Hepatitis is a disease of the liver characterized by the presence of inflammatory(swelling/provoking) cells in the tissue of the organ. Infecting hepatocytes (check here for more information on it), HBV causes immune-mediated liver damage. Hepatitis may occur without symptoms, but it can lead to jaundice (a yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and conjunctiva of the eyes), poor appetite, and fatigue. Depending on the cause, hepatitis can manifest either as an acute or as a chronic disease. Acute hepatitis can be self-limiting (resolving on its own), can progress to chronic hepatitis, or can cause acute liver failure in rare instances. Chronic hepatitis may have no symptoms, or may progress over time to fibrosis (scarring of the liver) and cirrhosis (chronic liver failure). Cirrhosis of the liver increases the risk of developing hepato cellular carcinoma (a form of liver cancer). The symptoms can become painful, and can be managed with different methods. Sometimes, in this day and age, classic medicines for pain relief is not enough, and medical marijuana needs to be introduced (depending on the location). Luckily for those suffering, derivatives of this pain relief drug can be found online and in store in many areas. Products infused with CBD extracts are in their plenty and can now be wholesale to retailers. You can see this cbd coffee wholesale provider as an example of this. Every method, piece of equipment, or product is different to suit the requirements of each person, they might find different methods work for their suffering. Despite this, there is no terminal treatment for this illness, only management techniques. However, there are various preventive measures that could help improve liver health such as including regular probiotics or nutritional supplements in your diet. Taking a look at different websites that tend to provide products reviews of various supplements (like Activated You reviews, for one) could help you cut to the chase of finding the right supplement that might suit your requirements. You can read more of the causes and treatments down below.

Causes:-

• It’s commonly caused by a viral infection, but there are other possible causes of hepatitis.
• These include autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis that occurs as a secondary result of medications, drugs, toxins, and alcohol.
• Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease that occurs when your body makes antibodies against your liver tissue.

The liver is located on the right upper quadrant of your abdomen. It performs many critical functions that affect metabolism throughout your body, including:

• bile production that’s essential to
• filtering of toxins from the body
• excretion of bilirubin, cholesterol, hormones, and drugs
• metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
• activation of enzymes, which are specialized proteins essential to metabolic functions
• storage of glycogen, minerals, and vita-mis (A, D, E, and K)
• synthesis of plasma proteins, such as albumin
• synthesis of clotting factors

Viral infections of the liver that are classified as hepatitis include hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis A is a milder version of the disease, and hepatitis C and D are more severe. Treatment options vary depending on what form of hepatitis you have and what caused the infection. You can prevent some forms of hepatitis through immunizations or lifestyle precautions.

Hepatitis A

This type derives from an infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV). This type of hepatitis is most commonly transmitted by consuming food or water contaminated by feces from a person infected with hepatitis A.

Treatment:-

• Hepatitis A isn’t usually treated. Bed rest may be recommended if symptoms cause a great deal of discomfort.
• If you experience vomiting or diarrhea, you will be put on a special diet created by your doctor to prevent malnutrition or dehydration.
• Vaccination can also prevent hepatitis A infections by helping your body produce the antibodies that fight this type of infection.
• Most children receive the vaccination between ages 12 and 18 months. Vaccination is also available for adults.

Hepatitis B

This type derives from an infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This type is transmitted through puncture wounds or contact with infectious body fluids, such as blood, saliva, or semen. Injection drug use, having sex with an infected partner, or sharing razors with an infected person increase your risk of getting hepatitis B.

Treatment:-

• Acute hepatitis B doesn’t require specific treatment. Chronic hepatitis B is treated with antiviral medications.
• This form of treatment can be costly because it must be followed for several months or years.
• Treatment for chronic hepatitis B also requires regular medical evaluations and monitoring to determine if the virus is progressing.
• The CDC recommends hepatitis B vaccinations for all newborns. The vaccine is also recommended for all healthcare and medical personnel.

Hepatitis C

This type comes from the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C is transmitted through direct contact with infected body fluids, typically through injection drug use and sexual contact.

Treatment:-

• Antiviral medications are used to treat both acute and chronic forms of hepatitis C.
• People who develop chronic hepatitis C are typically treated with a combination of antiviral drug therapies.
• They may also need further testing to determine the best form of treatment.
• People who develop cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) or liver disease as a result of chronic hepatitis C may be candidates for a liver transplant.

