1. Treat as Soon as Possible
After receiving a diagnosis of toxic hepatitis, your doctor will want to start treatment immediately. In some cases, the effects on the liver from toxic hepatitis can be reversed. Otherwise, you can develop irreversible scarring of the liver, known as cirrhosis, or liver failure. Your doctor will use a combination of tests to determine how much damage has occurred to the liver. First, he'll use a blood test to measure the level of your liver enzymes. Elevated liver enzymes can point to serious liver damage. During the diagnostic period, your doctor will also likely take a liver biopsy. The results of the liver biopsy will determine the extent of the damage to the liver caused by the toxic hepatitis. Your doctor will then develop a treatment plan based on these results.
2. Get to the Root of the Problem
Toxic hepatitis develops due to exposure to a toxic substance. Toxic substances that can cause the condition include certain chemicals, drugs and poisonous mushrooms. Once your doctor determines the cause of the toxic hepatitis, you must eliminate exposure to the substance right way. If caught early enough, stopping the use of a substance can successfully treat toxic hepatitis. Workers who handle pesticides and industrial toxins may need to change careers as a way to stop their exposure. Over the course of several months, your doctor will monitor your symptoms to see if you're improving once you no longer come in contact with the toxic substance. You may need supportive therapy as well during this time, including IV fluids to help prevent dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea symptoms.
3. Worst Case Scenario
A person with toxic hepatitis runs the risk of suffering from liver failure. Damage to the liver may cause the liver to no longer function properly. In this case, your doctor may have to consider your candidacy for a liver transplant. Unfortunately, the donor program contains a long list of people waiting to receive a liver. You may never have the chance to go through the transplant operation. This is the reason it's so important to try and get treatment for toxic hepatitis right away.
4. Preventative Measures for the Future
Once you successfully treat toxic hepatitis, your doctor will discuss preventative measures to help avoid developing this condition again. You'll need to learn how to take medication as directed and not mix it with alcohol or illegal drugs. You should also wear protective clothing and take the necessary precautions when handling dangerous chemicals at home and work.
