Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver, which limits the functioning of the liver and causes various health-related issues. The liver is an important organ in the human body, which performs various functions like...
Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver, which limits the functioning of the liver and causes various health-related issues. The liver is an important organ in the human body, which performs various functions like detoxification of toxins, it helps to process the nutrients and also helps to store glucose in the form of glycogen. This glycogen is used when there is a need for glucose or in starving conditions. The condition can be for the short term called acute hepatitis and if the condition persists for a long time it is called chronic hepatitis. It is one of the common conditions worldwide that can cause liver failure or liver cancer in the long run.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis, in simple words, is the inflammation of the liver, which can occur due to various causes. The condition can occur due to viral infection and different viral infections are classified into A, B, C, D and E. The condition can also occur due to alcohol consumption in large quantities, autoimmune disease or some medicines which can be too toxic for the liver. Short-term hepatitis is called acute hepatitis and the condition can be corrected with medications and does not have too much of health issues. If the condition persists for a longer period of time and the condition is not treated on time.
Hepatitis Causes
There are various causes of hepatitis and each cause have different impact of effect on the liver. Here is the list of causes that is considered to be responsible for the hepatitis condition and these include:
Infection of virus
Each condition spreads differently and can be the cause of serious health issue related to liver. These types are classified and spread through different channels, where hepatitis A and E spread through food and water. Hepatitis B, C and D spread primarily though body fluid or blood of the infected person.
Hepatitis due to Alcohol consumption
Another major cause of the hepatitis is the consumption of alcohol in large quantities and for the longer times. Alcohol is always associated with the liver damage but consuming in large quantities and for longer periods of time can lead to severe liver damage. The condition damages the liver cells, causes inflammation which limits the functioning of the liver.
Hepatitis due to autoimmune disease
The another reason for the condition of hepatitis is autoimmune condition or disease which mistakenly damages our own liver. In this condition healthy liver cells are mistakenly attacked and leads to chronic and potential cirrhosis in theliver.
Hepatitis due to toxins or drugs
There are various medications or other toxins which are harmful to the liver. Exposure of liver to these toxins, drugs or chemicals can lead to liver damage, which in the long run leads to liver diseases or hepatitis.
Metabolic disorder leading hepatitis
There are various metabolic conditions which limit the functioning of the liver or can cause liver damage which in the long run leads to hepatitis condition.
Genetic disorders
There are various inherited genetic conditions which lead to hepatitis, these conditions include Wilson’s disease or hemochromatosis. These conditions are the causes related to genetic disorder leading to hepatitis.
Hepatitis Types
There are various types of hepatitis and these include:
Hepatitis A (HAV)
This is also called hepatitis A and the infection of this virus is transmitted though contaminated water and food infected with virus.
- The condition can be prevented by vaccination
- The condition can be prevented by practicing good hygiene
- The condition is mild and rarely becomes chronic condition by remaining longer time.
Hepatitis B (HAB)
- The condition of hepatitis due to this virus can last to short time (acute) or for the longer time (Chronic)
- The condition can lead to the liver cancer or cirrhosis in the chronic conditions
- Vaccination and medications are available for the correction of the condition.
Hepatitis C (HCV)
- Transmitted primarily through contact with infected blood
- The condition remains silent for longer time and can progress liver cancer, cirrhosis and chronic conditions
Hepatitis D (HDV)
- This condition occurs in the patients who had been infected by hepatitis B before.
- This creates the serious condition of the liver when both these infections combine to for the chronic condition.
Hepatitis E (HEV)
- This viral infection is usually caused by the drinking of contaminated water
- This condition is very common in the areas where there is very poor sanitation which can lead to the viral infection.
- This condition is very self-limiting but the condition can become very serious in pregnant women
Hepatitis Symptoms
There are various symptoms related to the hepatitis condition. Some symptoms are specific to the type of infection cause:
- Fatigue
- weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Nausea
- vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Pain in right side under the ribs
- Jaundice
- Yellowing skin
- Yellow eyes
- Dark-colored urine
- Pale stools
- Joint pain
- Muscle aches
- Unexplained weight loss
Hepatitis Tests
There are various tests which are used for the diagnosis of the hepatitis condition and these tests include:
- Liver function tests (LFTs) (Book Now)
- Liver Profile (Book Now)
- Hepatitis Marker (Book Now)
- Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Screen (Book Now)
Hepatitis Treatment
There are various treatments for the hepatitis condition apart from vaccination. Some treatments are specific to the type of cause and these treatments not only include medication but some precautions:
- Take vaccination
- Antiviral medications to reduce viral load
- Direct acting antiviral (DAA) medications
- Taking corticosteroids for autoimmune hepatitis condition
- Taking immune suppressants for autoimmune hepatitis condition
- Restricting the consumption of alcohol
- Take proper rest
- Keep body hydrated
- Take proper nutrition
- Avoid medications or toxins which damages the liver or cause hepatitis
Hepatitis Preventive Measures
There are various steps which should be adopted to avoid hepatitis condition:
- Get vaccinated
- Practice safe sex
- Keep hygienic condition
- Avoid sharing needles, razors etc
- Limit alcohol use
- Avoid toxins or medication responsible for hepatitis
Conclusion
Hepatitis is the liver disease condition which can occur due to various causes. Chronic condition of hepatitis can cause liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. It is important to keep check on the liver condition and avoid the causes which are responsible for the hepatitis condition. There are various causes like alcohol consumption, viral infection and consuming toxins or medications which can lead to serious liver conditions. There are various treatments for the condition like antiviral medications, vaccination taking lot of fluids. Person should adopt some preventive measures to avoid any type of liver infection like taking rest, having safe sex, practice hygiene, drink clean water and keep proper check for the sanitation.
