The liver is an important organ and keeps the digestion process functioning normally. The liver produces bile juice that helps in regulating the metabolism by breaking down complex carbohydrates and other food particles. When a liver is affected and does not function properly it can lead to various health issues.
What is meant by hepatitis?
Hepatitis is currently spreading rapidly and has become one of the major concerns in the country. Hepatitis is a term that is linked to the organ liver. When affected by hepatitis the liver may lose its function and cause major health concerns. There are various types of hepatitis that include hepatitis A, B, and C.
Hepatitis A:
Hepatitis infection is spread through consuming hepatitis contaminated water and food. These can be contaminated through hepatitis infected urine or fecal matter. Hepatitis A causes mild infection in most people but it can be severe in older people and also in pregnant women.
Hepatitis B:
Hepatitis B infection generally passed through body fluids like blood shared through unsterilized needles. Hepatitis b causes due to the spread through unprotected sex.
Hepatitis C:
Hepatitis C also spreads the same way as hepatitis B.
Is hepatitis a chronic health condition?
Any type of hepatitis is life threatening as it can affect the liver leading to cirrhosis. As improper functioning of the liver can lead to various complications like the buildup of toxins and also memory loss. In case you are affected by chronic hepatitis then you might need to avoid alcohol to avoid major complications.
What are the signs and symptoms of hepatitis?
Hepatitis when affected can show few visible signs that can include:
- Swollen legs and feet
- Pain in the abdomen
- Itching of the hands and legs
- In case of jaundice visible yellowing of skin
In case you notice any of these signs seek best treatment for hepatitis to ensure you have complete recovery.
The signs of advanced hepatitis:
When the hepatitis advances it can lead to various signs like:
- Bleeding that lasts a long period.
- Swollen stomach
- Blood vessels that may look spider
- Easy bruises
What are the tips to prevent hepatitis?
There are various ways you can prevent hepatitis and the most ideal way is to make changes in your lifestyle and follow healthy hygiene. Few major lifestyle tips can include:
Vaccination:
The most effective way to prevent hepatitis infection is to take vaccination. These vaccinations have antibodies that help fight the infections This can help in fighting the infection.
Take necessary actions while you travel:
While traveling, access to clean water is not always possible, and contaminated water can have hepatitis infection. Stock up enough on sealed water bottles for your travel. Keep in mind that water contamination may not always be visible to the human eye. Avoid consuming fruits or vegetables that have been washed under tap water.
Ensure to take proper hygiene measures like washing your hands frequently and specially before you eat.
Practice safe sex to reduce the risk:
Unprotected sexual practices can put people at risk even though contact with blood is the main way that some varieties of hepatitis, like hepatitis C, are spread. The risk can be highly reduced by practicing safe sex.
Avoid use of other’s personal items:
Hepatitis can be contracted from even a very little amount of infected blood. The same is true for needles used for acupuncture, tattooing, or body piercing. Before utilizing them make sure they are sterile.
Never borrow or use another person’s personal grooming supplies. Family members who share or use personal items like toothbrushes or razors that may have minute blood on them run a higher risk of getting hepatitis than non-family members.
Drug abuse and alcohol:
The virus is not always the cause of hepatitis infections. There are some things that can harm our livers and create inflammation. The liver should not be exposed to toxins while a person has viral hepatitis. It may even worsen liver inflammation.
It is preferable to drink in moderation because the risk for liver disorders rises over time and with alcohol use. Consult your doctor about the safety of the liver if you tend to drink excessively or if you already have liver problems.
What are the various treatment options for viral hepatitis?
The type of virus that causes the infection and its severity affect the course of viral hepatitis treatment. The most common treatment options for each type of hepatitis can include:
Hepatitis A:
Hepatitis A cannot be immediately treated once it has been contracted. Instead, patients should get enough rest, and hydrate well and also eat balanced food.
Hepatitis B:
Hepatitis B is typically not treated until it develops into a chronic condition. To enhance the immune system doctors may give an injection and also the hepatitis B vaccine if treatment is started quickly after injection.
Doctors may recommend a course of medications if the infection persists for more than six months or starts to affect the liver. When the hepatitis B infection advances, the liver gets completely affected or even at times liver failure liver transplantation may be recommended.
Hepatitis C:
Antiviral drugs are the most typical treatment for hepatitis C. A typical treatment course will last 8 to 24 weeks. The particular hepatitis C virus type will determine which medications are recommended.
Important Takeaway:
Hepatitis infection can spread due to poor lifestyle habits and hygiene. Following a proper routine and preventive measures can help prevent and also spread of the infection. Reach out to the gastroenterology specialist if you are looking to get complete treatment for hepatitis.