Hepatitis

Hepatitis Is inflammation of liver, can heal by its own or may progress to scarring.

Acute hepatitis lasts under 6 months, Chronic lasts longer.

Mostly cause by Hepatitis viruses, called A, B and C

Alcohol, medicines and chemical may also cause inflammation.

Genetic problem, metabolic disorder or obesity can also cause hepatitis, it is non infectious and cannot spread from person to person.

Hepatitis A : Caused by Hepatitis A virus spread by infected food or water. It generally heals without any chronic disease.

Hepatitis B: This is Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD). Caused by Hepatitis B virus and spread by contact with blood, semen and body fluids.

It can spread by infected blood, may become chronic and infected needles like when getting a tattoo, sharing razor or toothbrush with infected person.

Infected mothers milk may transmit disease to baby. Patient can have serious liver damage and cancer.

Hepaptitis C: Caused by Hepatitis virus usually spread through direct contact with blood of a person with disease. Liver can be damaged and develop cirrhosis in 20% which in turn have chances of developing cancer.

Acute phase symptoms

• Diarrhoea
• Fatigue
• Muscle /joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea/vomiting

If symptoms worsen:

• Dark urine/light feces
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Headaches
• Itchy skin/Hives
• Yellow skin

Treatment of Hepatitis

• Hepatitis A: Majority patients recover spontaneously, avoidance of alcohol and symptomatic treatment is given.
• Hepatitis B: Rest is advised. Diet rich in protein and carbohydrate and antiviral interferon is given.
• Hepatitis C: Ribavirin and interferon is prescribed.
• Nonviral hepatitis: Harmful substance is to be flushed out of the stomach by induced vomiting or hyperventilation.