The toxic effect of substances is directed towards liver cells, which is accompanied by inflammation of hepatocytes and their death. The liver increases in size, pain appears in the right hypochondrium, and jaundice progresses.
The acute course of toxic hepatitis is usually called “Acute toxic hepatitis”, which develops due to the ingestion of a single, serious concentration of poison or a small dose of poison into the body, which has a general similarity to liver cells. In most cases, symptoms begin to appear within 3-5 days.
The chronic course of toxic hepatitis is usually called “Chronic toxic hepatitis”. The disease develops when poison is systematically ingested into the body in small doses. The poison has no resemblance to liver cells. Hepatitis takes months and years to appear. The signs of toxic acute hepatitis are pronounced and severe. The patient needs prompt hospitalization. If treatment is not provided in a timely manner, the disease leads to death. Toxic chronic hepatitis develops slowly, its symptoms appear gradually.
If the cause is not eliminated, hepatitis will be complicated by liver failure and cirrhosis.
Causes of toxic hepatitis
Harmful substances can enter the human body accidentally, intentionally (desired) or professionally (work, work activity). Harmful substances that enter the body damage the liver - they are called liver poisons. They can enter the body in various ways. Through the digestive tract: mouth-stomach-bloodstream-liver. Through the respiratory system: nose-lungs-bloodstream-liver. Poisons also penetrate through the skin into the bloodstream, and then into the liver. Some liver poisons, entering the blood, have a direct effect on liver cells, disrupting their vital activity and functionality. Other poisons disrupt blood circulation in the small vessels that feed the liver, which leads to a lack of oxygen in the cells and their death, with further disruption of the functioning of the liver.
Liver poisons have different origins:
1. Medicines. If the dose is prescribed by a doctor, the drug has a therapeutic effect. If a single toxic (large) dose of the drug has been taken, then liver damage occurs and acute toxic hepatitis develops. Some drugs have this property:
- Antiviral agents: Amantadine, Interferon;
- Sulfanilamide: Sulfadimethoxine;
- Antituberculosis: Tubazid, Ftivazid;
- Antipyretics: Aspirin, Paracetamol;
- Anticonvulsants: Phenobarbital.
2. Industrial poisons enter the body through the skin or through inhalation. If large doses enter the body, acute liver damage occurs, followed by cell death and the formation of fat cells. If small doses are systematically ingested, toxic chronic hepatitis develops.
- Phosphorus (available in phosphate fertilizers, used for metal processing);
- Arsenic (released at metallurgical plants);
- Pesticides (used in agriculture);
- Chlorinated hydrocarbons (petroleum elements);
- Aldehydes (for example, acetaldehyde; used in industry to produce acetic acid);
- Phenols (found in antiseptics that are used for disinfection);
- Insecticides (used in agriculture to kill insects).
3. Alcohol. Excessive and constant consumption of alcohol (especially poor quality) will lead to toxic damage to the liver. About 30-40 g of alcohol per day for men and 20-30 g for women are safe doses. The toxic effect will occur at large doses. From the digestive tract, all alcohol consumed travels with the blood to the liver, where the substances that enter it are processed. The main component of the transformation of an alcoholic substance is its interaction with alcohol dehydrogenase (enzyme). Due to this transformation at the enzyme level, acetaldehyde is formed, which is considered a rather toxic substance. It is under its influence that various chemical reactions in the liver are disrupted (including fat metabolism). There is an accumulation of fatty acids and replacement of liver cells with adipose tissue.
4. Plant poisons(weed poisons: cross, mustard; mushroom poisons: toadstool) have a hepatotropic effect (act directly on liver cells, disrupting their vital functions and replacing them with adipose tissue). Because of this, acute hepatitis develops.
Symptoms of toxic hepatitis
In some cases, the disease is practically asymptomatic and can be detected during a group examination. For example, after eating poisonous mushrooms. In especially severe cases, the disease manifests itself in the form of a number of symptoms:
- Pain in the area of the right hypochondrium. They can occur unexpectedly 2-5 days after the penetration of poisons into the body. Pain occurs due to stretching of the enlarged liver capsule (as a result of acute inflammatory processes);
- Signs of intoxication: increased body temperature, lack of appetite, noticeable weakness, nausea, vomiting (often with blood), joint pain;
- Bleeding from the gums, nose, small pinpoint hemorrhages on the skin. This occurs due to the destructive effect of the toxin on the walls of blood vessels;
- The patient’s psyche is affected in the form of lethargy or agitation. Orientation in space is disrupted. Tremors are observed, because poisons can have a toxic effect on nerve cells;
- Developing jaundice, discoloration of stool, severe darkening of urine. This manifests itself along with signs of intoxication and becomes the result of disturbances in the outflow of bile through the intrahepatic biliary tract;
- Increase in liver size due to acute inflammation of hepatocytes and their replacement with adipose tissue (so-called fatty degeneration).
Signs of chronic toxic hepatitis:
- Systematic pain in the area of the right hypochondrium of low intensity, which intensifies after eating;
- Heaviness in the area of the right hypochondrium associated with liver enlargement;
- As a rule, subfebrile body temperature is 37-37.5 degrees;
- Vomiting, nausea, lack of appetite, noticeable bloating, slight bitterness in the mouth, diarrhea. All this develops due to disturbances in the outflow of bile;
- Decreased performance, fatigue;
- Itching. The skin will itch due to the accumulation of bile acids;
- Enlarged spleen and liver. These symptoms may temporarily subside (remission) and appear again (exacerbation).
Diagnosis of toxic hepatitis
Unfortunately, the similarity in the development of toxic hepatitis and other chronic and acute liver diseases does not allow them to be clinically differentiated from each other. For this purpose, various instrumental and laboratory research methods are used. A fairly universal laboratory method for diagnosing toxic hepatitis can be called a biochemical blood test, in which, first of all, the doctor will be interested in the levels of AST and ALT, direct and total bilirubin, as well as gammaglutamyl transpeptidase.
