Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. The liver is an important organ that processes nutrients, filters the blood, and fights infection. When the liver is inflamed or damaged, its function may be affected. Excessive alcohol consumption, toxins, certain medications, and certain medical conditions can cause this disease.
Depending on its course, hepatitis can be acute, which flares up suddenly and then goes away, or chronic, which is a long-term condition that usually has more subtle symptoms and progressive liver damage.VISIT FOR MORE
Viral Classifications
The main viral classifications are A, B, C, D, and E. Each type of viral hepatitis is caused by a different toxin.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is the result of infection with A. This type of this disease is an acute, short-term illness.
Hepatitis B
The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes B. It is often an ongoing, chronic condition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 826,000 people in the United States and approximately 257 million people worldwide are living with chronic B.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is caused by hepatitis C . HCV is among the most common blood-borne viral infections in the United States and usually presents as a long-term condition.
According to the CDC, approximately 2.4 million Americans are currently living with a chronic form of infection.
Hepatitis D
This is a rare form of this disease that only occurs in association with B infection. D virus (HDV) causes inflammation of the liver just like other strains, but a person cannot get HDV without an existing B infection.
Globally, HDV infects about 5% of people with chronic B, according to reliable sources.
Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E is mainly found in areas with poor sanitation and usually results from ingesting fecal material that contaminates the water supply.
According to the CDC, the disease is an uncommonly reliable source in the United States.
Hepatitis E is usually severe but can be especially dangerous in pregnant women.
Causes
Although liver disease is most typically the result of associate degree infection, different factors will cause the condition.
Alcohol and different toxins
Excessive alcohol consumption will cause liver harm and inflammation. It also can be referred to as an alcohlic liver disease.
Alcohol directly damages your liver cells. Over time, this could cause permanent harm and cause thickening or scarring of the liver tissue (cirrhosis) and liver failure.
Other toxicant causes of liver disease embody misuse and exposure to toxins.
Autoimmune system response
In some cases, the system mistakes the liver for harm and attacks it. It causes persistent inflammation which will vary from delicate to severe, typically inhibiting liver performance. it’s 3 times a lot of common in ladies than in men.
Common Symptoms of Hepatitis
If you’re living with a chronic form of hepatitis, such as B and C, you may not develop symptoms until the damage affects liver function. In contrast, people with acute this disease may present with symptoms shortly after being infected with this disease virus.
Common symptoms of infectious include:
- Fatigue
- Flu-like symptoms
- Dark urine
- Yellow stools
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Yellow skin and eyes can be signs of jaundice.
Complications
Chronic hepatitis B or C can lead to more serious health problems. Because the virus affects the liver, people with chronic B or C are at risk of:
- Chronic liver disease
- Cirrhosis
- Liver cancer
When your liver stops functioning normally, liver failure can occur. Complications of liver failure include:
- Blood disorders
- A build-up of fluid in your abdomen is called ascites.
- Increased blood pressure in the portal veins that enter your liver, is called portal hypertension.
- Kidney failure
- Hepatic encephalopathy, which may include fatigue, memory loss, and decreased mental abilities
- A hepatocellular carcinoma is a form of liver cancer.
- Death
People with chronic hepatitis B and C should avoid alcohol because it can accelerate liver disease and failure. Supplements and medications can also affect liver function. If you have chronic B or C, check with your doctor before taking any new medications.
Diagnosis
It is important to understand what causes hepatitis in order to properly treat it.
History and physical exam
To diagnose all forms of hepatitis, your doctor will first take a history to determine any risk factors you may have.
Your doctor may also check for swelling of the liver and any yellowing of your eyes or skin.
Liver function tests
Liver function tests use blood samples to determine how efficiently your liver is working.
Abnormal results of these tests may be the first indication that there is a problem, especially if you show no signs of liver disease on physical examination. High liver enzyme levels can indicate that your liver is stressed, damaged, or not working properly.
Other blood tests
If your liver function tests are abnormal, your doctor will likely order other blood tests to find the source of the problem.
These tests can determine if you have infectious hepatitis by checking for the presence of viruses or antibodies your body makes to fight them.
Liver biopsy
When diagnosing this disease, doctors will also examine your liver for possible damage.
A medical professional can take this sample with a needle through your skin, meaning no surgery is required. They will usually use an ultrasound scan to guide them during the procedure.
Ultrasound
An abdominal ultrasound uses ultrasound waves to create images of the organs inside your abdomen. This test allows your doctor to closely examine your liver and nearby organs. This may indicate:
- Fluid in your stomach
- Liver damage or enlargement
- Tumors of the liver
- Abnormalities of your gallbladder
Sometimes the pancreas is also visible on ultrasound images.
Treatments
Treatment options will vary depending on 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 too much discomfort, bed rest may be necessary. Also, if you experience vomiting or diarrhea, your doctor may recommend a nutritional 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 need a reliable source of antiviral medication. This form of treatment can be expensive, as you may have to continue it for months or years.
Treatment for chronic B requires regular medical testing and monitoring to determine if the virus is responding to treatment.
Hepatitis C
Usually, people who develop chronic hepatitis C will use a combination of antiviral drug treatments.
Hepatitis D
The WHOTrusted Source lists pegylated interferon alfa as a treatment for hepatitis D. Consequently, it is not recommended for people with cirrhosis of the liver, people with psychiatric conditions, and people with autoimmune diseases.
Hepatitis E
Currently, there is no specific medical treatment available to treat hepatitis E.
Doctors usually advise people with this infection to get adequate rest, drink plenty of fluids, get enough nutrients and avoid alcohol.
Autoimmune hepatitis
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone or budesonide, are extremely important in the initial treatment of autoimmune.
People can use it with or without steroids.
Other immunosuppressive drugs such as mycophenolate (Cellcept), tacrolimus (Prograf), and cyclosporine (Neural) may also replace azathioprine in treatment.