Hepatitis:

Hepatitis is a general term used to describe inflammation of liver. Liver inflammation can be caused by several viruses (viral hepatitis), chemicals, drugs, alcohol, and certain genetic disorders or by an overactive immune system that mistakenly attacks the liver, called autoimmune hepatitis.

Types:

There are five viruses that cause the different forms of viral hepatitis.

Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is mostly a food-borne illness and can be spread through contaminated water and unwashed food. It is the easiest to transmit, especially in children but is also the least likely to damage the liver and is usually mild and is completely resolved within six months.

Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B can be transmitted through exposure to contaminated blood needles, syringes or bodily fluids and from mother to baby. It is a chronic disorder and in some cases may lead to long-term liver damage, liver cancer and cirrhosis of the liver after many years of carrying the virus.

Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C is only transmitted through infected blood or from mother to newborn during childbirth. It too can lead to liver cancer and cirrhosis in the long term.

Hepatitis D: Hepatitis D is only found in people who are infected with hepatitis B.

Hepatitis E: Hepatitis E is predominantly found in Africa, Asia and South America.

Symptoms:

• Malaise
• Abdominal tenderness
• Fatigue
• Jaundice
• Dark-colored urine
• Lightly colored stools
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea with or without vomiting
• Abdominal swelling due to fluid retention
• Itching
• Weight loss
• Low grade fever

Causes:

Hepatitis can be caused by:

• Immune cells in the bodyattacking the liver.
• Infection from virus (such as hepatitis A, B or C) bacteria’s or parasites.
• Liver damage from alcohol or poison.
• Medicines, such as overdose of acetaminophen.
• Fatty liver.
• Toxic and certain medication.

Prevention:

• Vaccination: Vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B.
• Good hygiene: Wash hands before eating and after using the toilet.
• Safe practices: Avoid sharing needles, use condoms, and ensure blood products are screened.
• Limit alcohol and drug use: To prevent non-viral hepatitis.

Cure:

To prevent infection, children or anyone who has not been previously vaccinated should be vaccinated against hepatitis B and hepatitis A. There are no vaccines against hepatitis type C, D and E. There is no cure for hepatitis once it occurs. Treatment focuses on preventing further damage to the liver, reversing existing damage if possible and symptom relief. Most cases of acute hepatitis will resolve over time. In autoimmune hepatitis, certain medications may be used to help keep the overactive immune system in check and prevent further attacks on the liver.