Hepatitis: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention.

 

Hepatitis

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver. A disease of the liver caused by a viral infection or by harmful substances such as alcohol. Hepatitis can occur with or without a few symptoms. However, in most cases, the symptoms are jaundice, loss of appetite, and sickness. Two types of hepatitis are seen: acute and chronic. Acute hepatitis lasts less than 6 months, while chronic hepatitis lasts longer. The disease is mainly caused by the hepatitis virus, it can be caused by alcohol, certain drugs, industrial-organic solvents, and plant toxins.

 

How many types of hepatitis?

Common types of hepatitis are:

Hepatitis A:

The cause of hepatitis A is the hepatitis A virus. It is the most common hepatitis disease. It is usually seen in places where sanitation and drainage systems are very poor. It is usually transmitted through contaminated food and water. It is a short-term disease, the symptoms of which usually go away within three months. There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A without the use of ibuprofen painkillers. Hepatitis A can be prevented by vaccination.

Hepatitis B:

The hepatitis B virus is caused by the hepatitis B virus. It is transmitted through body fluids such as blood and semen and vaginal fluids. It is usually transmitted into the bloodstream through unprotected sex or an injection syringe. It usually occurs in drug users. Hepatitis B vaccine is available. This vaccination may be recommended for drug users and those living in high-risk areas.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis C:

Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus. It is usually found in the blood and in very rare cases in the saliva, semen, or vaginal fluid of an infected person. Since it is usually found in the blood, the disease is spread by blood-to-blood contact. The symptoms of this disease are a lot like flu. People with chronic hepatitis C may take a number of antiviral drugs but may also experience some unpleasant side effects. No specific vaccine for hepatitis C is yet available.

Alcoholic hepatitis:

It can be seen by drinking a lot of alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption damages the liver, leading to hepatitis. It usually has no symptoms, only known through blood tests. If a person with alcoholic hepatitis continues to drink alcohol, it can be extremely risky. In that case, intestinal hardening (cirrhosis) and liver function may stop.

Hepatitis D:

Hepatitis D is caused by the hepatitis D virus. It can occur only in people who have hepatitis B. Hepatitis D can survive with hepatitis B alone.

Hepatitis E:

Hepatitis E is caused by the hepatitis E virus. It is short-lived and has low intensity. In this case, the transmission from person to person is less.

Autoimmune hepatitis:

It is not a long-term disease. In this case, the white blood cells attack the liver. This can lead to fatal liver failure. The exact cause of this disease is not yet known. Symptoms include fatigue, lower abdominal pain, joint pain, jaundice, and cirrhosis. Steroids can reduce swelling and control the disease within a few weeks.

What are the Symptoms of hepatitis?

The early symptoms of hepatitis are similar to those of the common flu and include:

• Muscle and joint pain
• High temperature
• Feeling sick
• Headache
• Occasionally yellowing of eyes and skin
• Getting tired from time to time
• Depression
• Jaundice

 

Causes of hepatitis:

• The viruses that cause hepatitis are: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E
• Hepatitis can also be caused by a variety of bacteria such as anaplasma and nocardia.
• May be due to alcohol
• May be due to autoimmune problems
• Paracetamol, amoxicillin, antituberculosis drugs, minocycline, and much more medication can cause.
•  May be due to Wilson's disease.

 

Diagnosis of hepatitis:

• Blood test include blood bilirubin, alkaline aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), phosphatase, prothrombin time, total protein, and albumin.
• Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E is determined by anti-HCV prescribed by ELISA.
• Liver biopsy also shows how much damage has been done to the liver.
• Abdominal Ultrasound.

 

Treatment:

If you have symptoms of hepatitis, you should immediately consult a doctor to make sure that it is a symptom of hepatitis or not. Hepatitis can be diagnosed as soon as possible and treatment can be started if the cause is known and the risk of liver failure or death can be avoided.

 

Ways of prevention:

• Countless people are infected with the hepatitis B virus each year. But this disease can be prevented by vaccination. Four doses of the vaccine are to be taken. So, vaccinate without delay. However, test for HBsAg before vaccination. If its value is negative, it is not too late to get vaccinated.
• Before taking blood, it must be checked that this blood is virus-free.
• Disposable needles and syringes should be used.
• As soon as hepatitis 'B' positive mother gives birth, the baby should be vaccinated and given antibodies as per the doctor's advice.
• Risky and immoral physical relationships or behaviors should be avoided.
• Personal use of toothbrushes, razors, nail clippers, etc. should be prohibited.
• In salons, beauty parlors, nose, ear piercings, or haircuts, be sure to use shaved sterile items.
• Children need to be vaccinated against hepatitis 'A' virus.
• Pure water and food should be taken.
• Alcohol and other intoxicants should be avoided.
• Body weight must be controlled.
• Diabetes and hypertension should be controlled.
• Eat less fatty foods. And you have to eat more vegetables and fruits and it must be formalin free.