Toxic hepatitis
Toxic hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that develops as a result of a reaction to certain compounds Toxic hepatitis can be caused by alcohol, chemicals, drugs, and food additives.
In some cases, toxic hepatitis develops within a few hours or days after contact with the toxin. In other cases, it may take many months of regular use of the toxin to show signs of toxic hepatitis
Symptoms of toxic hepatitis disappear on their own after stopping contact with the toxin Toxic hepatitis can permanently damage the liver and lead to scarring (cirrhosis) or liver failure.
Toxic hepatitis develops when inflammation develops in the liver after contact with a toxic substance Toxic hepatitis can also develop when taking an overdose of some medications
One of the functions of the liver is to break down compounds and drugs in the blood The breakdown of toxins produces waste products that can damage the liver The liver has a very high capacity for regeneration, however, constant contact with a toxic substance can cause irreversible liver damage.
The causes of toxic hepatitis are:
- Alcohol Drinking too much alcohol over the years can lead to alcoholic hepatitis - inflammation of the liver caused by alcohol
- Painkillers Some pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, can damage the liver, especially when used long-term or with alcohol. The following drugs have been associated with serious liver damage: Augmentin, halothane, isoniazid, valproic acid, phenytoin, azathioprine, niacin, atorvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin, fluvastatin, rosuvastatin, ketoconazole, some antibiotics, antiviral drugs, Sh
- Industrial chemicals Some chemicals cause liver damage These include carbon tetrachloride, vinyl chloride in plastics, the herbicide paraquat, and a large group of industrial chemicals called polychlorinated biphenyls.
A mild form of toxic hepatitis may not cause symptoms and can only be detected by a blood test Signs and symptoms of toxic hepatitis include:
- Yellowing of the skin and sclera (jaundice)
- Itching
- Pain in the upper right part of the abdomen
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
Some medications, such as acetaminophen, can cause liver failure in large doses. Get medical help right away if you think an adult or child has overdosed on acetaminophen or if they have signs and symptoms of an overdose of acetaminophen, which are:
- Sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Upper abdominal pain
Acetaminophen overdose can be fatal