In addition to a biochemical blood test, the patient is prescribed general clinical tests (urine and blood tests), a coagulogram (with analysis of the prothombin index), as well as tests to exclude other types of hepatitis (enzyme immunoassay for antibodies to viral hepatitis and for autoantibodies SMA, ANA, anti- LKM-1, characteristic of autoimmune hepatitis). The causes of toxic hepatitis can be determined by examining biological fluids (urine, saliva, blood, feces) for the content of various toxins (for example, metabolic products of paracetamol, some industrial poisons and narcotic substances).
Complications of toxic hepatitis
If hepatitis develops in a mild form, it is completely curable. In other cases, it is complicated by one of several diseases:
1. Liver failure occurs due to the death of hepatocytes, which are replaced by fat cells. The functioning of the liver is impaired, which is manifested by symptoms:
- Edema (due to disturbances in protein metabolism);
- Jaundice;
- Bleeding (production of blood clotting components decreases);
- General weight loss of the body (due to insufficient saturation of the body with fats, proteins and carbohydrates, energy produced by the liver);
- Hepatic encephalopathy (neuromuscular and mental disorders).
The disease develops due to a violation of the toxic functions of the liver.
2. Hepatic coma, progressive disorders of the central nervous system and liver (impaired reflexes, consciousness, convulsions, etc.). The result is death.
3. Cirrhosis of the liver. A disease that results in the death of hepatocytes and their further replacement by hepatic connective tissue.
Treatment of toxic hepatitis
Traditional methods of treating toxic hepatitis
First of all, it is necessary to prevent the body from coming into contact with the poison. To prevent poisons from entering the blood, and then into the liver, it is necessary to remove them from the stomach (if the poisons enter directly into the digestive tract) using artificially induced vomiting. First you need to take a position that is comfortable for this (half-sitting position with your head tilted forward). After which you should irritate the root of the tongue by pressing on it with your finger (this is not used in all cases). To weaken the effect of the poison on the walls of the stomach, you should drink milk or a decoction of flaxseeds. If you have a fever, you can apply cold compresses to your forehead.
While all this is being done, it is best to call an ambulance or immediately go to a medical facility. If signs of an acute form of toxic hepatitis appear, the patient needs urgent hospitalization. At the hospital, he will undergo the following treatment under the supervision of a doctor:
- Bed rest;
- Urgent gastric lavage, elimination of any remaining poison that has entered the stomach. The patient sits on a chair and tilts his head forward. A special probe is inserted into him, to the end of which a funnel is connected. When pouring water, the funnel is raised higher. As soon as it is full, it is lowered, and the water pours out of the stomach. The procedure is repeated. The water should be warm; to rinse the stomach of an adult, about 8-10 liters of water are required;
- Removal of poison from the body (dropper with a solution of electrolytes, activated carbon), hemosorption, plasmapheresis (cleaning the blood of toxic substances). On its surface, activated carbon absorbs toxins that remain in the stomach, preventing them from entering the bloodstream;
- Vitamin therapy - the use of vitamins B and C;
- Hepatoprotectors (Heptral, Liv 52, Essentiale). These funds will participate in the process of reproduction of liver cells and their restoration after damage. Liv 52 should be taken three times a day, 2 tablets, the duration of administration is individual and depends on the severity of liver damage;
- Choleretic agents (Cholenzim, Holosas). Some of the toxins will be removed from the liver along with bile. This process is activated by choleretic drugs;
- Antidotes (Atropine for mushroom poisoning). Various chemicals that specifically target cell receptors and toxic agents, preventing toxin damage.
Hepatoprotectors of plant origin for the treatment of hepatitis. Hepatoprotectors increase the liver’s resistance to the harmful effects of chemical and plant poisons, alcohol, and drugs. They accelerate the recovery of damaged hepatocytes and enhance the neutralizing functions of the liver.
Drug Liv 52: composition, description, action
Ingredients: spiny capers, common chicory, common yarrow, western cassia, black nightshade, terminal arjuna, Gallic tamarix. Effects and mechanism of action of Liv 52:
- Neutralization of many toxic substances. Increased activity of enzymes (acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, cytochrome P 450 and others) involved in the neutralization of various toxic elements. Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase reduces the damaging effects of alcohol and helps remove it from the body.
- Fighting the harmful effects of free radicals. Elements of the drug will stimulate the production of substances (glutathione, tocopherols) that reduce the effects of free radicals (the so-called antioxidant effect). A free radical is a molecule that has an unpaired electron on its electron shell. Such molecules damage normal liver cells, accelerating their aging and death;
- Choleretic effect. The medicine promotes the formation of bile by liver cells and stimulates its excretion through the bile ducts. Excess fats (cholesterol, triglycerides, B-lipoproteins) and toxins (benzoperenes, phenols, etc.) are removed from the body with bile;
- Anti-inflammatory effect, which is achieved due to the action of the active components of the drug on inflammatory factors (cyclins, prostaglandins, leukotrienes). Black nightshade extract, for example, which is part of Liv 52, reduces the formation of leukotrienes, substances that are responsible for the formation of inflammatory and allergic reactions.
How to take Liv 52?
Adults: 2-3 tablets three times a day (if the drug is in tablets). If the medicine is liquid, then you need to take 1-2 spoons twice a day. Children over six years old are prescribed 1-2 tablets three times a day or 10-20 drops twice a day. As a rule, the course of treatment is about 3 months or more. The exact dosage and duration of treatment can only be determined by the attending physician, based on the specifics of the disease.
Essentiale forte: action, composition, administration
The drug normalizes the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids in the liver, enhancing its neutralizing functions. It helps restore the liver after damage and prevents the formation of scar tissue in it. The drug is based on special fats (so-called essential phospholipids), which are obtained from soybeans.
