The liver plays an essential role in filtering toxins out of our bodies, storing vitamins and hormones, and performing other important tasks. Viral hepatitis -- caused by infections with viruses such as A, B and C -- can inflame liver tissue leading to permanent damage and even cirrhosis.
Hepatitis A can usually resolve itself on its own, but you can help ensure its elimination by getting vaccinated against it. This safe and effective measure is covered by most insurance plans.
Symptoms
Hepatitis B viruses can be spread by contact with blood or bodily fluids of an infected individual, including through sharing eating utensils, kissing, holding hands, sneezing, food or water consumption or unclean needles used when injecting drugs or engaging in unprotected sexual relations.
Hepatitis A is less prevalent but still present, spreading in much the same ways as Hepatitis B and C. Although usually only mild, its symptoms may last several weeks and lead to jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes). It can be hard to tell whether you have this form of Hepatitis.
Doctors can diagnose Hepatitis A by collecting a blood sample and testing for specific antibodies against the virus. Most people recover within three months; however, long-term infection may lead to severe liver issues like Cirrhosis which makes functioning of the liver difficult.
Treatment
Hepatitis A, B and C can lead to advanced liver disease and even death, with symptoms including yellow skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine, extreme fatigue, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Hepatitis A usually develops after intaking food or water contaminated by fecal matter, and is most prevalent in areas with poor sanitation and can spread through unprotected sexual contact as well as during childbirth. Therefore, those at high risk should get immunized to protect themselves.
Hepatitis A, B and C infections typically do not produce symptoms in its early stages -- known as acute hepatitis. Over time however, long-term (chronic) hepatitis can lead to liver damage even without symptoms; blood tests may be used as the only indicator. Treatment options for chronic hepatitis may include medication, lifestyle modifications and diet modifications; advanced cases might necessitate surgery in order to remove part or all of their liver.
Prevention
Hepatitis A and B can be prevented through vaccinations, practicing safe sex and not sharing personal items like toothbrushes or razors with strangers. People should also limit alcohol consumption and get regular blood tests to evaluate liver function - early screening can reduce risks such as liver cancer and cirrhosis caused by these viruses.
Hepatitis C can be avoided by practicing safe sex with latex or polyurethane condoms during sexual activity and not engaging in unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse. Hepatitis C infections can last from several weeks or years and result in liver failure, cirrhosis, liver cancer or death if left untreated; there is currently a vaccine and effective treatments available to manage chronic infections of hepatitis C infection.
Diagnosis
Your liver is essential to overall body health, filtering toxins from your blood, storing vitamins, and fighting infections. Alcohol use, toxins, medications and medical conditions may all increase liver inflammation; however, more often than not the culprit is simply a virus.
Viral Hepatitis A and B viruses spread by contact with infected blood or bodily fluids from infected people, often leading to acute, short-term infections. Hepatitis C spreads similarly, though its impact may extend over longer term (chronic).
No matter if it is acute or chronic hepatitis, treatment options include both pills taken by mouth and injections from your healthcare provider. They will prescribe the medicine best suited to you and your infection and check to see if other medications interact with Hepatitis C treatments before prescribing anything specific for treatment. It is vital that all treatments be taken as instructed and appointments kept.
