Acute toxic hepatitis is a rather dangerous form of the disease, the cause of which is the penetration of toxic substances into the body. In this role, poisons, salts of heavy metals, natural toxins (poisonous mushrooms), some medications, alcohol and others can play.
Toxic hepatitis: causes
There are many factors that can lead to a similar result. The liver is a natural filter of the body, and it is in this organ that the neutralization of dangerous compounds takes place. Therefore, when exposed to toxic substances, it is primarily the liver that suffers.
Toxic liver damage can be a sign of poisoning with benzene, arsenic, lead, pesticides and many other compounds. Often, the disease develops with the use of poisonous mushrooms, as well as with bites of especially dangerous animals that release toxins in the human blood.
Toxic hepatitis, on the other hand, may have more common causes. For example, quite often this condition develops when the body is poisoned by alcohol. An important role is played by the composition of the drink used, its amount, as well as the duration of such a destructive addiction.
The cause of toxic damage can also be some medications, especially if you combine them with poisons and other aggressive chemicals. That is why the use of alcohol and drugs is prohibited during medication, but, unfortunately, such recommendations are often neglected.
Toxic hepatitis is a very serious condition. In the absence of timely treatment in the tissues of the body, necrotic processes begin.
Toxic Hepatitis: Symptoms
The first signs of intoxication do not appear immediately, but on 2–4 days after the penetration of the toxin. First, a person loses his appetite and complains of a constant feeling of bitterness in his mouth.
Then there is a dull pain in the right hypochondrium, which gives to the shoulder blade. It can intensify from time to time, especially if the patient has eaten something sharp or oily. Digestive symptoms may also appear - nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, etc.
In the blood, the level of bilirubin rises, as a result of which the patient's skin acquires a yellowish tint, like the eyeball proteins.
On palpation, you can notice that the size of the liver is increased, and touching and pressing in this place cause a new pain attack.
Toxic hepatitis: treatment
If a person has similar symptoms, then you should immediately go to the hospital - self-treatment in this case is life-threatening. After a series of analyzes and studies, the doctor will diagnose and find out the cause of the disease, the stage of its development and the toxin that the patient has been exposed to.
First you need to completely remove the toxin from the body. The methods that are used here directly depend on the form of the toxin, the amount and time it was taken.
If necrosis began to develop along with toxic poisoning, then the same methods are used for treatment as with viral forms of the disease. In the event that the patient suffers from a benign form of hepatitis caused by taking the drug, then sometimes it is possible to do without medication. As a rule, cessation of drug use stops the development of the disease.
If help to the patient was provided on time, then the prognosis will be favorable for him - the complete disappearance of symptoms will come after 2-4 weeks, after which the body can slowly restore liver function. Patients are also prescribed a special diet, which does not create an additional burden on this organ.