Effects and mechanism of action of the drug:
- Strengthening and restoration of hepatocytes. Essential phospholipids penetrate damaged cells, which stimulates the restoration of liver integrity and its functional ability;
- Reducing blood fat levels. Levels of cholesterol and other fats (low-density lipoproteins, triglycides). The effect is achieved due to the fact that the formation of cholesterol in the liver decreases, its absorption in the intestine decreases and its excretion in the bile increases;
- Reducing the formation of scar tissue in the liver. The medicine stimulates collagenase (an enzyme), which suppresses the formation of the main element of scar tissue (collagen). The effectiveness of Essentiale in the treatment of alcoholic hepatitis:
- The drug slows down the development of the severe stage (cirrhosis), in which the liver tissue is replaced by fibrous (scar) tissue;
- Stops the development of the disease at an early stage;
- Improves liver function in the last stages of the disease;
- Effective in the treatment of toxic liver damage. Especially in case of poisoning with mushrooms, antiepileptic drugs and pesticides.
The drug is available in two forms:
- Essentiale with added vitamins (E, PP, B1, B2, B6, B12);
- Essentiale N – without vitamins.
The vitamins that make up the medicine impair tolerability and impose some restrictions on its use:
- The duration of taking Essentiale with vitamins is reduced due to the possibility of developing excess vitamins in the body;
- Patients with high sensitivity to various vitamins cannot take this drug;
- Restrictions are imposed on the daily dose of the drug due to the possibility of developing various side effects from a large dose of vitamins. Essentiale Forte N is taken according to the following schemes:
- If the drug is in capsules: two capsules with meals three times a day for 4-6 months;
- If the drug is in ampoules: 2-4 ampoules intravenously per day. Before administration, it is diluted with the patient’s blood in a 1:1 ratio. Duration – 10 days.
The regimen, duration and exact dose are determined by the doctor.
Heptral: instructions, effect of the drug, administration, dosage
Heptral helps improve the protective properties of liver cells, stimulates their further restoration and accelerates the processes of neutralizing toxins (medicines, alcohol, etc.). Has an antidepressant effect. Effects and mechanism of action of the drug: The main active ingredient of heptral is ademetionine, which takes part in the growth and protection of cells of the nervous system, kidneys, liver and other organs. Participates in the processes of neutralizing toxins. Helps synthesize serotonin (the hormone of happiness). In diseases of the liver, brain, and tissues, its concentration decreases along with the development of the disease. Heptral restores the level of ademetionine and also stimulates its production in the body.
Choleretic effect
The drug increases the permeability of liver cell walls. This effect will increase bile production and improve its excretion into the bile ducts. Toxic substances (phenols, drugs, benzopyrene, etc.) are removed from the body with bile.
Detoxification
The drug improves the detoxifying functions of the liver by stimulating the synthesis of amino acids (taurine, glutathione). Glutathione is involved in the process of neutralizing toxins and promotes their subsequent elimination. Taurine in the liver binds toxic bile acids, creating harmless compounds that are part of bile.
General antidepressant effect
The drug helps the synthesis of substances that improve mood (norepinephrine, dopamine), as well as serotonin (the hormone of happiness). In addition, Heptral improves the susceptibility of brain structures to these substances, which also helps to improve the antidepressant effect. The safety and effectiveness of the drug has been clinically proven in the treatment of drug and alcohol-induced liver damage.
Taking Heptral
The drug is available in tablets and bottles. Tablets should be taken 2-4 tablets per day for 3-4 weeks. Vials intravenously - 1-2 times a day for 2-3 weeks. Take the medicine before lunch, because it has a tonic effect. The drug is contraindicated for persons under 18 years of age and pregnant women.
The dosage, regimen and duration of administration are determined only by the doctor.
Diet for toxic hepatitis
Smoking and drinking alcohol is prohibited. Meals should be in small portions, often, which will improve the excretion of bile. Food should be low-fat, unsalted, not fried, without seasonings, enriched with vitamins and fiber. The main products in the diet should be fresh fruits and vegetables (all kinds of salads), legumes (peas, beans). Only vegetable and butter oils can be consumed. You can only eat easily digestible meat (rabbit, chicken). Complete refusal of canned and smoked foods. It is recommended to have fasting days (eat only fruits or vegetables one day a week). People who work in an industrial plant with exposure to harmful substances are required to consume dairy products daily.
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 different routes. 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 disrupt blood circulation in the small vessels supplying the liver, which leads to a lack of oxygen in the cells and their death, with subsequent disruption of the function of the organ.Liver poisons have different origins:
1 . Medications, in doses prescribed by the attending physician, have a therapeutic effect; with a single large (toxic) dose of one of the drugs in these groups, toxic liver damage occurs and acute toxic hepatitis develops.
- sulfonamide drugs: Biseptol, Sulfadimethoxine
- antiviral: Interferon, Amantadine;
- anti-tuberculosis: 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 industrially to produce acetic acid
- phenols– contained in antiseptics used for disinfection, found in canned food
- insecticides– used in agriculture to combat harmful insects
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, groundsel; 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 >38 0 C, general weakness, lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting (may be with blood), joint pain;
- Bleeding from the nose, gums, small 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 (greasy, shiny) appears simultaneously with signs of intoxication, and is the result of a violation of the outflow of bile through the small intrahepatic bile ducts;
- Enlargement of the liver as a result of acute inflammation of the liver cells and their replacement with adipose tissue (fatty liver)
Signs of chronic toxic hepatitis:
- Periodic pain in the right hypochondrium, of medium intensity, worsening after eating;
- Heaviness in the right hypochondrium is associated with liver enlargement;
- Low-grade body temperature 37-37.5 0 C;
- 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.
