Hepatic Encephalopathy – What is it, Causes and Treatments!

Hepatic Encephalopathy – What it is, Causes and Treatments that we should all know. Also, Hepatic Encephalopathy is a decline in brain function that occurs as a result of severe liver disease. In this condition, the liver  cannot properly remove toxins from the blood. This causes a buildup of toxins in the bloodstream, which can lead to brain damage.

Hepatic Encephalopathy can be acute (short term) or chronic (long term). In some cases, a person with Hepatic Encephalopathy can become dissatisfied and go into a coma. Acute Hepatic Encephalopathy develops due to severe liver disease. So, check now  Hepatic Encephalopathy – What is it, Causes and Treatments:

What Causes Hepatic Encephalopathy:  The exact cause of Hepatic Encephalopathy is unknown. However, it is usually triggered by a buildup of toxins in the bloodstream. This occurs when the liver  is unable to properly break down toxins. The liver  removes toxic chemicals such as ammonia from the body.

These toxins are left over from proteins that are metabolized or broken down for use by various organs in the body. The kidneys change these toxins into safer substances that are then removed from the body through urination.

When the liver  is damaged, it is unable to filter out all the toxins. The toxins can then build up in the bloodstream and potentially enter the brain. Toxic buildup can also harm other organs and nerves.

Hepatic encephalopathy can be triggered by:

• Infections such as pneumonia:
• Kidney problems:
• dehydration :
• Low oxygen levels (hypoxia):
• Recent surgery or trauma:
• Use of medications to suppress the immune system:
• Eating a lot of protein :
• Use of medications (such as barbiturates or benzodiazepine tranquilizers) that suppress the central nervous system:
• Electrolyte imbalance, especially a decrease in potassium after vomiting or taking diuretics:

Symptoms of Hepatic Encephalopathy:  Symptoms of Hepatic Encephalopathy differ depending on the underlying cause of liver damage .

Symptoms and signs of moderate hepatic encephalopathy can include:

• Difficulty thinking:
• Personality changes:
• poor concentration:
• Problems with handwriting or loss of other small hand movements:
• confusion:
• forgetfulness:
• poor judgment:
• A musty or sweet breath odor:

Symptoms of Severe Hepatic Encephalopathy are:

• confusion:
• Drowsiness or lethargy:
• anxiety :
• Apprehensions:
• Severe personality changes:
• fatigue:
• Confused speech:
• Trembling hands:
• Slow moves:

Go to the emergency room or call 911 right away if you develop symptoms of severe hepatic encephalopathy . These symptoms can lead to coma if not treated quickly.

Treatment for Hepatic Encephalopathy:  Treatment options for Hepatic Encephalopathy differ depending on the severity and underlying cause of the condition. You will likely need to eat less protein if eating too much protein has caused the condition.

Since protein is necessary for the body to function properly, a nutritionist or doctor can create a diet that will allow you to get enough protein without making your symptoms worse. Protein -rich foods to avoid include poultry, red meat, eggs and fish.

Medications can also help slow the rate at which your blood absorbs toxins. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics and lactulose (a synthetic sugar). These medications can attract ammonia that intestinal bacteria from your blood creates into the colon, where your body will remove it. In severe cases that cause difficulty breathing, a ventilator or oxygen delivered through a mask may be necessary.