST, total protein, total bilirubin and its fractions, alkaline phosphatase);
• General blood test;
• General urine test;
• Coagulogram;
• Examination of stool for the presence of toxins;
• Liver biopsy.

Among instrumental studies, ultrasound of the hepatobiliary zone is used.

Treatment of toxic hepatitis

The first priority when treating toxic hepatitis is to remove contact with poisons and toxins. After which it is immediately necessary to begin removing toxins from the patient’s blood and hepatocytes. For this, drip administration of solutions is used - Reopoliglyukin, Hemodez, Reosorbilact, Ringer's solution, 5-10% glucose solution, 0.9% sodium chloride solution (saline solution), etc. They should be administered 200-400 ml 1-2 times per day. day, depending on the severity of the patient and his weight.

Also quite effective in removing toxins are sorbents - Activated carbon, Enterosgel, Atoxil, etc.

Various hepatoprotectors restore the liver and its functions - Essentiale Forte, Heptral, Holosas, Karsil, etc.

For poisoning with toadstool, Atropine works well as an antidote.

In case of severe hepatitis, glucocorticosteroids are prescribed - Prednisolone, up to 40 mg per day.

Complications

Complications of toxic hepatitis:

• Hepatic coma;
• Liver failure;
• Hepatic encephalopathy;
• Lethal outcome.

Prevention

Among the methods for preventing the development of toxic hepatitis, the main ones are:

• Compliance with safety regulations at work;
• Do not eat unknown mushrooms and plants;
• Do not abuse alcohol;
• Undergo annual preventive examinations;
• Monitor children, avoiding the use of medications, herbs, and mushrooms of unknown nature;
• Take hepatoprotectors for the purpose of prevention;
• At the slightest sign of illness, consult a doctor immediately;
• Increasing the amount of protein in the diet (at least 60-90 g per day).