Causes and symptoms of drug-induced hepatitis

The importance of the liver is difficult to overestimate. This organ regulates the metabolism of amino acids, lipids, proteins and carbohydrates, is responsible for the formation and secretion of bile, neutralizes toxic, poisonous substances, microbes, ammonia and performs other equally important functions. That is why any violation of the natural barrier can lead to serious consequences.

It is important to know that drug-induced hepatitis most often develops in women. Elderly people and newborns are also at risk. Factors such as pregnancy, trophic status and concomitant kidney pathologies increase the likelihood of inflammation.

The cause of liver damage in drug-induced hepatitis is the toxic effect of drugs. When entering the body, any toxic or poisonous elements must be neutralized. This task is performed by protein enzymes that convert harmful substances into intermediate metabolites. But with prolonged use of drugs, the liver's resources are depleted, and hepatocytes are damaged.

Genetic predisposition, allergic reactions, diseases of internal organs, a combination of medications taken, and exposure to various toxic substances (alcohol, drugs, chemical vapors, gases) accelerate the onset of inflammation.

According to the research results, it was noted that the disease is caused by taking:

• cytostatics;
• anti-tuberculosis and anti-inflammatory drugs;
• hormonal corticosteroids and contraceptives;
• diuretics;
• sulfonamides, antibiotics.

Treatment with anticonvulsants and antiepileptic drugs also increases the risk of developing diffuse diseases.

Before taking any substance, be sure to consult a doctor and carefully read the instructions. Often, their side effects lead to more dangerous complications than the disease itself.

The symptoms of the pathology depend on the severity and nature of the inflammatory process. In modern medicine, there are two variants of the course of the disease.

1. Acute - appears as a result of individual intolerance to the components of the drug or a strong allergic reaction.

2. Chronic - develops gradually, usually unnoticed by the patient.

The most dangerous form of hepatitis is acute necrosis of liver tissue. It progresses very quickly and can lead to cirrhosis and death.

Manifestations of the disease are characteristic of all liver disorders.

• Loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, constipation.
• Sharp pain in the right hypochondrium.
• Change in the color of discharge (darkening of urine, lightening of feces).
• Jaundice.

The main danger of such a disease is the asymptomatic chronic form. The patient does not notice deterioration in health until a certain stage. Manifestations of hepatitis disappear when the medication is discontinued, but the destruction of cells has already begun.

At the first suspicion of liver inflammation, you must contact a medical institution for consultation. The disease can be diagnosed using a biochemical blood test. The presence of hepatitis is confirmed by an increase in the level of transaminases. It is difficult to differentiate the disease from other similar pathologies. But an improvement in indicators after stopping medication should clarify the clinical picture.

Traditionally, hepatitis development is observed in drug addicts, alcoholics and people undergoing long-term pharmacological treatment. Therefore, for these categories, constant monitoring of the state of internal organs will not be superfluous. A timely diagnosis allows you to avoid irreversible changes (liver failure, coma and death).