Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a condition that causes inflammation in the liver. This is often caused by a virus but can be the results of certain drugs, toxins, and a large amount of alcohol consumption. The liver is responsible for breaking down toxins and carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. There are several different types of hepatitis and they can affect the health of the liver.

Hepatitis A

This form of hepatitis is caused by a virus. It can infect a person if they consume food or water that has been contaminated with the feces of a person that has this virus. This is common in third world countries where proper sanitation is an issue.

Hepatitis B

This is transmitted through contact with bodily fluids including blood, vaginal fluid, semen, and other forms of fluid. A person can get this virus by sharing needles or even razors with an infected person.

Hepatitis C

This virus comes from direct contact with bodily fluids. This is the most common form of viral infections. There are around 3 million people in the United States alone that suffer from this condition.

Hepatitis Symptoms

If a person is suffering from hepatitis there are some common symptoms they may be experiencing. Hepatitis signs that a person may experience unexplained fatigue, they may have flu-like symptom such as body aches. This is a condition of the liver so their urine can be a dark color and their stool that me a light or pale color. A person may experience pain in their abdomen and they may have a yellow tint to their skin which can be a sign of jaundice. These symptoms are often mild and they may be hard to notice at first.

How to Treat Hepatitis

People with hepatitis A often do not need medical treatment. A child can be vaccinated against this virus but this form of hepatitis is usually short term. A person should get plenty of rest if they are in pain.

Hepatitis B can be treated with a common antiviral medication. It may take a couple of months or even years to fight off this condition. This is another form of hepatitis that a child can be vaccinated against. Those that work in the medical field should also be vaccinated as a precautionary measure.

Hepatitis C will require medical treatment and will need the use of antiviral drugs to treat it. People with this condition may develop cirrhosis which is a scarring of the liver. If they have these scars they may need a liver transplant.

Tips to Prevent Hepatitis

This condition is preventable. A person should not drink the water if they are visiting developing countries. They should also avoid raw foods. People should not share razors, toothbrushes, and avoid contact with bodily fluids. A person should also practice safe sex.

Hepatitis is a health condition that affects the liver. This condition is preventable in some forms and a person should make sure they are up to date on their vaccinations in order to protect their health. Hepatitis diagnostic should be done by a doctor and self-diagnosis and self-medicating is not recommended.