What are the causes of hepatic encephalopathy?

Generally, hepatic encephalopathy may be caused by constipation, excessive intake of nitrogen-containing foods, chronic hepatitis, liver failure, biliary tract infections, and other factors. If experiencing any discomfort, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Constipation

When constipated, intestinal peristalsis slows down and fecal matter remains in the intestines for too long, increasing the absorption of toxins such as ammonia produced by bacterial breakdown, which can easily trigger hepatic encephalopathy. It is advisable to increase dietary fiber intake by eating more vegetables and fruits, while developing regular bowel habits. Lactulose oral solution may be used when necessary to promote bowel movements and reduce toxin absorption.

2. Excessive Intake of Nitrogen-containing Foods

Excessive consumption of nitrogen-containing foods such as meat and eggs can lead to overproduction of ammonia in the body, exceeding the liver's metabolic capacity. Ammonia entering brain tissue can induce hepatic encephalopathy, possibly accompanied by dizziness and irritability. Dietary adjustments are needed to control the intake of nitrogen-containing foods, with preference for bland, easily digestible meals, following the principle of eating smaller, more frequent meals.

3. Chronic Hepatitis

Chronic hepatitis causes long-term damage to liver cells, gradually impairing the liver's metabolic and detoxification functions. Accumulation of toxins affects brain function, leading to hepatic encephalopathy, often accompanied by fatigue and reduced appetite. Patients should take medications such as entecavir dispersible tablets, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets, and silymarin capsules under a doctor's guidance to protect liver cells.

4. Liver Failure

In liver failure, extensive liver cell necrosis prevents normal detoxification, allowing toxins to directly affect the central nervous system, causing hepatic encephalopathy, which may be accompanied by jaundice and ascites. Patients should take medications such as adenosylmethionine disulfate butanedisulfonate for injection, reduced glutathione for injection, and compound glycyrrhizin injection under a doctor's guidance to improve liver function.

5. Biliary Tract Infection

Biliary tract infection increases the burden on the liver, and toxins produced by the infection further damage liver cells, inducing hepatic encephalopathy, often accompanied by abdominal pain and fever. Patients should use medications such as cefoperazone sodium and sulbactam sodium for injection, amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium for injection, and metronidazole injection under a doctor's guidance to control the infection.

In daily life, it is important to rest adequately and avoid excessive fatigue; maintain a cheerful mood and avoid emotional fluctuations; and undergo regular follow-up tests of liver function and blood ammonia levels to monitor disease progression.