Inflammatory processes occurring in the liver are called hepatitis. The reasons for their occurrence are very extensive. In most cases, inflammation of the organ is caused by infections. But it happens that changes in the liver provoke other pathological processes occurring in the human body. What are the symptoms of this condition and the treatment options recommended for this, we will consider in the article.
Definition
Reactive changes in the liver occur due to external factors. This disease is always secondary and is a kind of liver response to other pathological processes occurring in the body, and often not directly related to the organ itself. In most cases, the pathology is benign. With early diagnosis and timely treatment of the underlying disease, due to which the changes occurred, it is possible to achieve a complete restoration of the cells of the organ. It is worth noting that inIn most cases, there are reactive changes in the liver parenchyma. At the same time, there is a great chance to completely restore the functionality of the organ.
In children, this pathology is diagnosed less frequently than in adults. But at the same time, due to the immaturity of the liver, the disease progresses rapidly without proper treatment, thereby causing serious harm to he alth. Reactive changes in the liver in a child in most cases occur with pathologies of the digestive system or with helminthiasis. It is very important to consult a doctor if you suspect a pathology and, if the diagnosis is confirmed, start treatment.
Since all organs of the digestive system are interconnected, disturbances in the work of one of them often provoke failures in others. Reactive changes in the liver and pancreas that occurred simultaneously may indicate violations of many physiological processes in the body.
Reasons
Reactive changes in the liver is a very common pathology, which can be caused by a large number of both external and internal factors. Consider the most common causes of this condition:
- Pathological conditions of the digestive system - pancreatitis, colitis, intestinal or stomach ulcers and others.
- Endocrine diseases associated with disruption of the thyroid gland and diabetes mellitus.
- Systemic diseases - rheumatism, lupus erythematosus and others.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Oncological diseases.
- Intoxication.
- Various infections.
- Taking certain medications.
- Thermal damage.
- Surgical intervention on the liver.
- Helminthiasis.
Symptoms
Very often the disease is asymptomatic or its manifestations are blurred. Signs of reactive liver disease include the following conditions:
- General malaise, weakness.
- Fever.
- Stool disorder.
- Nausea, vomiting.
- Drawing pains in the liver.
- Light colored feces.
- Yellowness of the skin and mucous membranes.
- Black urine.
- Liver enlarged and tender when pressed.
Children may experience behavioral changes. Toddlers become capricious, whiny, quickly get tired. Aggressive behavior may occasionally occur.
Diagnosis
When signs of a disease appear, it is necessary to contact a gastroenterologist who will conduct an examination and prescribe the necessary tests that can confirm the diagnosis, identify the primary pathology and the degree of damage to the organ. For this, a set of procedures is used, which include the following laboratory and instrumental studies:
- General analysis of urine and blood to detect inflammation.
- Biochemical blood test, which can show elevated levels of liver enzymes and bilirubin.
- Hepatitis blood sampling.
- X-ray.
- MRI or CT.
- Tissue biopsy.
- Laparoscopy.
- Ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs, especially the liver and gallbladder.
Diffuse reactive liver changes are best diagnosed by ultrasound. This is the main method by which you can confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the disease.
On ultrasound, reactive liver changes are manifested by the following signs:
- Increase in organ density.
- Heterogeneous echo structure.
- Increased sound conductivity.
- Accumulation of connective tissue.
- Atypical formations.
- Edema.
- Loss of certain parts of the liver.
- The presence of fat cells in the body.
- Bleeding.
Methods of treating the disease
Since reactive liver changes are a secondary pathology, it is first necessary to eliminate the underlying disease. But since this is not enough, it is recommended to use complex treatment, which includes not only drug therapy, but also a special diet and lifestyle correction.
To maintain the liver during therapy, hepatoprotectors (for example, "Hofitol"), anti-inflammatory drugs, antispasmodics and sorbents are prescribed to help remove toxins. Severe diffuse reactive changes in the liver and pancreas are treated in a hospital setting, especially when it comes to children.
It is not recommended to self-medicate, as it is the doctorwill be able to choose the most effective therapy in each case.
Diet
It is necessary to adhere to certain recommendations regarding the nutrition of the patient. Consider them in more detail:
- All meals must be steamed or boiled.
- Fatty, fried, smoked, spicy and s alty foods are prohibited.
- All food should be finely minced, and grated food is recommended for small children.
- Meals should be frequent, but in small portions.
Permitted foods include:
- Vegetable soups.
- Steam cutlets.
- Porridge cooked with water.
- Boiled fish.
- Med.
- Non-acid fruits in small quantities.
- Protein omelet.
- Chicken meat.
- Low-fat fermented milk products.
- Vegetable purees.
- Cookies.
Must drink plenty of fluids. In addition to plain water, you can drink tea from calendula flowers, which will help relieve inflammation and unpleasant symptoms of a pathological condition. Decoctions of chamomile, lemon balm and mint are also allowed. But it should be remembered that taking herbs should be started after consultation with a specialist and the absence of allergies.
The following foods are prohibited or not recommended:
- Fatty meat soups.
- Mushrooms.
- Baking.
- Sausages.
- Canned food.
- Sausages.
- Ice cream.
- Chocolate.
- Cabbage.
- Waffles and others.
Possible Complications
Despite the fact that in most cases, reactive changes in the liver do not lead to serious complications, if left untreated, the disease can progress, leading to the development of dangerous pathologies. Since all organs of the digestive system are interconnected, liver disorders can lead to diseases of the pancreas and the appearance of gallstones. All this will have a negative impact on the work of the whole organism as a whole, disrupting its normal functioning. In especially advanced cases, cirrhosis of the liver and fatty hepatosis may develop, which are very difficult to treat and can lead to irreparable consequences. Currently, these diseases began to occur quite often, including in young people. Also, with reactive changes, the liver becomes less resistant to the influence of infections and inflammatory processes. Therefore, it is so important not only to treat the resulting liver pathologies, but also to try to prevent them.
In children, the development of complications occurs much faster, so you should constantly monitor the child's condition and, at the first deviations, consult a doctor who will prescribe diagnostic measures and, based on their results, effective treatment.
Prevention
Any disease is easier to prevent than to cure. This also applies to pathological conditions of the liver. Some guidelines need to be followed in order toprevent the development of dangerous diseases of the organ, which plays an important role in the normal functioning of the whole organism.
Let's look at the main preventive measures:
- Proper nutrition. This is one of the main conditions. It is necessary to reduce the consumption of animal fats, fried, spicy foods, giving preference to diet food.
- He althy lifestyle, including sports, outdoor walks.
- Do not take medications without strict indications, especially for a long course. Many drugs have a negative effect on the liver, so it is necessary to consult a doctor before any drug therapy.
- Periodic vitamin therapy, replenishing their supply in the body, thereby increasing its resistance to various infections.
- If you experience worrying symptoms, you should contact a medical facility.
Conclusion
Reactive changes in the liver, as a rule, do not pose a serious threat to human he alth and life. But sometimes, in the absence of therapy, a pathological condition can lead to the development of complications. Therefore, for the he alth of the liver, it is so important to follow preventive measures and consult a doctor in a timely manner.
