Can your liver be poisoned? (Toxic Hepatitis) Let's find out exactly what this is!

The liver is one of the most important organs in our body. Like a filter, the liver's main job is to remove toxins from the body and purify the blood . However, sometimes the liver can also be damaged by toxins. Today we are going to talk about such a condition, namely Toxic Hepatitis . You may not have heard of this before. But this is something we all need to know.

What exactly is Toxic Hepatitis?

Simply put, toxic hepatitis is when our liver becomes inflamed. This inflammation is caused by exposure to something toxic (toxin) . This means that you:

• If you touch something poisonous.
• If you inhale toxic air.
• If you swallow something poisonous.

This can cause the liver to swell. Not only that, but if you take too much of certain medications or drink too much alcohol, it can also damage the liver and cause this condition. If the liver is swollen like this for a long time, it can also cause permanent damage to the liver. Think of it like if we keep pouring dirty water into our water filter at home, it will become dirty.

What really happens to our liver?

The liver is one of the largest organs in our body. It is like the purification center of our body. The liver mainly cleans our blood and removes toxins and unwanted substances that enter the body. If it is not working properly, our entire body can become dysfunctional.

Are there different types of toxic hepatitis?

Yes, we can see toxic hepatitis in two main ways:

• Acute toxic hepatitis: This is a condition that occurs suddenly . Symptoms may appear shortly or very soon after exposure to a toxic substance.
• Chronic toxic hepatitis: This type takes a while to develop. There may be no symptoms for weeks or months. It is the liver that is damaged over time.

In addition to these two types, doctors also classify this condition according to the cause that causes it.

• Chemical-induced hepatitis: This is caused by ingesting, inhaling, or touching a chemical. People who work in some factories may be at risk.
• Drug-induced hepatitis: This condition can occur if you take too much of certain medications, for example , acetaminophen (also known as Panadol, paracetamol), painkillers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) , or other medications prescribed by a doctor.
• Alcohol-induced hepatitis: This is a condition that occurs in people who drink alcohol regularly, especially those with alcohol use disorder. This risk is sometimes higher in those who consume alcohol with other drugs.

What are the symptoms of liver poisoning?

One of the main symptoms of liver problems is yellowing of the skin and eyes (Jaundice) . This is something that most people are familiar with. However, there may be other symptoms in addition to this:

• Stomach pain , especially in the upper right side of the abdomen.
• Feeling like your stomach is bloated due to fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites) .
• Constant feeling of tiredness and lifelessness `(Fatigue)` .
• Fever .
• Food is tasteless .
• Nausea and vomiting .
• Changes in urine color , especially dark yellow to tea-colored urine.

Some people may develop a skin rash called ``Toxic hepatitis rash`` . This causes small purple spots or spots to appear on the skin. The skin may also become itchy (pruritus) .

What are the main causes of toxic hepatitis?

As we've discussed before, exposure to certain chemicals or medications is the main cause. Symptoms can appear immediately, or they can appear weeks or months later.

But the most important thing to remember is that not everyone who is exposed to these things will develop toxic hepatitis. Everyone's body reacts differently.

Let's look at a few main reasons:

Drug-induced hepatotoxicity

This happens because of some of the medications and supplements we take.

• Some herbal supplements : We believe that Ayurveda and traditional remedies are harmless. However, some herbs, if used incorrectly, can be harmful to the liver.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) : It is not good to use painkillers like ibuprofen continuously or excessively.
• Prescription medications: Some medications prescribed by doctors (e.g., medications for tuberculosis, some medications for epilepsy) can affect the liver if not taken as directed.

Alcohol-induced toxic hepatitis

Drinking too much alcohol is very bad for the liver. If you are having trouble controlling your alcohol intake, it is important to see a doctor for advice.

What if you take too much acetaminophen?

Even acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol®, Panadol, Paracetamol), which we often use for fever and body aches, can be toxic to the liver if taken in excess. Many adults should remember these things:

• Do not take more than 4000 milligrams of acetaminophen per day (24 hours) (that's more than 8 regular Panadol tablets).
• Do not take acetaminophen for more than 10 days at a time (without medical advice).

If you already have a liver condition, taking too much acetaminophen can be very dangerous. If you think you've taken more than the recommended amount, see a doctor immediately . Your doctor may also do an acetaminophen level test to check the level of acetaminophen in your blood.

What if vitamin A increases?

Vitamin A is essential for the body. However, taking more than 40,000 IU (International Units) of vitamin A per day can cause liver toxicity. Therefore, it is best to talk to a doctor about any vitamin or supplement you take.

Is toxic hepatitis contagious from person to person?

No. Toxic hepatitis is not a disease that can be transmitted from one person to another. It is a non-contagious condition. Therefore, you cannot get it from being around someone who has the disease.

Who is most at risk for this condition?