Hepatitis D

This is also called delta hepatitis. Hepatitis D is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). HDV is contracted through puncture wounds or contact with infected blood. Hepatitis D is a rare form of hepatitis that occurs in conjunction with hepatitis B infection.

Treatment:-

• Hepatitis D is treated with a medication called alpha interferon.

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 is typically caused by ingesting fecal matter. This disease is uncommon in the United States.

Hepatitis A and E are normally contracted from eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. Hepatitis B, C, and D are contracted through contaminated blood. These forms of hepatitis can be either acute or chronic. Types B and C usually become chronic.

Treatment:-

• There are currently no specific medical therapies to treat hepatitis E.
• Because the infection is often acute, it typically resolves on its own.
• People with this type of infection are often advised to get adequate rest, drink plenty of fluids, get enough nutrients, and avoid alcohol.

Common Symptoms of Hepatitis

Symptoms

If you have forms of hepatitis that are usually chronic (hepatitis B and C), you may not have symptoms in the beginning. Symptoms may not occur until liver damage occurs.

Signs and symptoms of acute hepatitis appear quickly. They include:

• fatigue
• flu-like symptoms
• dark urine
• pale stool
• abdominal pain
• loss of appetite
• unexplained weight loss
• yellow skin and eyes, which may be signs of jaundice

Since chronic hepatitis develops slowly, these signs and symptoms may be too tough to notice.

Causes of Nonviral Hepatitis

Alcohol

Hepatitis can be caused by liver damage from excessive alcohol consumption. This is sometimes referred to as alcoholic hepatitis. The alcohol causes the liver to swell and become inflamed. Other toxic causes include overuse of medication or exposure to poisons.

Autoimmune Disease

The immune system may mistake the liver as a harmful object and begin to attack it, hindering liver function.

How to Diagnose Hepatitis??

Diagnosis of viral hepatitis is based on symptoms and physical findings as well as blood tests for liver enzymes, viral antibodies, and viral genetic materials.

Physical Exam

During a physical examination, your doctor may press down gently on your abdomen to see if there’s pain or tenderness. Your doctor may also feel to see if your liver is enlarged. If your skin or eyes are yellow, your doctor will note this during the exam.

Liver Biopsy

A liver biopsy is an invasive procedure that involves the doctor taking a sample of tissue from your liver. This is a closed procedure. In other words, it can be done

through the skin with a needle and doesn’t require surgery. This test allows your doctor to determine if an infection or inflammation is present or if liver damage has occurred.

Liver Function Tests

Liver function tests use blood samples to determine how efficiently the liver works. These tests check how the liver clears blood waste, protein, and enzymes. High liver enzyme levels may indicate that the liver is stressed or damaged.

Ultrasound

An abdominal ultrasound uses ultrasound waves to create an image of the organs within the abdomen. This test will reveal fluid in the abdomen, an enlarged liver, or liver damage.

Blood Tests

Blood tests used to detect the presence of hepatitis virus antibodies and antigen in the blood will indicate or confirm which virus is the cause of the hepatitis.

Viral Antibody Testing

Further viral antibody testing may be needed to determine if a specific type of the hepatitis virus is present.

Tips to Prevent Hepatitis

Practicing good hygiene is one key way to avoid contracting hepatitis. If you’re traveling to a developing country, you should avoid:

• drinking local water
• ice
• seafood
• raw fruit and vegetables

Hepatitis contracted through contaminated blood can be prevented by:

• not sharing drug needles
• not sharing razors
• not using someone else’s toothbrush
• not touching spilled blood
• Vaccines

The utilization of vaccines is a second key to preventing hepatitis. Vaccinations are available to prevent the development of hepatitis A and B. Experts are currently developing vaccines against hepatitis C, D, and E.

Tips to prevent:-

General dietary advice:

• Eat regular, balanced meals
• Maintain healthy calorie intake
• Eat whole-grain cereals, breads, and grains
• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables
• Get adequate protein
• Go easy on fatty, salty, and sugary foods
• Drink enough fluids
• Reach and maintain a healthy weight

Cautions:

• Avoid alcohol
• Be careful with dietary supplements

World Hepatitis Day, observed on July 28 every year, aims to raise global awareness of hepatitis – a group of infectious diseases known as Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E – and encourage prevention, diagnosis and treatment.