About this topic
Toxic hepatitis is a disease that harms and causes sudden swelling of the liver. The swelling may be the bodys response to an infection or injury. It may also be caused by taking a drug or toxic substance. Some people get this illness within hours or days after taking in the toxic substance. Other people may have months of normal liver function before warning signs appear. The most common toxin is alcohol. The liver becomes harmed and does not work well. ‚
Sometimes, your warning signs will go away. This may happen if the drug or toxic substance causing the problems is stopped. The signs may also go away if you are no longer in contact with the toxin. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take all of your drugs exactly as the doctor has ordered. You may want to use an alarm or talking pill box to help you remember to take each dose on time.
- Never stop taking drugs or change the dose without asking your doctor first.
- Heat may be used to help with belly pain. If your doctor tells you to use heat, put a heating pad on your belly for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Never go to sleep with a heating pad on as this can cause burns.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day.
- Do not drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Avoid taking drugs and substances that can cause more harm to your liver. Ask your doctor before taking any drugs, vitamins, or supplements.
- Avoid using drugs like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin) unless your doctor says it is OK.
- Avoid contact with toxic substances. These are often found in dry cleaning and industrial work. If you must work with toxic chemicals, wear proper protective gear.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your condition needs close watching. Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Treat a fever
- Treat an upset stomach
- Help remove the toxins from your body
- Protect you from other kinds of hepatitis
Many of the drugs may cause side effects. Talk to your doctor if you are having problems taking any of your drugs. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Liver damage
- Liver failure
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
- Throwing up, upset stomach, or loose stools that last for more than 2 to 3 days
- Loss of appetite
- Bloody or black stools
- White or clay colored stools
- Very dark yellow urine
- Yellow color of skin, eyes, or inside of mouth
- Swelling in your belly, legs, ankles, or feet
- Itching or rash
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, chills, different colored stools, yellow skin or eyes, or itching.
Where can I learn more?
Canadian Liver Foundation ‚
http://www.liver.ca/liver-disease/types/toxic-hepatitis.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