Liver is vital organ of the body which performs many functions like filtration of blood and detoxification of chemicals. These functions can be affects by viruses which cause bad liver conditions means hepatitis.
Hepatitis is an autoimmune disorder or caused externally by virus. Other liver functions include bile production, a breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Storage of glycogen, minerals, vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and synthesis of blood proteins and synthesis of clotting factors.
Above these functions of liver are essential for healthy living if it gets disturbed then leads to severe symptoms and problems.
Based on the type of virus causes hepatitis, this disease can be divided into 5 types.
Bad liver conditions means hepatitis and its types
Hepatitis A
A bad liver condition in hepatitis A is caused by HAV (Hepatitis A Virus). It transmits in body by infected food and water. Also spread through anal-oral contact during sex and poor hand washes, sanitation technique.
Hepatitis B
Type B causes by HAB (Hepatitis B Virus) and spread through contact with infected blood, semen, and some other body fluids such as blood, vaginal discharge.
Risk of disease gets increased by sharing razor, blade, needle or having sex with an infected person. Other risk factors include blood transfusions, hemodialysis, and from mothers to their newborns.
Hepatitis B can be prevented by immunization but chronic condition results in liver cancer.
Hepatitis C
Most common disease in the United States. Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is the reason for this disease where this virus penetrates the skin. It spread through injection-drug injuries, needle-stick injuries and a lack of infection control in healthcare settings.
Hepatitis D
Delta hepatitis cause due to Hepatitis D Virus. It depends on protein that HBV makes because it cannot survive alone. HDV is contracted through direct contact with infected blood.
Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E is a waterborne disease caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). Hepatitis E is mainly found in areas with poor sanitation and typically results from ingesting fecal matter that contaminates the water supply.
Common symptoms and signs of hepatitis
Symptoms are mild to severe for hepatitis. Mostly in all types of hepatitis symptoms are same.
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness and tiredness
- Dark urine and pale stool
- Loss of appetite and unexpected weight loss
Read also: Urinary Tract Infection, symptoms and treatment
Diagnosis of hepatitis
Physical observation by doctor of abdomen and liver for pain, tenderness and enlargement. If the color of skin and eyes are getting yellow then there may be the chance of infection of hepatitis.
Blood test to examine the liver function. Abnormal condition like high levels of enzymes in the liver may be result of stress and damage liver condition.
To check antibodies in blood for autoimmune hepatitis.
Abdomen ultrasound technique is used to get images of other organs also. So that doctor can detect an abnormality in gallbladder and liver.
The doubtful result of ultrasound can shift doctor’s opinion for liver biopsy.
Treatment for hepatitis
Vaccination and bed rest is enough for type A hepatitis.
Antiviral medications for hepatitis B.
Antiviral medications are used to treat both acute and chronic forms of hepatitis.
There is no specific medical therapies are available to treat hepatitis D and E. People with this type of infection are often advised to get adequate rest, drink plenty of fluids, get enough nutrients, and avoid alcohol.
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