Toxic Hepatitis

Toxic hepatitis occurs when liver develops inflammation because of exposure to a toxic substance, drugs and alcohol. It may also develop when you take too much of a prescription or over-the-counter medication. Mild forms of toxic hepatitis may not cause any symptoms and may be detected only by blood tests. Symptoms of toxic hepatitis include nausea and vomiting, rash, weight loss, dark or tea-colored urine. It occurs in the UK, but is more common in countries where sanitation and sewage disposal are poor. Around 350 cases are reported each year in England, with most cases occurring in people who have travelled abroad. It is estimated that around 215,000 people in the UK have chronic hepatitis.

Treatments for toxic hepatitis include stopping exposure to the toxin, medication to reverse liver damage caused by acetaminophen and liver transplant (in severe cases). People with severe symptoms are likely to receive supportive therapy in the hospital, including intravenous fluids and medication to relieve nausea and vomiting. Many studies are being done to develop newer drugs with fewer side-effects and cause minimal damage to the liver. In the case of alcohol-related liver damage, enrolling in a treatment/rehabilitation program is highly recommended and may be required.