Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver. The disease can be self-limiting or can progress to scarred liver and liver cancer. Hepatitis all around the world is most commonly caused by viruses. Still, autoimmune diseases, toxic substances, and some other infections can also result in the condition.
We will discuss hepatitis caused by viruses termed as viral hepatitis in more detail here as it is the most common form of hepatitis.
Viral hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver caused by one of the many viruses that infect the liver. Viral hepatitis can be acute, meaning that the infection does not persist more than six months in the body. If the immune system of the body is not able to clear the viral infection within six months, then the disease is termed as chronic. Chronic hepatitis is a severe disease and can lead to liver failure and other medical conditions resulting in death.
People with chronic hepatitis mostly do not experience symptoms. The symptoms showed if any are so mild that the infected person usually does not feel the need to seek help from the medical care providers. Symptoms typically include a general feeling of being unwell, fatigue, weight loss, lack of appetite, low-grade fever, headaches, muscle aches, jaundice (yellow tinge to the skin and mucous membranes), vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, itching of the skin, diarrhea, pale bowel movement, and dark-colored urine.
A patient who has chronic hepatitis can be symptomless for many years. In the meantime, there is gradual and continuous damage happening to the liver. As hepatitis progresses, there are changes in the liver’s structure, and its ability to function correctly is hampered.
Consider watching this video to know more about what is hepatitis A……
Once liver damage becomes too extensive, many complications can arise, such as muscle wasting, bleeding from the stomach or esophagus, abdominal swelling, and problems in thinking and decision making. When these complications start to occur, the individual is considered to be at severe risk of liver failure or liver cancer, leading to death.
The viruses which cause hepatitis are termed as A, B, C, D, and E. These viruses are the reason for illnesses and deaths all around the world. They are also the reason behind the hepatitis outbreaks and epidemic spreads. B and C type of viruses are of greatest concern as they cause chronic hepatitis in hundreds of millions of people across the globe.
Hepatitis A virus is transmitted by consuming contaminated water or food. Some sex practices can also cause its spread. Most people make a full recovery after remaining infected with the virus, but it can also be life-threatening in some cases. Vaccines are available for prevention from Hepatitis A.
Hepatitis B virus spreads through exposure to infected blood, body fluids, and semen. It can be transmitted to infants from infected mothers. Contaminated injections during medical procedures can also cause the disease. Effective vaccines are available for prevention from Hepatitis B.
Hepatitis C virus is transmitted by getting exposed to infected blood. There is also a possibility of sexual transmission, but it is not common. Vaccines are not available for Hepatitis C.
Hepatitis D virus only infects people who are already infected with the Hepatitis B virus. Infection with both viruses can result in detrimental effects. Vaccines available for Hepatitis B also provides prevention against Hepatitis D.
Hepatitis E virus transmissions mostly occur through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. This virus is a common cause of outbreaks in developing countries. Vaccines to prevent this virus have been developed, but their availability is not common.
The prevention strategy from hepatitis includes getting awareness about how the virus spreads, getting immunized, avoiding contaminated substances, practicing safe sex, and avoiding sharing high-risk items.
For the prevention of hepatitis, it is vital to stay safe from illicit substances. Using drugs by injection is the most common way of contracting dangerous forms of hepatitis. People get infected by different types of viral hepatitis by sharing needles and other miscellaneous articles.
Continued alcohol consumption in people who have chronic hepatitis can exacerbate damage to the liver. It can lead to the development of liver scarring and liver cancer. So it is crucial to avoid any such substances which aggravate the disease.
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Until Next Time,
Team Doctor ASKY!