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 (toxicology department).If signs of acute toxic hepatitis appear, the patient must be urgently hospitalized, where the following treatment methods will be carried out under the supervision of the attending physician:
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, plant 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 the 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 V 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 intestine 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 even 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:
- With added vitamins (B1,B2,B6,B12,PP,E) – essentiale
- Without vitamins - Essentiale N
- 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.
| Inside | How to use? | Duration of admission |
| Capsules (300mg) | 2 capsules 2-3 times daily with meals | 3-6 months |
| Intravenously(stream) (Ampoules 5 ml) | 10-20 ml (2-4 ampoules) per day. Before administration, it must be diluted with the patient’s blood in a 1:1 ratio. | 10 days |
Heptral tablets instructions, action of heptral, how to take, dosageHeptral 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 neutralizing 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?
| Mode of application | How to use? | How much should I take? |
| Inside Tablets (400mg) | 2-4 tablets per day | 3-4 weeks |
| Intravenously Vials (400mg) | 400-800 mg 1-2 times a day | 2-3 weeks |
| Special instructions: It is better to take the drug in the first half of the day, as it has a tonic effect! Strictly contraindicated for children under 18 years of age! Use with caution during pregnancy. The exact dose, regimen and duration of treatment are determined by the attending physician! |
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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, and be rich in vitamins and 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.The liver in our body is the most amazing and unpretentious organ. It performs more than 400 different functions, and is the main barrier between the blood coming from the intestines and all other organs. Hepatocyte cells process the incoming material, synthesize from it substances necessary for the entire body, remove and neutralize poisons and toxins.
Having a huge ability to regenerate, the liver is nevertheless susceptible to the destructive effects of harmful substances if they come in quantities that are difficult for it to cope with. In this case, inflammation of the liver develops - hepatitis, and hepatocyte cells partially die and are destroyed. What is toxic hepatitis, what factors cause it and how is this disease treated?
What is toxic hepatitis
effects of chemicals on the liver
Acute toxic hepatitis develops as a result of exposure to a small amount of potent poison or weak irritants, but in large concentrations. As a rule, toxins enter through the gastrointestinal tract, less often through the respiratory tract and skin. Chronic hepatitis occurs due to repeated exposure to small doses of a toxin over a long period of time. Diseases related to hepatitis are coded according to ICD-10 under the number K71 (toxic liver damage). Alcoholic liver disease is separated into a separate group and has code K70.
Can toxic hepatitis be contagious? No, this is an exclusively therapeutic disease caused by the influence of an external chemical factor on a certain person. A group disease occurs only if all patients are simultaneously exposed to a toxin (food poisoning, industrial accidents).
Causes of toxic hepatitis
alcohol abuse
According to statistics, the most common cause of toxic hepatitis in Russia is alcohol abuse, as well as the subsequent uncontrolled use of medications to relieve a hangover.
Drug-induced toxic hepatitis develops as a result of a single dose of a large dose of drugs or long-term treatment, even under medical supervision. The most dangerous drugs for the liver include the following groups:
antipyretics; anti-tuberculosis; sulfonamides; antiviral; anticonvulsants.
Separately, hepatitis can be distinguished after chemotherapy for cancer. Cytotoxic drugs used to suppress the growth of cancer cells have a negative effect on all organs and tissues, primarily on the liver. After chemotherapy, a blood test is required to monitor the state of biochemical processes in the liver. Depending on the results, diet and rehabilitation treatment are prescribed.
industrial poisons
Another cause of toxic hepatitis is industrial poisons. This group of substances can poison the body both through the digestive tract and by contact with the skin or inhalation of polluted air. The main hepatotoxic substances used in modern industry are:
pesticides, including insecticides; chlorinated hydrocarbons (petroleum products); phenols; aldehydes; phosphorus; arsenic.
Another large group of toxins that have a destructive effect on the liver are poisons of plant origin:
death cap; cross; heliotrope; bitter
Poisoning with plant poisons usually occurs as a result of improper collection of mushrooms or self-medication with herbal mixtures of unknown origin.
Symptoms of acute and chronic toxic hepatitis
Symptoms of toxic hepatitis will vary slightly depending on the nature of the disease. In an acute course, the first signs usually appear after 2–4 days, less often after 12–24 hours (for example, in case of poisoning with toadstool).
Acute toxic hepatitis is accompanied by the following symptoms:
fever; pain in the right hypochondrium; 
vomiting, lack of appetite, nausea; yellowness of the whites of the eyes; discolored stool; bleeding from the nose, gums, pinpoint hemorrhages on the skin; darkening of urine; sometimes nerve disorders resulting from exposure to toxins on the nervous system.
In the chronic course of the disease, signs may periodically appear and disappear:
slight increase in body temperature (37.0–37.5 °C); discomfort in the right hypochondrium; bloating, diarrhea; bitterness in the mouth, nausea, vomiting; itching in the skin; increased fatigue.
The liver increases in size, blood tests reveal an increase in bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase, and the level of AST and ALT enzymes changes. It is necessary to conduct additional studies to exclude other forms of hepatitis, primarily infectious.
Treatment of toxic hepatitis
Treatment of toxic hepatitis consists of removing poison from the body as quickly as possible, symptomatic therapy and creating optimal conditions for liver regeneration. For this purpose, hepatoprotective substances are used. As a rule, these are vitamins, enzymes and herbal products.
Pharmacy hepatoprotectors: “Liv 52”, “Essentiale”, “Heptral”. These drugs promote the production of necessary phospholipids, activate the synthesis of amino acids, and have a choleretic and anti-inflammatory effect. They are taken in long courses from 1 to 6 months. B vitamins and ascorbic acid. Means that enhance the secretion of bile - “Cholenzim”, “Holosas”.
Treatment of toxic hepatitis with folk remedies
Treatment of toxic hepatitis with folk remedies can only be used under the supervision of a physician. Help relieve nausea and normalize liver function:
juice from sauerkraut; mint infusion; grapefruit juice; infusion of horseradish roots; calendula decoction; pumpkin juice and pulp.
Diet plays a huge role in the treatment of liver diseases. It is the main stimulus for regeneration, since it allows you to eliminate the effects of unfavorable factors and create conditions for rapid recovery, providing the liver with all the necessary substances. You should also minimize the intake of all medications. There is a saying: “The best pill for the liver is no pill at all,” and it’s close to the truth!
Diet for toxic liver hepatitis
What diet should you follow for toxic liver hepatitis? Avoid all foods that are difficult to digest:
fatty meat (pork, lamb, duck), lard; fatty fish; eggs; canned food; mushrooms; smoked meats; 
seasonings and sauces; pastries and fresh bread; strong tea, coffee, cocoa; sparkling water; nuts; onions, garlic, radish, sorrel; confectionery, ice cream; fatty varieties of cheese and cottage cheese, sour cream, butter.