Anyone can develop toxic hepatitis. However, some people are at higher risk:

• For women (due to the way they react to certain medications).
• For those addicted to alcohol (Alcohol use disorder) .
• People who already have liver disease , for example, those with Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C.
• For those who use certain prescription medications or over-the-counter medications (especially multiple medications at the same time).
• For those who work with or frequently come into contact with certain chemicals (e.g. solvents) .

Also, people with certain genetic disorders are at higher risk. Examples:

• Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency .
• Hemochromatosis (excess iron in the body).

What are the possible complications of toxic hepatitis?

If this condition is not treated properly, it can cause severe damage to the liver. This can lead to conditions like cirrhosis (hardening and shrinking of the liver) and eventually chronic liver failure . If that happens, you may even need a liver transplant . So it's not a good idea to just ignore it.

How do doctors recognize this?

If you have symptoms, a doctor will first ask you about your symptoms and your lifestyle (e.g., medications you take, alcohol use, occupation). Then they will do a physical examination . They may also do some tests to confirm whether you have toxic hepatitis.

Blood tests

For this, several blood tests are mainly performed:

• Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) : This can give an idea of ​​the functioning of various chemicals and organs in the body.
• Liver function tests : These check how well the liver is working and whether there is any liver damage.

In addition, if the doctor wants, he or she can perform a blood alcohol content (BAC) test or a test to check for other drugs of abuse. These can be detected through blood and urine tests.

Other tests

If more information is needed about the condition of the liver, a doctor may also perform tests such as:

• Imaging tests : For example, a CT scan or MRI scan . These take pictures of the inside of the liver and examine it.
• Liver biopsy : A small piece of tissue is taken from the liver and examined under a microscope to see what kind of damage has occurred to the liver. This is usually done if other tests are inconclusive.

What is the treatment for this?

Treatment for toxic hepatitis depends on the extent of damage to your liver. After examining your liver, a doctor may recommend the following:

• They are told to stop taking medications or nutritional supplements that are toxic to the liver.
• They tell you to stop drinking alcohol completely .
• If you are exposed to chemicals at work, talk to your superior about it and try to transfer to another job .
• If that's not possible, they recommend wearing protective equipment (such as face masks and gloves) when working with chemicals.

The most important thing is to remove what has damaged the liver. This gives the liver a chance to heal itself.

Can toxic hepatitis be completely cured?

In most cases, yes, toxic hepatitis can be cured . Our liver has an amazing ability to remove damaged cells and make new ones. This means that the liver has the ability to reverse the damage that has been done. However, if you develop a serious liver disease, such as cirrhosis , you are at risk of liver failure. If that happens, your medical team may talk to you about a liver transplant.

How long does it take to heal?

The time it takes to recover from toxic hepatitis depends on several factors:

• How long have you had this condition?
• The extent of damage to your liver.

If the damage is mild or moderate, it may take several weeks or months for the liver to repair and heal the damaged cells.

How can we protect ourselves from this?

There are several things we can do to protect ourselves from toxic hepatitis:

• Avoid exposure to industrial chemicals that can damage the liver.
• Do not use illegal drugs (cocaine, marijuana, etc.) .
• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink , or it's best to stop completely.
• Even if you buy medicine from the pharmacy, take it exactly as directed, in the correct dosage .
• Talk to a doctor before taking any nutritional supplements .

How to reduce the risk of liver damage? How to keep the liver healthy?

You can help keep your liver healthy by making healthy lifestyle changes. While there is no specific toxic hepatitis diet, you can help your liver function by eating and drinking things you can do. Try these things:

• Drink plenty of water and fluids. Don't let dehydration happen.
• Eat more foods high in fiber (e.g., beans, green peas, and whole grains like brown rice).
• Limit high-fat, high-sugar foods .
• Reduce salt consumption .

What to expect if you have toxic hepatitis?

Talk to your doctor about your liver health. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully about how to take care of yourself while you recover from toxic hepatitis.

When should you see a doctor?

If you have severe liver failure symptoms, or if you have signs of acute liver failure, see a doctor immediately . These include:

• Dark, tarry stools .
• Delirium (confusion, disorientation).
• If jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) increases.
• If the appetite continues.
• Ecchymosis is the sudden appearance of bruise-like spots on the body .
• Difficulty moving the body .
• Vomiting blood .

Toxic hepatitis can develop over time. You may not notice any symptoms until your liver is damaged. However, making lifestyle changes can help your liver heal. Talk to your doctor about what causes liver toxicity and how you can improve your liver health. If your liver has been severely damaged by toxic hepatitis, your doctor will explain the treatment options available to you to help you recover.

Take home message

So, we hope that you now understand what toxic hepatitis is, its causes, symptoms, and treatment. Remember, our liver is a very valuable organ . It is our responsibility to protect it.

• Do not take medicine unnecessarily . Do not continue to use any medicine without the advice of a doctor.
• Stay away from alcohol as much as possible .
• Follow a healthy diet and lifestyle .
• If you have any unusual symptoms related to your liver, don't ignore it and see a doctor immediately .

If we take care of these things, we can protect ourselves from liver damage to a great extent. If you have any further questions about this, don't hesitate to talk to a doctor.

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