Inflammatory processes occurring in the liver are called hepatitis. The reasons for their occurrence are very extensive. In most cases, inflammation of the organ causes infections. But it happens that changes in the liver provoke other pathological processes that occur in the human body. What are the symptoms of this condition and the treatment options recommended in this case, we will consider in the article.
Definition
Reactive liver changes occur due to exposure to external factors. This disease is always secondary and is a kind of liver response to other pathological processes occurring in the body, and often not directly related to the organ itself. In most cases, the pathology is benign. With early diagnosis and timely treatment of the underlying disease, due to which the changes occurred, it is possible to achieve complete restoration of the cells of the organ. It is worth noting that in most cases there are reactive changes in the liver parenchyma. At the same time, there is a great chance to fully restore the functionality of the organ.
In children, this pathology is diagnosed less often than in adults. But at the same time, due to the immaturity of the liver, the disease progresses rapidly without proper treatment, thereby causing serious harm to health. Reactive liver changes in a child in most cases occur with pathologies of the digestive system or with helminthiasis. It is very important if you suspect a pathology, consult a doctor and, if the diagnosis is confirmed, start treatment.
Since all the organs of the digestive system are interconnected, disturbances in the operation of one of them often provoke failures in the others. Reactive changes in the liver and pancreas that occurred simultaneously can indicate violations of many physiological processes in the body.
Causes
Reactive liver changes are a very common pathology, the appearance of which can lead to a large number of both external and internal factors. Consider the most common causes of this condition:
- Pathological conditions of the digestive system - pancreatitis, colitis, intestinal or stomach ulcers, and others.
- Endocrine diseases associated with malfunctioning of the thyroid gland and diabetes.
- Systemic diseases - rheumatism, lupus erythematosus and others.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Oncological diseases.
- Intoxication.
- Various infections.
- Taking certain medications.
- Thermal damage.
- Surgical intervention on the liver.
- Helminthiasis.
Symptoms
Very often the disease is asymptomatic or its manifestations are blurred. Signs of reactive liver changes include the following conditions:
- General malaise, weakness.
- Fever.
- Upset stool.
- Nausea, vomiting.
- Drawing pains in the liver.
- Light stool color.
- Yellowness of the skin and mucous membranes.
- Darkening of urine.
- Enlarged liver and soreness when pressed on it.
Changes in behavior may occur in children. Kids become moody, tearful, quickly tired. Sometimes aggressive behavior can be observed.
Diagnostics
If signs of the disease appear, you need to contact a gastroenterologist who will conduct an examination and prescribe the necessary tests that can confirm the diagnosis, identify the primary pathology and the degree of organ damage. For this, a set of procedures is applied, which include the following laboratory and instrumental studies:
- General analysis of urine and blood to identify the inflammatory process.
- A biochemical blood test that can show elevated liver and bilirubin enzymes.
- Blood collection for hepatitis.
- Roentgenography.
- MRI or CT.
- Tissue biopsy.
- Laparoscopy.
- Ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs, especially the liver and gall bladder.
Diffuse reactive changes in the liver are best diagnosed using ultrasound. This is the main method by which you can confirm the diagnosis and identify the severity of the disease.
On ultrasound, reactive changes in the liver are manifested by the following signs:
- Increased organ density.
- Inhomogeneous echostructure.
- Increased sound conductivity.
- The accumulation of connective tissue.
- Atypical formations.
- Swelling.
- Damage to certain areas of the liver.
- The presence of fat cells in the body.
- Bleeding.
Methods for treating the disease
Since reactive changes in the liver are a secondary pathology, it is first necessary to eliminate the underlying disease. But since this is not enough, it is recommended to use complex treatment, which includes not only drug therapy, but also a special diet and lifestyle correction.
To maintain the liver during treatment, hepatoprotectors (for example, Hofitol), anti-inflammatory drugs, antispasmodics and sorbents that help remove toxins are prescribed. Strong diffuse reactive changes in the liver and pancreas are treated in a hospital, especially when it comes to children.
It is not recommended to self-medicate, since it is the doctor who will be able to choose the most effective therapy in each case.
Diet
You should adhere to certain recommendations regarding the nutrition of the patient. Let's consider them in more detail:
- All meals must be steamed or cooked.
- Fatty, fried, smoked, spicy and salty foods are prohibited.
- All food should be carefully chopped, and for young children it is recommended to use it in a grated form.
- Meals should be frequent, but in small portions.
Approved products include:
- Vegetable soups.
- Steam cutlets.
- Porridge cooked on the water.
- Boiled fish.
- Honey.
- Non-acidic fruits in small quantities.
- Protein omelet.
- Chicken's meat.
- Sour-milk products of low fat content.
- Vegetable smoothie.
- Galetny cookies.
It is necessary to use a large amount of liquid. In addition to plain water, you can drink tea from calendula flowers, which will help relieve inflammation and unpleasant symptoms of a pathological condition. Decoctions of chamomile, lemon balm and mint are also allowed. But it should be remembered that the intake of medicinal herbs should begin after consultation with a specialist and the absence of allergies.
The following products are prohibited or not recommended:
- Fatty meat soups.
- Mushrooms.
- Bakery products.
- Sausages.
- Canned food.
- Sausages.
- Ice cream.
- Chocolate.
- Cabbage.
- Waffles and others.
Possible complications
Despite the fact that in most cases, reactive changes in the liver do not lead to serious complications, if untreated, the disease can progress, leading to the development of dangerous pathologies. Since all organs of the digestive system are interconnected, impaired liver function can lead to pancreatic diseases and the appearance of gallstones. All this will have a negative impact on the work of the whole organism as a whole, disrupting its normal functioning. In especially advanced cases, liver cirrhosis and fatty hepatosis can develop, which are very poorly treatable and can lead to irreparable consequences. Currently, these diseases have become common enough, including among young people. Also, with reactive changes, the liver becomes less resistant to the effects of infections and inflammatory processes. Therefore, it is so important not only to treat the arising pathologies of the liver, but also to try to prevent them.
In children, the development of complications occurs much faster, so you should constantly monitor the condition of the child and, at the first deviations, consult a doctor who will prescribe diagnostic measures and, as a result, effective treatment.
Prevention
Any disease is easier to prevent than to cure. This also applies to pathological conditions of the liver. It is necessary to adhere to some recommendations that will prevent the development of dangerous diseases of the organ, which plays an important role in the normal functioning of the whole organism.
Consider the main preventive measures:
- Proper nutrition. This is one of the main conditions. It is necessary to reduce the consumption of animal fats, fried, spicy foods, giving preference to diet.
- Healthy lifestyle, including sports, walks in the fresh air.
- Do not take medications without strict indications, especially a long course. Many drugs have a negative effect on the liver, therefore, before any drug therapy, you must consult your doctor.
- Periodically carry out vitamin therapy, replenishing their supply in the body, thereby increasing its resistance to various infections.
- If disturbing symptoms occur, you should contact a medical institution.
Conclusion
Reactive liver changes, as a rule, do not pose a serious threat to human health and life. But sometimes, in the absence of therapy, a pathological condition can lead to the development of complications. Therefore, for liver health, it is so important to follow preventive measures and consult a doctor in a timely manner.