You can’t eat fatty, spicy, fried foods. Food is steamed, baked or boiled.
The daily diet must include:
porridge; dried bread; bran; 
chicken, veal; lean varieties of fish; milk and low-fat cottage cheese; vegetables and fruits.
It is also useful to drink green tea, a decoction of dried fruits, and eat figs and green vegetables.
Nutrition for toxic hepatitis should be taken in small portions, 5–6 times a day. It is advisable to adhere to the principle of separate nutrition: do not mix protein and carbohydrate foods in one meal, and eat fruits separately from everything else.
Forecast
In general, with timely diagnosis and proper treatment, the prognosis is favorable. The liver has an exceptional ability to regenerate and easily restores up to 75% of dead cells.
An unfavorable outcome may result from acute injury from a large dose of poison and a delay in medical care (for example, the venom of the toadstool causes the first signs of poisoning to appear after the liver has been exposed to it).
Chronic toxic hepatitis can be complicated by cirrhosis of the liver - the replacement of functional hepatocyte cells with scar tissue. As a rule, this occurs as a result of constant exposure to toxins on the liver, when the poison prevents the cells from recovering normally, for example, when drinking alcohol.
Toxic hepatitis is a non-contagious liver disease that occurs as a result of poisoning the body with chemicals: alcohol, drugs, plant poisons and industrial toxins. The disease is accompanied by pain in the right hypochondrium, nausea, indigestion, and fever. When treating toxic hepatitis, it is important to exclude exposure to a destructive factor, quickly remove the poison from the body and create favorable conditions for liver restoration. To do this, take hepatoprotective medications and follow a gentle diet.
Liver damage can be caused by many factors. But only the development of toxic hepatitis involves exposure to chemical compounds on the body.
The disease is not contagious, but can provoke the development of serious disorders. Therefore, it is worth taking a closer look at what toxic hepatitis is, its main symptoms and treatment.
The pathological process is characterized by acute or chronic forms.
In the first case, the toxic chemical has an affinity for hepatocytes and provokes their death after 3-4 days. Without help, the prognosis is poor.
Chronic toxic hepatitis occurs with repeated contact with small doses of poison. You can work with chemicals for many years before the first signs of illness appear.
Etiological factors
Toxins penetrate the body through the respiratory system, digestive tract, and skin.
It is customary to identify the following causes of toxic hepatitis:
Medicines, chemotherapy. If the patient has a history of chronic pathologies and is forced to constantly take medications, then toxic liver hepatitis may occur. Pathology also occurs with uncontrolled use of drugs from the following groups: antibacterial, antituberculosis, anticonvulsants (barbiturates), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and chemotherapy drugs. Alcohol. Frequent consumption leads to an increase in iron absorption and its deposition in hepatocytes. This process causes the formation of free radicals and the gradual destruction of cell membranes. Toxic alcoholic hepatitis often develops when drinking alcohol outside of food. Industrial poisons: arsenic, phosphorus, pesticides and insecticides, aldehydes, carbon tetrachloride, phenols; Drugs. The etiological factor occurs in people with severe addiction who take several drugs; Poisons of natural origin. This group contains fungal and weed toxins that act directly on the liver.
Types of toxic hepatitis
Depending on the type of toxic compound, it is customary to divide pathology into the following types:
drug hepatitis; professional form; alcoholic hepatitis.
It is worth figuring out whether hepatitis is contagious.
It is important to remember that toxic hepatitis is contagious when the disease is transmitted through oral-genital contact.
In this case, a person can become infected by touching the remains of the patient’s feces. This indicates the development of nutritional toxic hepatitis.
Symptoms of the disease
The symptoms of hepatitis are determined by the form of the pathology.
Clinical picture of acute hepatitis
Mild cases are characterized by an asymptomatic course. However, generally acute toxic hepatitis causes the following symptoms:
the occurrence of pain in the area of the right hypochondrium; decreased appetite; high body temperature; attacks of nausea and vomiting; weakness and apathy; disorientation and slight dizziness; joint pain; minor nosebleeds, the appearance of small hemorrhages on the surface of the skin; tremors of the limbs; lethargy or agitation condition; yellowness of the sclera and skin; urine becomes dark; feces are discolored and have an oily sheen; the liver is enlarged due to the inflammatory process and replacement of cells with adipose tissue.
Clinical picture of the chronic form
The disease is characterized by gradual development and increasing clinical picture. The following symptoms of toxic hepatitis are characteristic:
the temperature is slightly increased - no more than 37.5 ° C; periodic pain, which is characterized by intensification after eating; weakness, increased fatigue; heaviness in the abdomen; symptoms of dyspeptic disorder that develop as a result of a violation of the outflow of bile: nausea and vomiting, flatulence, diarrhea, bitter taste in the mouth; itchy skin; increased size of some digestive organs: liver and spleen.
This symptomatology occurs during an exacerbation of the disease, then subsides during remission.
Stages of the disease
The following main stages of disease development are distinguished:
Latent period. It begins with the entry of toxic substances into the body and continues until symptoms appear. The stage of acute clinical manifestations. The following signs of toxic liver damage appear: jaundice, fever, weight loss, weakness and loss of appetite, dyspeptic disorders. This stage is characterized by damage to vital organs. Exit stage. This is the interval from the most developed clinical picture to recovery or death.
Consequences
There are positive and negative consequences of liver damage. With timely diagnosis and treatment, recovery occurs. However, in advanced cases, liver failure and liver dystrophy may develop.
Complications of toxic hepatitis
How dangerous is the pathology? In severe cases of the disease, the following disorders develop:
Liver failure. It develops against the background of the death of hepatocytes and their replacement by adipose tissue. The functionality of the liver is impaired and the following symptoms develop: swelling, bleeding, jaundice, weight loss, encephalopathy (the occurrence of mental and neuromuscular disorders). Liver cirrhosis. The disease is a chronic pathology that involves the death of hepatocytes and their gradual replacement by connective tissue cells. Hepatic coma. It is a progressive pathology of the liver and central nervous system. The patient experiences confusion, convulsions, and impaired reflexes. May cause death.
