Hepatitis

Definition is a medical condition defined by the inflammation of the liver.

Etiology & Hepatitis can be infectious and non-infectious.
types Non-infectious hepatitis can be caused by toxic drugs, toxins or diseases of immune system (a condition where the immune system attacks and destroys liver cells as foreign bodies).
Infectious hepatitis is caused by viruses A, B, C, D, E (viral) and bacteria (bacterial) and parasites.
Viral hepatitis
Hepatitis A is acquired by consuming materials contaminated with faecal matter of an individual who already has disease. It is usually communicated as a result of poor hygiene or through personal
contact. The virus is able to survive at normal room temperature for hours on a hard surface. The incubation period for hepatitis A lasts about 2-6 weeks. Most patients recover within a few months.
Hepatitis B is spread through infected body fluids like blood, semen, saliva, suppurating sores, breast milk. It doesn’t spread by simple physical contact. The incubation period lasts from 1 to 6 months.
After recovering the infected person will be immune to any later reinfection with this particular virus. Some individuals may fully recover and have no symptoms and yet remain a capable of infecting
others through sexual contact, shared hypodermic needles, food or drinks.
Hepatitis C has no symptoms. Most people become chronically infected. People with strong immune system may recover without treatment. Those with chronic hepatitis C who are not treated or cured
may live normal lives but they remain carriers of the disease and can infect other people. Some patients with hepatitis C develop complications like cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer. Incubation
period lasts 2weeks-six months.
Hepatitis D attacks only individuals with hepatitis B. A person may get 2 forms at the same time. It is transmitted through the same routs as hepatitis B. Hepatitis D can be suspected when the condition
of someone with hepatitis B suddenly becomes worse. It can be diagnosed with tests that reveal hepatitis D antibodies in the blood.
Hepatitis E (waterborne disease) is similar to hepatitis A and is transmitted contaminated water supplies. Incubation period lasts about 2 or 6 weeks. Most people with hepatitis E recover from it on
their own within a few months. This type of hepatitis is spread in Certain African countries and in Asia.
Methods of Methods of diagnostics are Liver tests include measurements of specific enzymes that seep into the blood. The bilirubin test measures the amount of this pigment in the blood. (A level above 3mg/dl
diagnostics indicates a liver disorder) Liver biopsy, Ultrasound, Viral antibody testing
Clinical Hepatitis can be acute (short-term) and chronic (symptoms last more than a few months).
picture At first, chronic hepatitis often does not cause any symptoms. People with symptoms most commonly complain of fatigue. Fatigue worsens throughout the day .Other common symptoms include:
 Mild upper abdomen discomfort
 Loss of appetite
 Nausea
 Vomiting
 Low-grade fever
 Jaundiced skin colouring, yellowing of the whites of the eyes
 Dark urine
If chronic hepatitis becomes more severe, people may experience additional symptoms, including: Abdominal swelling, Weight loss, Muscle weakness
Treatment In patients with acute viral hepatitis, the initial treatment consists of relieving the symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Only those medications that are considered necessary should be administered since the impaired liver is not able to eliminate drugs normally. Moreover, sedatives and "tranquilizers" are avoided
because they may accentuate the effects of liver failure on the brain and cause lethargy and coma.
The patient must avoid drinking alcohol, since alcohol is toxic to the liver.
It is necessary to provide intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration caused by vomiting. Patients with severe nausea and/or vomiting may need to be hospitalized for treatment and intravenous fluids.

Treatment of chronic viral hepatitis include

Antiviral drugs
avoiding further liver damage from alcohol or NSADs (Tylenol).
A well-balanced diet
Regular exercises
Cessation of smoking
Avoiding salty food if there is a tendency to accumulate fluids

Corticosteroids are used to suppress the immune system are the main treatment of autoimmune chronic hepatitis. These drugs usually decrease symptoms, reduce liver inflammation and prolong
survival.
Complications Cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer
Prevention Vaccination
Washing hands.
Avoiding tap water when traveling to certain countries or regions, sharing drug needles and
Avoiding sharing personal items—such as toothbrushes, razors and nail clippers—with an infected person.