Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Many illnesses and conditions can cause inflammation of the liver, for example, drugs, alcohol, chemicals, and autoimmune diseases. Many viruses, for example, the virus of mononucleosis and the cytomegalovirus can inflame the liver. Most viruses, however, do not primarily attack the liver; the liver is just one of several organs that the viruses affect. When doctors speak of viral hepatitis, they usually are referring to hepatitis caused by a few specific viruses that primarily attack the liver. There are several hepatitis viruses; they have been named types A, B, C, D, E, F (not confirmed), and G. As our knowledge of hepatitis viruses grows, it is likely that this alphabetical list will become longer. The most common hepatitis viruses are types A, B, and C.
Hepatitis can heal on its own with no significant consequence, or it can progress to scarring of the liver. Acute hepatitis lasts under six months, while chronic hepatitis lasts longer.
Most liver damage is caused by 3 hepatitis viruses, called hepatitis A, B and C. However, hepatitis can also be caused by alcohol and some other toxins and infections, as well as from our own autoimmune process (the body attacks itself).
About 250 million people globally are thought to be affected by hepatitis C, while 300 million people are thought to be carriers of hepatitis B.
Not all forms of hepatitis are infectious. Alcohol, medicines, and chemical may be bad for the liver and cause inflammation. A person may have a genetic problem, a metabolic disorder, or an immune related injury. Obesity can be a cause of liver damage which can lead to inflammation. These are known as non-infectious, because they cannot spread form person-to-person.
Many people with Hepatitis experience either mild symptoms or none at all. Remember that an infected person's feces are always infectious to other people. When symptoms appear, they usually do so about 15 to 180 days after the person has become infected.
The initial phase of hepatitis is called the acute phase. The symptoms are like a mild flu, and may include:
# Diarrhea
# Fatigue
# Loss of appetite
# Mild fever
# Muscle or joint aches
# Nausea
# Slight abdominal pain
# Vomiting
# Weight loss
The acute phase is not usually dangerous, unless it develops into the fulminant or rapidly progressing form, which can lead to death.
As the patient gets worse, these symptoms may follow:
# Circulation problems (only toxic/drug-induced hepatitis)
# Dark urine
# Dizziness (only toxic/drug-induced hepatitis)
# Drowsiness (only toxic/drug-induced hepatitis)
# Enlarged spleen (only alcoholic hepatitis)
# Headache (only toxic/drug-induced hepatitis)
# Hives
# Itchy skin
# Light colored feces, the feces may contain pus
# Yellow skin, whites of eyes, tongue (jaundice)
Patient outcomes after the acute phase depend on various factors, especially the type of hepatitis.
How to prevent Hepatitis A
>> Wash your hands with soap after going to the toilet
>> Only consume food that has just been cooked
>> Only drink commercially bottled water, or boiled water if you unsure of local sanitation
>> Only eat fruits that you can peel if you are somewhere where sanitation is unreliable
>> Only eat raw vegetables if you are sure they have been cleaned/disinfected thoroughly
>> Get a vaccine for Hepatitis A if you travel to places where hepatitis may be endemic
How to prevent Hepatitis B
>> Tell the partner if you are a carrier or try to find out whether he/she is a carrier
>> Practice safe sex
>> Only use clean syringes that have not been used by anyone else
>> Do not share toothbrushes, razors, or manicure instruments
>> Have a Hepatitis B series of shots if you are at risk
>>Only allow well sterilized skin perforating equipment (tattoo, acupuncture, etc.)
How to prevent Hepatitis C
>> If you are infected do not let others share your toothbrush, razor, manicure equipment
>> If you are infected cover open wounds
>> Do not share needles, toothbrushes, or manicure equipment
>> If your skin is to be pierced, make sure equipment is well sterilized (tattoo, etc.)
>> Go easy on the alcohol
>> Do not share drug equipment
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