Recovery prognosis
In general, timely diagnosis and proper therapy helps to completely cure the disease. Therefore, the prognosis is favorable.
However, acute damage to the digestive organ by large doses of a toxic substance, coupled with the lack of qualified medical assistance, can lead to death.
Features of the disease in childhood
Toxic hepatitis in children is diagnosed much less frequently. The cause of the pathology is the accidental penetration of toxic compounds into the child’s liver due to the carelessness of parents, due to the use of medications, or in case of poisoning with plants and mushrooms. A severe course of pathology in a child is typical. Without medical treatment, death is possible.
Children predominantly develop an acute form of the disease; the clinical picture is identical to the symptoms of adults.
Treatment of toxic hepatitis should be aimed at preventing serious disorders in the liver and the body as a whole.
The prognosis is generally unfavorable.
Diagnosis of toxic hepatitis
To confirm the diagnosis, a comprehensive examination is required:
the attending physician must conduct a survey and examination; laboratory research: conducting a general analysis of urine and blood, coprogram, biochemical blood test; instrumental techniques: radiography, ultrasound of the digestive tract, liver biopsy if necessary.
Features of treatment
Therapy involves stopping contact with toxic agents and their rapid elimination, eliminating unpleasant symptoms and regenerating hepatocytes (the liver is able to independently restore up to 75% of damaged cells).
Drug therapy
In the treatment of toxic hepatitis, drugs with a hepatoprotective effect are widely used:
Sirepar, Gepafid, Essentiale, Hepatosan, Hepel, Silegon, Silimar.
These drugs stimulate the synthesis of endogenous phospholipids and have anti-inflammatory and choleretic effects. Hepatitis requires a long course of treatment with these drugs - up to 6-7 months.
Features of dietary nutrition
Treatment of toxic hepatitis is impossible without therapeutic nutrition. It will launch regenerative processes and provide the body with nutrients.
Dietary nutrition for hepatitis involves eating food 6 times a day, eating in small portions. All food should be at moderate temperature.
What not to eat if you have toxic hepatitis
A diet for toxic hepatitis involves excluding the following foods from the patient’s diet:
baked goods and brown bread; fatty meats (lamb, duck) and fish (catfish, cod); lard; mushrooms; fried, spicy, too salty and smoked foods; canned products; vegetables and fruits without heat treatment; coffee, cocoa, chocolate and products based on them; carbonated and alcoholic drinks.
What can you eat if you have toxic hepatitis?
It is allowed to eat porridges boiled in water, boiled or stewed vegetables, soufflés and cutlets from low-fat meat and fish, baked fruits, boiled pasta, and puree soups.
Folk remedies
Is it possible to use medicine based on traditional recipes? The use of such drugs for treatment is possible only under the supervision of medical personnel. The following remedies help with illness:
juice of sauerkraut or grapefruit; infusion of mint or horseradish roots; pumpkin pulp.
Preventive actions
Prevention of toxic hepatitis comes down to preventing contact with toxic substances. If toxic hepatitis occurs in a person who works in hazardous work, then a change of job is necessary, and you can retire.
Liver damage can be caused by many factors. But only the development of toxic hepatitis involves exposure to chemical compounds on the body.
The disease is not contagious, but can provoke the development of serious disorders. Therefore, it is worth taking a closer look at what toxic hepatitis is, its main symptoms and treatment.
The pathological process is characterized by acute or chronic forms.
In the first case, the toxic chemical has an affinity for hepatocytes and provokes their death after 3-4 days. Without help, the prognosis is poor.
Chronic toxic hepatitis occurs with repeated contact with small doses of poison. You can work with chemicals for many years before the first signs of illness appear.
Etiological factors
Toxins penetrate the body through the respiratory system, digestive tract, and skin.
It is customary to identify the following causes of toxic hepatitis:
- Medicines, chemotherapy. If the patient has a history of chronic pathologies and is forced to constantly take medications, then toxic liver hepatitis may occur. Pathology also occurs with uncontrolled use of drugs from the following groups: antibacterial, antituberculosis, anticonvulsants (barbiturates), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and chemotherapy drugs.
- Alcohol. Frequent consumption leads to an increase in iron absorption and its deposition in hepatocytes. This process causes the formation of free radicals and the gradual destruction of cell membranes. Toxic alcoholic hepatitis often develops when drinking alcohol outside of meals.
- Industrial poisons: arsenic, phosphorus, pesticides and insecticides, aldehydes, carbon tetrachloride, phenols;
- Drugs. The etiological factor occurs in people with severe addiction who take multiple drugs;
- Poisons of natural origin. This group contains fungal and weed toxins that act directly on the liver.
Types of toxic hepatitis
Depending on the type of toxic compound, it is customary to divide pathology into the following types:
- drug-induced hepatitis;
- professional uniform;
- alcoholic hepatitis.
It is worth figuring out whether hepatitis is contagious.
It is important to remember that toxic hepatitis is contagious when the disease is transmitted through oral-genital contact.
In this case, a person can become infected by touching the remains of the patient’s feces. This indicates the development of nutritional toxic hepatitis.
Symptoms of the disease
The symptoms of hepatitis are determined by the form of the pathology.
Clinical picture of acute hepatitis
Mild cases are characterized by an asymptomatic course. However, generally acute toxic hepatitis causes the following symptoms:
- the occurrence of pain in the right hypochondrium;
- decreased appetite;
- high body temperature;
- attacks of nausea and vomiting;
- weakness and apathy;
- disorientation and slight dizziness;
- joint pain;
- minor nosebleeds, the appearance of small hemorrhages on the surface of the skin;
- tremor of the limbs;
- lethargy or agitation;
- yellowness of the sclera and skin;
- urine becomes darker;
- feces are discolored and have an oily sheen;
- the liver is enlarged due to the inflammatory process and replacement of cells with adipose tissue.
