What is hepatitis?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. The condition can
be self-limiting or can progress to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis or liver
cancer. Hepatitis viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis in the world
but other infections, toxic substances (e.g. alcohol, certain drugs), and
autoimmune diseases can also cause hepatitis.
There are 5 main hepatitis viruses, referred to as types
A, B, C, D and E. These 5 types are of greatest concern because of
the burden of illness and death they cause and the potential for outbreaks and
epidemic spread. In particular, types B and C lead to chronic disease in
hundreds of millions of people and, together, are the most common cause of
liver cirrhosis and cancer.
Hepatitis A and E are typically caused by ingestion of
contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B, C and D usually occur as a result of
parenteral contact with infected body fluids. Common modes of transmission for
these viruses include receipt of contaminated blood or blood products, invasive
medical procedures using contaminated equipment and for hepatitis B
transmission from mother to baby at birth, from family member to child, and
also by sexual contact.
Acute infection may occur with limited or no symptoms, or
may include symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark
urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
What are the different hepatitis viruses?
Scientists have
identified 5 unique hepatitis viruses, identified by the letters A, B, C, D,
and E. While all cause liver disease, they vary in important ways.
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is
present in the faeces of infected persons and is most often transmitted through
consumption of contaminated water or food. Certain sex practices can also
spread HAV. Infections are in many cases mild, with most people making a full
recovery and remaining immune from further HAV infections. However, HAV
infections can also be severe and life threatening. Most people in areas of the
world with poor sanitation have been infected with this virus. Safe and
effective vaccines are available to prevent HAV.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is
transmitted through exposure to infective blood, semen, and other body fluids.
HBV can be transmitted from infected mothers to infants at the time of birth or
from family member to infant in early childhood. Transmission may also occur
through transfusions of HBV-contaminated blood and blood products, contaminated
injections during medical procedures, and through injection drug use. HBV also
poses a risk to healthcare workers who sustain accidental needle stick injuries
while caring for infected-HBV patients. Safe and effective vaccines are
available to prevent HBV.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is
mostly transmitted through exposure to infective blood. This may happen through
transfusions of HCV-contaminated blood and blood products, contaminated
injections during medical procedures, and through injection drug use. Sexual
transmission is also possible, but is much less common. There is no vaccine for
HCV.
Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infections
occur only in those who are infected with HBV. The dual infection of HDV and
HBV can result in a more serious disease and worse outcome. Hepatitis B
vaccines provide protection from HDV infection.
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is
mostly transmitted through consumption of contaminated water or food. HEV is a
common cause of hepatitis outbreaks in developing parts of the world and is
increasingly recognized as an important cause of disease in developed
countries. Safe and effective vaccines to prevent HEV infection have been
developed but are not widely available.
Treatments for hepatitis
Hepatitis A
There is no treatment specifically for hepatitis A. The
doctor will advise the patient to abstain from alcohol and drugs during the
recovery. The vast majority of patients with hepatitis A will recover
spontaneously.
Hepatitis B
A patient with hepatitis B needs to rest. He will require a
diet that is high in protein and carbohydrate - this is to repair damaged liver
cells, as well as to protect the liver. If this is not enough, the doctor may
prescribe interferon. Interferon is an antiviral agent.
Hepatitis C
A patient with hepatitis C will be prescribed pegylated
interferon and ribavirin.
Hepatitis D or E
So far, there is no effective treatment for either hepatitis
D or E.
Non-viral hepatitis
If the patient has non-viral hepatitis, the doctor needs to
remove the harmful substance. It will be flushed out of the stomach by
hyperventilation or induced vomiting. Patients with drug-induced hepatitis may
be prescribed corticosteroids.
Preventing hepatitis
How to prevent hepatitis A
Wash your hands with soap after going to the toilet
Only consume food that has just been cooked
Only drink commercially bottled water, or boiled water if
you're unsure of local sanitation
Only eat fruits that you can peel if you are somewhere where
sanitation is unreliable
Only eat raw vegetables if you are sure they have been
cleaned/disinfected thoroughly
Get a vaccine for hepatitis A if you travel to places where
hepatitis may be endemic.
How to prevent hepatitis B
Tell the partner if you are a carrier or try to find out
whether he/she is a carrier
Only use clean syringes that have not been used by anyone
else
Do not share toothbrushes, razors, or manicure instruments
Have a hepatitis B series of shots if you are at risk
Only allow well sterilized skin perforating equipment
(tattoo, acupuncture, etc.).
How to prevent hepatitis C
If you are infected do not let others share your toothbrush,
razor, manicure equipment
If you are infected cover open wounds
Do not share needles, toothbrushes, or manicure equipment
If your skin is to be pierced, make sure equipment is well
sterilized (tattoo, etc.)
Do not share drug equipment.
How to prevent hepatitis D
Use the same guidelines as for hepatitis B. Only a person
who is infected with hepatitis B can become infected with hepatitis D.
How to prevent hepatitis E
Do the same as you would to protect yourself from hepatitis
A infection.
References: www.medicalnewstoday.com
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