Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver characterized by the presence of inflammatory cells in the tissue of the organ. The condition can be healing on its own or can progress to fibrosis (scarring) and cirrhosis. Hepatitis may occur with limited or no symptoms, but often leads to jaundice, loss of appetite and malaise. Hepatitis is acute when it lasts less than six months and chronic when it persists longer. A group of viruses known as the hepatitis viruses cause most cases of hepatitis worldwide, but it can also be due to toxins (alcohol, certain medications), other infections.

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted person-to-person by ingestion of contaminated food or water or through direct contact with an infectious person. The incubation period is between two and six weeks and the average incubation period is 28 days.

Early symptoms of hepatitis A infection can be mistaken for influenza, but some people exhibit no symptoms at all. Symptoms of hepatitis A infection include fatigue, fever, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, appetite loss, jaundice, weight loss, itching, dark urine. Hepatitis A can be prevented by vaccination, good hygiene and sanitation.

There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. Patients should rest, avoid fatty foods and alcohol, eat a well-balanced diet.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) results from exposure to infectious blood or body fluids. Possible forms of transmission include sexual contact, blood transfusions, re-use of contaminated needles and syringes, and vertical transmission from mother to child during childbirth.

The acute hepatitis B infection causes liver inflammation, vomiting, jaundice and rarely, death. Chronic hepatitis B may cause liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. The infection is preventable by vaccination.

Acute hepatitis B infection does not usually require treatment because most adults clear the infection spontaneously. Treatment of chronic infection may be necessary to reduce the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Although none of the available drugs can clear the infection, they can stop the virus from replicating, thus minimizing liver damage.

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread by blood-to-blood contact. The infection is often asymptomatic, it is mostly discovered accidentally. Persistent infection can be treated with medication. 51% are cured overall. No vaccine against hepatitis C is currently available. Chronic infection can progress to scarring of the liver (fibrosis), and advanced scarring (cirrhosis) which is generally apparent after many years.

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