Clinical picture of the chronic form
The disease is characterized by gradual development and increasing clinical picture. The following symptoms of toxic hepatitis are characteristic:
- the temperature is slightly elevated - no more than 37.5°C;
- periodic pain, which is characterized by intensification after eating;
- weakness, increased fatigue;
- heaviness in the stomach;
- symptoms of dyspeptic disorder that develop as a result of impaired bile outflow: nausea and vomiting,
- flatulence, diarrhea, bitter taste in the mouth;
- skin itching;
- an increase in the size of some digestive organs: liver and spleen.
This symptomatology occurs during an exacerbation of the disease, then subsides during remission.
Stages of the disease
The following main stages of disease development are distinguished:
- Latent period. It begins with the entry of toxic substances into the body and continues until symptoms appear.
- Stage of acute clinical manifestations. The following signs of toxic liver damage appear: jaundice, fever, weight loss, weakness and loss of appetite, dyspeptic disorders. At this stage, damage to vital organs is typical.
- Exit stage. This is the interval from the most developed clinical picture to recovery or death.
Consequences
There are positive and negative consequences of liver damage. With timely diagnosis and treatment, recovery occurs. However, in advanced cases, liver failure and liver dystrophy may develop.
Complications of toxic hepatitis
How dangerous is the pathology? In severe cases of the disease, the following disorders develop:
- Liver failure. It develops against the background of the death of hepatocytes and their replacement by adipose tissue. The functionality of the liver is impaired and the following symptoms develop: swelling, bleeding, jaundice, weight loss, encephalopathy (the occurrence of mental and neuromuscular disorders).
- Cirrhosis of the liver. The disease is a chronic pathology that involves the death of hepatocytes and their gradual replacement by connective tissue cells.
- Hepatic coma. It is a progressive pathology of the liver and central nervous system. The patient experiences confusion, convulsions, and impaired reflexes. May cause death.
Recovery prognosis
In general, timely diagnosis and proper therapy helps to completely cure the disease. Therefore, the prognosis is favorable.
However, acute damage to the digestive organ by large doses of a toxic substance, coupled with the lack of qualified medical assistance, can lead to death.
Features of the disease in childhood
Toxic hepatitis in children is diagnosed much less frequently. The cause of the pathology is the accidental penetration of toxic compounds into the child’s liver due to the carelessness of parents, due to the use of medications, or in case of poisoning with plants and mushrooms. A severe course of pathology in a child is typical. Without medical treatment, death is possible.
Children predominantly develop an acute form of the disease; the clinical picture is identical to the symptoms of adults.
Treatment of toxic hepatitis should be aimed at preventing serious disorders in the liver and the body as a whole.
The prognosis is generally unfavorable.
Diagnosis of toxic hepatitis
To confirm the diagnosis, a comprehensive examination is required:
- the attending physician must conduct a survey and examination;
- laboratory research: conducting a general analysis of urine and blood, coprogram, biochemical blood test;
- instrumental techniques: radiography, ultrasound of the digestive tract, liver if necessary.
Features of treatment
Therapy involves stopping contact with toxic agents and their rapid elimination, eliminating unpleasant symptoms and regenerating hepatocytes (the liver is able to independently restore up to 75% of damaged cells).
Drug therapy
In the treatment of toxic hepatitis, drugs with a hepatoprotective effect are widely used:
- Sirepar,
- Gepaphid,
- Essentiale,
- Hepatosan,
- Hepel,
- Silegon,
- Silimar.
These drugs stimulate the synthesis of endogenous phospholipids and have anti-inflammatory and choleretic effects. Hepatitis requires a long course of treatment with these drugs - up to 6-7 months.
Features of dietary nutrition
Treatment of toxic hepatitis is impossible without therapeutic nutrition. It will launch regenerative processes and provide the body with nutrients.
Dietary nutrition for hepatitis involves eating food 6 times a day, eating in small portions. All food should be at moderate temperature.
What not to eat if you have toxic hepatitis
A diet for toxic hepatitis involves excluding the following foods from the patient’s diet:
- pastries and black bread;
- fatty meats (lamb, duck) and fish (catfish, cod);
- salo;
- mushrooms;
- fried, spicy, too salty and smoked foods;
- canned products;
- vegetables and fruits without heat treatment;
- coffee, cocoa, chocolate and products based on them;
- carbonated and alcoholic drinks.
What can you eat if you have toxic hepatitis?
It is allowed to eat porridges boiled in water, boiled or stewed vegetables, soufflés and cutlets from low-fat meat and fish, baked fruits, boiled pasta, and puree soups.
Folk remedies
Is it possible to use medicine based on traditional recipes? The use of such drugs for treatment is possible only under the supervision of medical personnel. The following remedies help with illness:
- sauerkraut or grapefruit juice;
- infusion of mint or horseradish roots;
- pumpkin pulp.
Preventive actions
Prevention of toxic hepatitis comes down to preventing contact with toxic substances. If toxic hepatitis occurs in a person who works in hazardous work, then a change of job is necessary, and you can retire.
Toxic hepatitis refers to liver diseases; is the result of exposure to toxic substances in the body. The lesion is characterized by functional changes and anatomical changes in the liver cells with the possible involvement of various structural elements of the organ in the process. If the disease is acute, it often occurs with damage to two or more organs.
Chronic liver intoxication occurs gradually, with regular ingestion of a toxic substance in small doses into the body. Its symptoms appear slowly and not as brightly as in the acute form. Both forms are fraught with complications if not treated in a timely manner.
The risk group includes workers in hazardous industries, people who abuse alcohol and take other harmful substances, as well as patients who take medications without supervision from the attending physician.
This group includes elderly people due to their age, since the elderly experience sclerotic changes in blood vessels and disturbances in the normal functionality of the kidneys.
Medicines that can cause liver poisoning if taken in high doses include:
- anti-tuberculosis;
- antipyretics;
- antiviral;
- some antimicrobials (antibacterial drugs);
- anti-inflammatory drugs;
- antidepressants;
- hormones.
