If you’re looking for information on hepatitis, you’ve come to the right place. Here you will find facts about hepatitis, including the causes, symptoms, and treatments. You’ll also discover how to prevent it. Here are some tips for preventing hepatitis.
Symptoms
Hepatitis is a serious condition that causes inflammation and damage to the liver. The liver is responsible for cleansing the blood and producing hormones so that any inflammation can have devastating effects on the organ. Hepatitis is caused by a virus, which can be acute or chronic, and is spread from person to person. Some types of viral hepatitis can be fatal, and others can be very mild or go unnoticed for years.
If you think you may be suffering from hepatitis, visit your healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment. Your healthcare provider may advise you to avoid risky behaviours or contact people with the disease. Your healthcare provider may also recommend that you undergo liver function tests to determine whether you are infected or not.
Most people will experience no symptoms during an acute infection. However, about 25% to 30% will experience symptoms, although they are usually vague. Some individuals will develop jaundice and yellow colouration of the skin. This is an early sign of liver damage and may prompt tests to determine the disease’s extent and how it can be treated.
Causes
The causes of liver disease are many and varied, but they are all related to chronic damage to the organ. Damage to the liver may be caused by an injury, toxins, drugs, or a combination of all three. Damage to the liver results in scarring that can prevent it from functioning properly. If left untreated, it can lead to cirrhosis, which can be life-threatening and require a liver transplant.
Some of these conditions are caused by the immune system attacking the liver cells. This results in scarring, which makes the liver work harder to digest food. Other conditions can be inherited and may run in the family. Genetic testing can help determine if a person has this condition. Those taking birth control pills for a long time are at a higher risk of liver cell adenoma. Some of these tumours can even become cancerous.
If you are experiencing persistent symptoms, see your doctor immediately. Certain medications and lifestyle changes can help treat the symptoms. In some cases, the liver is capable of repairing itself. However, it may need a liver transplant or liver dialysis.
Treatments
There are several treatment options available for hepatitis C. The first is an oral medication that can cure the infection within eight weeks. The second is an interferon treatment that lasts six months or more. Both are effective, though some have side effects. The treatment for hepatitis C varies by genotype, so the doctor should determine a treatment plan based on the type of infection and the individual’s health history.
The most common cause of HBV infection is exposure to infected blood or semen. The virus is also spread through contact with water and food. Patients should stay at home until the symptoms clear. While sick, they should avoid strenuous activity and take care of their skin. They should wear loose clothing, stay cool, and avoid hot baths.
Several drugs are available to treat hepatitis B. The Hepatitis B Foundation (HBF) maintains a Drug Watch list to monitor new treatments. Interferon alpha was the first approved treatment for hepatitis B. It was administered through a series of injections over a year. Then, lamivudine was approved as the first oral antiviral.
Prevention
Prevention of hepatitis is critical for reducing the risk of infection. There are several ways to protect against the disease, including screening and immunization. People at risk include those with a history of hepatitis B or C, who use many blood products, who have frequent contact with people infected with HBV, and who have multiple sexual partners. People in high-risk groups should undergo a series of hepatitis vaccinations.
The best prevention of hepatitis begins with good hygiene. People at high risk of contracting hepatitis should wash their hands frequently and limit their contaminated food or water intake. Raw meat should be avoided, and undercooked meat should be cooked well. Drinking beverages with unknown purity should also be avoided. It is also important to boil tap water before drinking and wash your hands often and thoroughly before touching food.
Those with hepatitis C should avoid sharing personal care products. Many people cut themselves when they brush their teeth, and even small drops of blood can be transmitted to another person. Personal care products should also be kept separate and out of reach of children.
