Hepatitis Silent yet deadly!

Hepatitis refers to an inflaming condition of the liver. It is mainly caused by a virus infection, although there are other possible causes of hepatitis like, autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis that happens as a secondary result of medications, drugs, toxins, and alcohol. Autoimmune hepatitis could also be a disease wherein your body produces antibodies against your liver tissue.

Types of Hepatitis:

Hepatitis A- This type is transmitted by consuming food or water contaminated by feces from an individual infected with hepatitis A and caused by the infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV).

Hepatitis B- This type is transmitted through contact with infectious body fluids. Eg:- Blood, vaginal secretions, semen, containing hepatitis B virus (HBV), any more of injection drug use, intercourse with an infected partner or sharing razors with someone infected increases your risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis C- This type is transmitted almost on the lines of Hepatitis B, through direct contact with infected body fluids, typically through injection drug use and sexual contact.

Hepatitis D- This type is named Hepatitis Delta and is a serious disease caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). HDV is contracted through direct contact with infected blood.

Hepatitis E- One of the prominent diseases of the list because it could possibly be waterborne is Hepatitis E caused by the Hepatitis E virus (HEV). It is particularly found in areas with poor sanitation and resulting from ingesting fecal matter that contaminates the water system.

Causes:

Alcohol- Excessive alcohol consumption causes liver damage and inflammation leading to a condition called alcoholic hepatitis. The alcohol directly injures the cells of your liver and over time can cause permanent damage leading to liver failure and cirrhosis. (A thickening and scarring of the liver.)

Autoimmune system response- In some cases, the system mistakes the liver as a harmful object and begins to attack it. It causes ongoing inflammation which may range from mild to severe, often hindering liver function. It’s 3 times more common in women than in men.

Symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Dark urine
• Pale stool
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Excessive weight loss

Although there are several ways to treat hepatitis, it is better to be safe than sorry. The best kind of treatment is self care and that starts by maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding everything that can cause damage to your liver.

For more updates and information on similar topics you can contact your nearest Apollo Diagnostics centre or call 9205478479 and test with the best.