ABSTRACT – Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, a condition commonly caused through a viral infection or other...
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, a condition commonly caused through a viral infection or other infections such as autoimmune hepatitis and toxic substances like alcohol and certain drugs. Autoimmune hepatitis occurs when the body generates antibodies against its own liver tissues.
Types –
Type A – It is caused by HAV transmitted through contaminated water or food or an infected person.
Type B – It is transmitted by infectious body fluids like vaginal secretions or semen containing HBV.
Type C – It is caused by HCV through sexual intercourse or drug consumption.
Type D – It is a rare condition caused by HDV, generates by conjunction with hepatitis B.
Type E – It is a waterborne disease caused by HEV
CAUSES –
Excessive use of alcohol and other toxins
Contaminated food or water
Viruses and infection
Autoimmune system reaction
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS –
Fatigue
Flu like cold, cough and sneezing
Yellow colored urine
Pastel stools
Pain in the abdomen
Lack of appetite
Weight loss
Jaundice
DIAGNOSIS –
Physical examination
Liver test and biopsy
Blood test
Ultra sound
PREVENTION –
Maintain good and personal hygiene
Avoid consumption of raw or undercooked shellfish and oysters
Don’t share other’s drug needles, razors, toothbrush etc
Vaccination for Type A and B
TREATMENT –
Vaccination
Antiviral medications
Frequent medical evaluation, monitoring and check-ups
Drink plenty of fluids
Intake of corticosteroids to treat this disease
EPIDEMIOLOGY –
Nearly 1.4 million people gets affected from this disease.
It’s a severe disease resulting in multiple mortalities which is increasing every year.