Hepatitis is growing in prevalence worldwide, so it is vital to understand the different types, as well as how to treat them. Hepatitis, generally caused by a virus, is recognized as inflammation of the liver, which is known as the “filter” organ. It can also be caused by alcohol, certain prescription medications, and specific medical conditions. The liver primarily filters blood and toxins but also processes nutrients. When the liver is inflamed, the liver function is impaired. The different types of hepatitis are A, B, C, D, and E, which will be reviewed below.
i. Transmission: Food or water contaminated by feces and close contact, such as sex
ii. Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, weakness, yellowing of the skin and eyes, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
iii. Diagnosis: Blood test
iv. Treatment: Rest, adequate fluid intake, and symptom management
i. Transmission: Blood, semen, and other bodily fluid
ii. Examples include sex, birth (if the mother is infected), and sharing needles or syringes with infected individuals.
iii. Symptoms: See symptoms of Hepatitis A
iv. Diagnosis: Blood test
v. Treatment: Rest, adequate fluid intake, and symptom management
vi. For chronic hepatitis B, there are prescription medications available.
i. Transmission: Blood, examples include sharing needles or syringes, needle stick injuries in the healthcare industry, and birth (if the mother is infected).
ii. Symptoms: See symptoms of Hepatitis A
iii. Diagnosis: Multiple blood tests
iv. Treatment: Rest, adequate fluid intake, and symptom management
v. Generally, acute hepatitis C will evolve into chronic hepatitis C.
vi. For chronic hepatitis C, prescription medications are available.
vi. Without treatment, complications may arise, such as cancer, liver damage, and death.
i. Transmission: Blood
ii. Only occurs in those with hepatitis B
iii. Examples include sharing needles and needle stick injuries in the healthcare industry, and birth (if the mother is infected).
iv. Symptoms: Abdominal pain, fatigue, and yellowing of the skin and eyes
v. Diagnosis: Blood work
vi. Treatment: No approved treatment, symptom management
i. Transmission: Food or water contaminated by feces
ii. See symptoms of Hepatitis A
iii. Diagnosis: Blood work
iv. Treatment: Rest, adequate fluid intake, and symptom management
To find out prevention techniques for viral hepatitis, come back tomorrow for further information. If you or a family member think they may have a type of hepatitis, contact Shifa4U to speak with a doctor today or order lab test package of hepatitis through Shifa4U.