Can Hepatitis be identified early? Hepatitis is a condition in which there is inflammation of the liver and it is normally caused due to a viral infection. However, there are some other factors that can also lead to hepatitis which includes autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis caused due to some medications, drugs, toxins and alcohol. There are around 4.4 million individuals in America who are suffering from chronic hepatitis and there are many others who are not aware that they are suffering from this infection. Hepatitis caused by viral infection of the liver can be classified into five types which are hepatitis A, B, C, D & E. From the five different types of hepatitis, hepatitis A is the milder form and C & D are the severe form of viral infection. The treatment will depend on the type of hepatitis and the cause of the problem. One can prevent some types of hepatitis through immunization, certain lifestyle changes and precautions. How does one get infected with hepatitis? Hepatitis A: This type of infection is caused when an individual consumes any form of food or water which has been contaminated by the faeces of an individual infected with hepatitis A. Hepatitis B This infection is caused when an individual comes in contact with body fluids like blood, saliva or semen of an infected person. Individuals who
inject drugs, have unprotected sex or share razors are more at the risk of developing hepatitis B. Hepatitis C This is also caused through direct contact with infected body fluids and is one of the most common blood-borne viral infections in America. Hepatitis D This is also known as delta hepatitis and is caused through open wounds and direct contact with blood of the infected individual.
Hepatitis E This is a waterborne disease and is most common in locations where there is poor sanitation and is caused by consuming food or water which is contaminated. What are the other factors causing hepatitis? Alcohol Excessive alcohol consumption by an individual can also cause hepatitis and it is also known as alcoholic hepatitis. The alcohol consumption damages the liver leads to swelling of the liver. Some of the other factors that can cause swelling of the liver are excessive use of medicines, drugs and exposure to toxins.
Autoimmune Disease This occurs when the immune system begins to consider the liver to be a harmful object and starts attacking it. This hinders the normal functioning of the liver.
Is hepatitis contagious? Hepatitis which is caused by viral infection is mostly contagious. On the other hand, hepatitis which is caused due to consumption of alcohol or medications is not contagious. The three major types of hepatitis in America is hepatitis A, B and C and all three are known to be contagious. But one can take certain precautions to avoid spreading the viral infection.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis?
Symptoms of chronic hepatitis (mostly hepatitis B & C) are not visible in the early stages. One will start experiencing the symptoms only once the liver is damaged. On the other hand, symptoms of acute hepatitis are visible in the early stage which include;
Tiredness
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Flu-like symptoms
Dark coloured urine
Pale stool
Yellowing of the skin and eyes
Abdomen pain
Generally it takes around two to four weeks depending upon the type of hepatitis for the individual to experience these symptoms. But in some cases it may take years for one to experience the symptoms and known that one is suffering from hepatitis.
Some of the serious symptoms of hepatitis include;
Confusion
Increased bleeding
Coma
And at times even death
What are the preventive measures for hepatitis? Hygiene Living in hygienic conditions is one of the most important steps to prevent hepatitis. And take some precautionary steps while travelling to any developing countries like;
Drink only packed bottled water or boiled water
Avoid ice, seafood, uncooked food, raw fruits and vegetable
By taking these steps one can avoid hepatitis infection which is caused through contaminated food and water. And to prevent hepatitis which is contracted through infected blood one must avoid the following;
Sharing drug needles
Sharing razors and toothbrush
Touching spilled blood or open wounds of another person
Vaccinations There are vaccines available for hepatitis A & B one can take these vaccines to prevent these infections.