By RPH Nida Naim
Hepatitis, an inflammatory condition affecting the liver, ranges from mild to severe illness. As a vital organ performing diverse functions such as blood filtration, nutrient processing, and infection defense, the liver plays a crucial role in our health. Viral Hepatitis, an acute infectious disease, is caused by five distinct viruses: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Notably, some types, like Hepatitis A, are contagious. Explore the symptoms, risk factors, and treatments associated with this liver ailment.
Symptoms of Viral Hepatitis
The usual symptoms of this disease are fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting, abdominal pain, dark-colored urine stools that become light in color, joint pain, and jaundice.
Risk Factors of Viral Hepatitis
Several risk factors are associated with Viral Hepatitis, including sharing needles, exposure to toxic chemicals, engaging in unsafe sexual practices, lack of vaccination against viral hepatitis, having an autoimmune disorder, and consuming unsafe drinking or washing water. These factors contribute to the susceptibility and transmission of the infection, emphasizing the importance of adopting preventive measures and seeking appropriate medical interventions to reduce the risk of Viral Hepatitis.
Which Screening Test Can Be Used To Detect?
Various blood tests are employed to detect Viral Hepatitis infection. A quantity of blood is extracted from the veins and sent to the laboratory for analysis. The results of these blood tests provide information regarding the type of Hepatitis, the extent of the infection, and whether the infection is currently active or inactive.
Types of Viral Hepatitis
There are five primary viruses responsible for causing viral Hepatitis: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.
Hepatitis A: This type is highly contagious and primarily affects the liver, caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV).
Hepatitis B: Caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV).
Hepatitis C: This viral infection is a result of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV).
Hepatitis D: Caused by the Hepatitis D virus.
Hepatitis E: This infection is caused by the Hepatitis E virus. Each type of Viral Hepatitis presents distinct characteristics, and understanding them is crucial for effective prevention and management.
Treatment and Management
Different treatment modalities are available for its treatment and management like interferons, Antivirals, Corticosteroids, Vaccines, Viral, Prevention, and immune Globulins.
Several antiviral medicines — including entecavir (Baraclude), tenofovir (Viread), lamivudine (Epivir), adefovir (Hepsera), and telbivudine — can help fight the virus and slow its ability to damage the liver. These drugs are taken by mouth.
There is no such treatment for Hepatitis A available as this is typically a self-limiting illness. For the supportive management of Hepatitis A, doctors recommend bed rest as well as a dietary program to maintain hydration and nutrition.
For the treatment of Hepatitis B, certain antiviral medications are available but they are expensive. Acute and Chronic Hepatitis C can be treated with a combination of antiviral medicines. Chronic Hepatitis C can cause cirrhosis of the liver.
Hepatitis D is treated with interferon-alpha. Interferon alpha has so many side effects that’s why it is not recommended with people who have cirrhotic liver. Hepatitis E typically resolves on its own as it is an acute infection in nature. If pregnant women have a Hepatitis E infection, doctors recommend close monitoring and care. Adequate rest and plenty of different fluids to maintain hydration and to get enough nutrients is usually the treatment of choice from the doctors to the patients.