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The different types, causes, and treatments of hepatitis

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Because inflammatory cells are present in the organ's tissues, hepatitis is a dangerous medical disorder that causes an inflammation of the liver. The liver, which weighs roughly 3 pounds and has numerous roles in the human b

The different types, causes, and treatments of hepatitis

Because inflammatory cells are present in the organ's tissues, hepatitis is a dangerous medical disorder that causes an inflammation of the liver. The liver, which weighs roughly 3 pounds and has numerous roles in the human body, is the largest organ in the body. It produces blood proteins that aid in clotting and oxygen delivery. It also looks after the immune system's operation. Bile is produced by the liver and is necessary for the body to digest meals and store sugar in the form of glycogen. There are more than 100 different diseases that can afflict men, women, and children globally. According to the National Institutes of Health, cirrhosis is the 12th most common cause of death.

The illness known as cirrhosis of the liver causes the liver to be replaced by scar tissues, which inhibit its normal function. The liver's blood flow is blocked by scar tissues, which slows down the breakdown of hormones, medicines, and poisons. The term "hepatitis" refers to liver inflammation. Acute cases of hepatitis can last for a short time, but chronic cases might continue longer than six months. Hepatitis C, fatty liver, and alcohol are the three main causes of cirrhosis of the liver.

However, some genetic conditions including cystic fibrosis and persistent liver viral infections like hepatitis B, C, and D can also harm the liver. Another infection is the DNA virus known as HPV (Human Papillomavirus), which affects people. Having sex with someone who is infected causes it. Only HPV may develop on the skin; other types can grow on mucous membranes and cause cancer or liver damage. Hepatitis can come in a variety of forms.

Hepatitis types

As was previously mentioned, a number of conditions can result in liver inflammation. However, hepatitis viruses primarily target the liver. Hepatitis viruses come in kinds A, B, C, D, E, and G. The most prevalent types are types A, B, and C. Hepatitis X is the result of a virus that does not fit into any of the known virus families. The HGV hepatitis G virus is the cause of hepatitis G. Nearly 17000 Americans contract hepatitis C each year, and an estimated 3.2 million Americans have a chronic hepatitis C infection. Hepatitis C affects 250 million people worldwide, while hepatitis B affects 300 million. Hepatitis can be contracted in a variety of ways. When hepatitis is caused by a virus, the disease depends on the virus causing it.

Causes of Hepatitis virus

Foods and drinks containing faeces can spread hepatitis A. It poses little risk and never causes liver irritation. Hospitalization may be necessary for severe sickness, and liver failure from A type claims the lives of about 100 people annually. Travelers to underdeveloped nations, men who engage in heterosexual intercourse, those who engage in oral or anal sex, and drug users are at risk of contracting hepatitis A. Hepatitis B virus is frequently transmitted through sexual activity or by drug users exchanging needles. This virus can also be passed from a mother to her unborn child. Hemodialysis, a blood-filtering process required of those with failing kidneys, carries a risk of hepatitis B virus infection. Adults who contract the virus typically get better, and those who are unable to resist it become carriers. Carriers have the risk of infecting someone whose symptoms have already disappeared. Adults are also susceptible to contracting chronic hepatitis B and spreading the infection. By using contaminated or used needles, hepatitis C can spread. The symptoms of hepatitis C can be slight. Within 30 years, the affected individuals may also develop cirrhosis. Rarely does hepatitis C spread via sex. Hepatitis B virus carriers are more prone to also contract hepatitis D virus. It can pass from mother to kid or through sex. Although less prevalent, this virus is hazardous because it combines the effects of two other viruses.

Hepatitis virus detection signs

People with the hepatitis virus have no or minimal symptoms. Initial signs could resemble a mild case of the flu or

  • Fatigue
  • Diarrhoea
  • reduced appetite
  • slight fever
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Continent pain
  • Loss of weight

Hepatitis is not harmful in its early stages, but if it spreads quickly, it can be fatal. Symptoms of a worsening disease include:

  • Only toxin/drug-induced hepatitis causes dizziness
  • Only toxin/drug-induced hepatitis-related drowsiness
  • dark faeces
  • Headache (only caused by toxins or drugs)
  • An itchy body
  • Having yellow skin and bleaching of the eyes

Depending on the type of hepatitis, more severe symptoms may come after these frequent ones. After the initial stage, a person's condition solely depends on the type of hepatitis he contracted. Because persistent hepatitis can lead to liver cancer or cirrhosis, one should see a doctor right away.

Diagnosis

The liver may become damaged by hepatitis B infection before any symptoms or signs appear, thus doctors examine healthy individuals for the illness. Hepatitis virus is identified via blood and liver tests. The following are a few blood tests used to identify the hepatitis B virus:

  • To find out if someone can spread the Hepatitis B virus to others, there is a test. The hepatitis B surface antigen, a component of the virus' outer surface, is discovered by the doctor during this test. If the test is positive, the patient has hepatitis B and could potentially infect others.
  • To find out if someone is immune to HBV, there is another test. Antibodies to the Hepatitis B virus can be found with the anti-HBs test. A person may have HBV infection or may have had a vaccination if they have antibodies in their system. A favourable result suggests that the infection would not spread because you are already immunised.
  • People who are infected are found with the anti-HBc test. If the test is positive, you might have a persistent infection that is contagious. It might also imply that an acute infection has passed for you. The findings of the previous two tests can be trusted for this test.

He may perform a liver function test if the doctor diagnoses HBV. There are tests to find out how frequently a person can infect others, how much is known about HBV, DNA in blood, and tests to gauge liver function.

 

Treatment

Once the hepatitis virus has been identified, treatment and prevention are required. Most persons who contract the hepatitis A or E virus recover within a few weeks. Children between the ages of 1 and 18 are eligible for immunisation against individuals who have the hepatitis A virus. To find relief, proper bed rest and medication are required. A gastroenterologist or hepatologist will treat severe hepatitis. For those who have any sort of hepatitis virus, there are drug therapy available. The best treatment for damaged livers is a liver transplant. The operation involves replacing the diseased liver with a healthy liver.

 

If HBV is chronic, a doctor may also advise antiviral medications:

  • Lamivudine
  • Tenofovir
  • Telbivudine
  • Interferon
  • Peginterferon

Within 24 hours after contracting the infection, one may choose to receive a hepatitis B immune globulin vaccine. If the infection is severe, no therapy would be necessary. The doctor will suggest blood testing to make sure you are currently immune to the virus in an effort to lessen indications and symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Hepatitis kills about 1.4 million people annually and is a silent killer. There are numerous cases of hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E around the world. The 28th of July is recognised as World Hepatitis Day. Its purpose is to spread knowledge and raise awareness regarding disease prevention and management. All hepatitis virus strains have the potential to harm a person's health, but Hepatitis B and C can lead to chronic infection, making them particularly dangerous.

 

It's quite likely that you will contract the contagious Hepatitis virus. So why not learn about the signs, causes, and treatments of the disease. Share this blog and leave any comments you may have on health.

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