28/07/2023
Ignorance is never an excuse, our team took time to give a detail explainations of what you need to know about
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Hepatitis refers to an inflammatory condition of the liver. It is commonly the result of a viral infection, but there are other possible causes of hepatitis.
These include autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis that occurs as a secondary result of medications, drugs, toxins, and alcohol. is a disease that occurs when your body makes antibodies against your liver tissue.
The five main viral classifications of hepatitis are hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.
A different virus is responsible for each type of viral hepatitis.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is the result of an infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV). This type of hepatitis is an acute, short-term disease.
Hepatitis B
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes hepatitis B. This is often an ongoing, chronic condition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that around 257 million people worldwide are carriers of this virus.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C comes from the hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV is among the most common bloodborne viral infections.
Hepatitis D
This is a rare form of hepatitis that only occurs in conjunction with hepatitis B infection. The hepatitis D virus (HDV) causes liver inflammation like other strains, but a person cannot contract HDV without an existing hepatitis B infection.
Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E is a waterborne disease that results from exposure to the hepatitis E virus (HEV). Hepatitis E is mainly found in areas with poor sanitation and typically results from ingesting f***l matter that contaminates the water supply. Hepatitis E is usually acute but can be particularly dangerous in pregnant women.
of hepatitis and it's route of transmission
- exposure to HAV in food or water
- contact with HBV in body fluids, such as blood, vaginal secretions, or semen.
- contact with HCV in body fluids, such as blood, vaginal secretions, or semen
- contact with blood containing HDV
-exposure to HEV in food or water.
of non-infectious hepatitis
Although hepatitis is most commonly the result of an infection, other factors can cause the condition.
1. Alcohol and other toxins
Excess alcohol consumption can cause liver damage and inflammation. This may also be referred to as .
The alcohol directly injures the cells of your liver. Over time, it can cause permanent damage and lead to thickening or scarring of liver tissue (cirrhosis) and liver failure.
2. Misuse of Medications and exposure to toxins.
3. Autoimmune system response
In some cases, the immune system mistakes the liver as harmful and attacks it. This causes ongoing inflammation that can range from mild to severe, often hindering liver function. It’s three times more common in women than in men.
of infectious hepatitis include:
fatigue
flu-like symptoms
dark urine
pale stool
abdominal pain
loss of appetite
unexplained weight loss
yellow skin and eyes, which may be signs of jaundice.
It is crucial to understand what is causing hepatitis in order to treat it correctly. Doctors will progress through a series of tests to accurately diagnose your condition.
History and physical exam
To diagnose all forms of hepatitis, your doctor will first take your history to determine any risk factors you may have.
During a physical examination, your doctor may press down gently on your abdomen to see if there’s pain or tenderness. Your doctor may also check for any swelling of the liver and any yellow discoloration in your eyes or skin.
Liver function tests
Liver function tests use blood samples to determine how efficiently your liver works.
Ultrasound
An abdominal ultrasound uses ultrasound waves to create an image of the organs within your abdomen. This test allows your doctor to take a close look at your liver and nearby organs. It can reveal:
Abnormal results of these tests may be the first indication that there is a problem, especially if you don’t show any signs on a physical exam of liver disease. High liver enzyme levels may indicate that your liver is stressed, damaged, or not functioning correctly.
Doctors may also use blood tests to check for any signs of autoimmune hepatitis.
Treatment options will vary by the type of hepatitis you have and whether the infection is acute or chronic.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a short-term illness and may not require treatment. However, if symptoms cause a great deal of discomfort, bed rest may be necessary. In addition, if you experience vomiting or diarrhea, your doctor may recommend a dietary program to maintain your hydration and nutrition.
Hepatitis B
There is no specific treatment program for acute hepatitis B.
However, if you have chronic hepatitis B, you will requireTrusted Source antiviral medications. This form of treatment can be costly, as you may have to continue it for several months or years.
Treatment for chronic hepatitis B also requires regular medical evaluations and monitoring to determine if the virus is responding to treatment.
Hepatitis C
Antiviral medications can treat both acute and chronic forms of hepatitis C.
Typically, people who develop chronic hepatitis C will use a combination of antiviral drug therapies. They may also need further testing to determine the best form of treatment.
People who develop cirrhosis or liver disease due to chronic hepatitis C may be candidates for a liver transplant.
Hepatitis D
The WHOTrusted Source lists pegylated interferon alpha as a treatment for hepatitis D. However, this medication can have severe side effects. As a result, it’s not recommended for people with cirrhosis liver damage, those with psychiatric conditions, and people with autoimmune diseases.
Hepatitis E
Currently, no specific medical therapies are availableTrusted Source to treat hepatitis E. Because the infection is often acute, it typically resolves on its own.
Doctors will typically advise people with this infection to get adequate rest, drink plenty of fluids, get enough nutrients, and avoid alcohol. However, pregnant women who develop this infection require close monitoring and care.
Autoimmune hepatitis
Corticosteroids, like prednisone or budesonide, are extremely important in the early treatment of autoimmune hepatitis. They’re effective in about 80 percent of people with this condition.
There are vaccines that can help protect against many hepatitis viruses. Minimizing your risk of exposure to substances containing these viruses can also be an important preventive measure.
Vaccines
A vaccine for hepatitis A is available and can help prevent the contraction of HAV. The hepatitis A vaccine is a series of two doses and most children begin vaccination at age 12 to 23 monthsTrusted Source. This is also available for adults and can also include the hepatitis B vaccine.
The CDCTrusted Source recommends hepatitis B vaccinations for all newborns. Doctors typically administer the series of three vaccines over the first 6 months of childhood.
The CDC also recommends the vaccine for all healthcare and medical personnel. Vaccination against hepatitis B can also prevent hepatitis D.
There are currently no vaccines for hepatitis C or E.
Practicing effective hygiene is one way to avoid contracting hepatitis A and E. The viruses that cause these conditions can be presentTrusted Source in water. If you’re traveling to a country where there is a high prevalence of hepatitis, you should avoid:
local water
ice
raw or undercooked shellfish and oysters
raw fruit and vegetables
The hepatitis B, C, and D viruses can transmit through contact with bodily fluids containing these infectious agents.
You can reduce your riskTrusted Source of coming into contact with fluids containing these viruses by:
not sharing needles
not sharing razors
not using someone else’s toothbrush
not touching spilled blood
Hepatitis B and C can carry through sexual in*******se and sexual contact. Using barrier methods, such as condoms and dental dams, during sexual activity can help decrease the risk of infection.
