Hepatitis is basically a viral infection of the liver characterized by swelling and presence of inflammatory cells in the tissue of the organ. Hepatitis can be classified as acute or chronic depending on the severity of the disease.
Causes:
Hepatitis may occur due to:
- Viral infection such as Hepatitis A, B or C, bacterial infection or infection from parasites.
- Injury in liver due to toxins.
- Liver damage due to excess alcohol intake or certain drugs.
- Autoimmune disorder causing autoimmune hepatitis.
Metabolic disorders such as Wilson's Disease can also result in Hepatitis. Other viral and bacterial infections that can cause hepatitis are Hepatitis D and E, and Cytomegalovirus(CMV).
Symptoms:
Hepatitis can occur and go away shortly in case if acute hepatitis such as Hepatitis A but in case of chronic hepatitis, it may lead to critical conditions of liver damage, liver failure, or liver cancer. The symptoms of hepatitis are:
- Low fever
- Pain in joints and muscle
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Yellowing of the eyes and skin or jaundice
- Dark colored urine
- Frequent weight loss
Chronic liver infections do not present any symptoms. Chronic hepatitis can be diagnosed only through medical tests.
Hepatitis A, B, and C are all contagious and spread quite easily. Hepatitis A is generally caused due to contaminated food and water. One should always develop good hygiene conditions in home as well as the surroundings. Unsanitary conditions in public places lead to Hepatitis A.
Hepatitis B spreads by body fluids and major reason of developing Hepatitis B is contaminated blood transfusion, sexual contact, and infected needles.
Hepatitis C is commonly spread due to infected drug needles and contaminated blood.
Hepatitis can be prevented by practicing good lifestyle and hygienic conditions. Avoid eating street food and don't drink contaminated water. Wash your hands before eating food and after using the toilet. Clean the wash basins and utensils with proper antiseptic if used by an infected person.
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