.
Today’s topic is drug-induced liver diseases drug-induced liver diseases are diseases of the liver that can develop following the use of certain drugs physician prescribed medications over-the-counter medications vitamins herbs and illicit drugs as well as environmental toxins the liver is the largest solid organ in the body and has many essential body functions
Including the production of protein important for blood clotting transporting oxygen and helping the immune system helping the body store sugar in the form of glycogen breaking down saturated fat and producing cholesterol getting rid of harmful substances in the bloodstream including drugs and alcohol storing excess nutrients and returning some to the bloodstream
When drugs injure the liver and slow down its ability to function properly symptoms and signs of liver disease may develop abnormalities of drug-induced liver diseases are similar to those of liver diseases caused by other agents such as immunologic diseases and viruses drugs and chemicals can cause a wide range of injury to the liver such as cirrhosis blood clots
In the veins of the liver necrosis steatosis or fat accumulation in the liver cholestasis or decreased secretion and or flow of bile hepatitis or inflammation of the liver mild elevations in blood levels of liver enzymes causes medication over-the-counter and prescription that have been associated with drug-induced liver disease includes acetaminophen aspirin
Ibuprofen naproxen sodium when taken excessively or taken with alcohol nsaids steroids antiviral drugs for hiv infection arthritis drugs like methoxytrate antifungal drugs niacin antibiotics such as erythromycin statin vitamin a oral contraceptive pills chemotherapy herbal supplements that contain aloe vera cascara comfrey or kava chemical and solvents factors
That may put you at a higher risk of having the infection include a previous history of liver disease old age a gene mutation that affects the way liver works working in a job that uses industrial chemicals which may be toxic taking alcohol alongside some medications or supplements symptoms fever dark colored urine itching jaundice headaches nausea weight loss
Vomiting diarrhea stomach pain white or gray stool diagnosis and treatment diagnosing the condition may be difficult as patients may not have symptoms of liver disease or may have mild non-specific symptoms to make a diagnosis the doctor will carry out a physical exam go over your symptoms and perform a thorough medical history blood tests to check for signs
Of liver malfunction as well as for certain enzymes that might indicate liver disease imaging tests such as a ct scan ultrasound or mri scan a biopsy of the liver to check for severe liver disease treatment to treat the condition you will have to stop using the drug that is causing your symptoms in most patients symptoms of the liver disease will resolve and
Blood tests will become normal and there will be no long-term liver damage in some cases where damage is severe a liver transplant may be required to help avoid the condition only take supplements and medications when they are truly necessary do not take more than the recommended amount of any medication ensure that your doctors are aware of all medications that
You are using especially herbs and vitamins you take on your own tell the doctor if you have had a previous history of liver disease thank you for watching our video please do not forget to like and share the video also please subscribe to the channel to stay updated on our latest videos
Transcribed from video
Drug-Induced Liver Disease, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment. By Medical Centric
