The liver is the body's primary detoxification organ. Frequent exposure to harmful substances can overload the liver, hindering its ability to process toxins efficiently. This can lead to the accumulation of toxins, causing damage and inflammation.

Toxic hepatitis is a type of liver inflammation caused by acute or chronic liver damage. This condition can manifest within hours or days after exposure to toxins or develop gradually over months, depending on the level and duration of exposure. Untreated toxic hepatitis can lead to serious health complications.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Tuyet Mai, from the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Tam Anh General Clinic, District 7, outlines some of the causes of toxic hepatitis.

Medication misuse is a leading cause of toxic hepatitis. Both prescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause liver inflammation, especially when taken in large doses, for extended periods, or without following a doctor's instructions. Herbal remedies and alternative treatments can also contain substances harmful to the liver. Consulting a doctor before taking any medication is crucial.

Exposure to environmental chemicals and toxins, such as solvents, pesticides, cleaning products, and industrial toxins, can also lead to toxic hepatitis. Workers in industries like construction, manufacturing, and agriculture face higher risks due to regular exposure to these substances.

According to Dr. Mai, carbon tetrachloride, found in some cleaning agents and fire extinguishers, is linked to numerous cases of liver damage.

Dr. Mai consults with a patient. Photo illustration: Tam Anh General Clinic, District 7. *Italicized*

The liver processes the alcohol consumed by the body. Excessive alcohol intake overwhelms the liver, leading to inflammation and the death of liver cells. The recommended alcohol limit for men is no more than two units per day, while women should not exceed one unit per day. One unit of alcohol is equivalent to 270 ml of beer, 125 ml of wine, or 25 ml of spirits.

Continued alcohol consumption without prompt treatment can cause this damage to progress to cirrhosis and liver failure. The rate of progression varies depending on individual circumstances.

Other contributing factors to toxic hepatitis include toxins in the daily diet, exposure to contaminated food, viral infections, and certain types of toxic mushrooms.

Symptoms of toxic hepatitis are often mistaken for common digestive problems like loss of appetite, fatigue, and nausea. More specific symptoms include pain in the upper right abdomen, dark urine, jaundice, skin rashes, and itching.

To diagnose toxic hepatitis, in addition to a physical examination to identify signs of liver damage such as an enlarged liver, jaundice, and abnormalities in the upper right abdomen, doctors may order blood tests, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRI scans to assess the extent of inflammation and liver damage. This helps doctors determine the cause and evaluate any other existing medical conditions.

Thao Nhi