Medicines affect the liver in different ways: some cause the death of liver cells, others disrupt the nutrition of blood vessels, and even the active components of drugs in large quantities cause blockage of the bile ducts.
Large doses of drugs can not only cause acute liver intoxication, but also poison the liver slowly, gradually. In this case, the process proceeds covertly as a result of a cumulative effect, and this becomes clear only when cirrhosis or necrosis of the organ occurs.
When poisoned with vinegar essence, patients in 85% of cases develop toxic hepatitis, in which the liver enlarges, after 3 days icterus (yellowness) of the sclera and skin appears. In case of severe poisoning, in addition to liver damage, kidney function is also impaired.
Plant poisons enter the body together with the consumption of mushrooms, which are classified as inedible, and small children can swallow a leaf of a house plant, which is classified as poisonous.
Eating inedible mushrooms is the cause of plant poisons entering the body
Symptoms of the disease
An early sign of toxic damage in some patients is pain under the ribs on the right side, similar to hepatic colic. Hemorrhagic diathesis develops, which may be accompanied by bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, nose, postoperative wounds, and drug injection sites.
The acute form is also characterized by:
- nausea and vomiting;
- flatulence;
- when palpating the liver, its enlargement is felt;
- loss of appetite;
- a sharp increase in temperature;
- dizziness, loss of consciousness;
- hallucinations;
- dark urine and light-colored stool (jaundice).
In the acute form of toxic hepatitis, loss of consciousness may occur
Hallucinations occur due to damage to the central nervous system, which is affected by certain toxic substances.
The chronic form is characterized by the following manifestations:
- pain in the right hypochondrium after heavy food or alcohol;
- skin itching;
- bitterness in the mouth and bitter belching;
- yellow skin tone;
- biliary dyskinesia;
- rapid and excessive weight loss;
- rapid fatigue;
- increase in the number of white blood cells;
- slight increase in body temperature.
Symptoms of toxic liver damage in chronic form may appear for a while, then subside, but the process that destroys liver cells continues without stopping and requires treatment.
In children, toxic liver damage in acute form occurs much less frequently than in adults. Poison enters their body due to oversight on the part of adults. The symptoms will be the same as those of an adult, but help is needed immediately; failure to take action in a timely manner can be fatal.
Toxic hepatitis is rare in children; the entry of toxic substances into the child’s body can occur due to negligence by adults
Complications and processes in the body
The severity of liver poisoning largely depends on the type of toxic substance that caused the poisoning.
Effects of various toxins on the liver(may vary after ingestion)
| Substances that damage the liver | Process in organs | Features of the changes |
|---|---|---|
| Pesticides, alcohol, aldehydes, phosphorus, plant toxins (bittergrass, white toadstool, toadstool). | The intracellular structures of the liver cells are destroyed, metabolic processes fail. Kidney damage, central nervous system, hypoglycemia. | Fatty degeneration (significant excess of the normal amount of triglycerides in the liver), toxic necrosis. |
| Vinegar, copper sulfate, arsenous hydrogen, heavy metal compounds. | In the kidneys, the excretory epithelium is destroyed, metabolic processes are disrupted. | Pigmentary hepatosis (disorder of bilirubin metabolism) Hydropic (cells fill with fluid) and fatty degeneration. |
| Neurotoxic substances such as drugs, organophosphorus compounds: insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, dichlorvos. | Metabolism of these substances in the liver, their combination and excretion with bile, re-absorption. | Cholestasis (accumulation of bile in the bile ducts and hepatocytes), protein dystrophy, nephritis. |
| Exotoxic shock (occurs as a result of acute intoxication with chemical substances at the toxic stage). Complicates the course of severe chemical poisoning in the toxicogenic phase. | Tissue hypoxia, increased blood viscosity, significant deterioration in blood circulation. | Necrosis, protein and fatty degeneration. |
| Tetrachloride hydrocarbons. | Destruction of liver cells. Coma, depression of consciousness. | Cirrhosis, necrosis, death. |
One of the types of complications of liver intoxication is necrosis of hepatocytes in acute form. The course is characterized as very rapid, accompanied by severe symptoms and death. Brain swelling, decreased blood pressure, hypoglycemia, and death occur within a few days.
Complications of toxic hepatitis in the form of necrosis of hepatocytes in an acute form, a person’s death may occur within a few days
Toxic hepatitis in severe form leads to the following complications.
- , which has three stages. In the first, the disease is accompanied by nausea, weakness, fatigue and loss of appetite. In the second stage, jaundice and hemorrhagic diathesis occur. The third stage is characterized by a serious disorder of substances, strabismus and dystrophic disorders of all organs.
- Protein, fatty, hydropic dystrophy.
- Hepatic coma.
- Cirrhosis of the liver(death of cells and their replacement with connective tissue).
Timely therapy for mild forms of liver intoxication gives favorable prognoses.
Taking action
In case of acute poisoning and the symptoms listed above, it is necessary to call an ambulance; in this case, hospitalization will almost always be required. While waiting for her, it is recommended to drink as much water as possible and induce vomiting.
The doctor, having diagnosed acute toxic liver poisoning, will prescribe treatment, which includes a complex of several measures.
In very severe cases, hemodialysis may be performed (blood purification by removing toxins from the body and normalizing water and electrolyte imbalances). Effective are vein catheterization with the introduction of the necessary substances directly into the liver, hemosorption (blood purification with adsorbents).
The diet excludes salty, sweet, smoked and fried foods. Limiting animal fats and excluding vegetables with essential oils, such as radishes, onions, garlic, excluding herbs and spices. Food is consumed boiled or steamed. Use in small portions 5 times a day.
Bed rest, exclusion of physical activity and avoidance of stressful situations are required. This regimen, combined with a diet, will allow the body to direct all its forces to combat intoxication and restore the functioning of the liver and other organs.
Some hepatoprotectors which a doctor may prescribe
| Name | Action |
|---|---|
| The medicine replenishes the lack of phospholipids in cell membranes and inhibits the destruction of damaged cells. Restores liver cells, has an antitoxic effect and prevents poisons from penetrating the liver. | |
