We Know: The Facts About Hepatitis What is hepatitis? Hepatitis, is an inflammation of the liver caused either by viral transmission or chemical toxins in the body. Untreated cases of hepatitis can lead to liver failure and even death. How does one get hepatitis? Hepatitis is obtained by viral infections or non-virally by chemical toxins. Viral infection occurs by way of: Oral ingestion of fecal-contaminated food or water sources Sexual contact with an infected individuals Blood transfusions Contact with infected bodily fluids Contaminated needles Transmission from mother to child during pregnancy Non-viral routes of infection include: Exposure to toxins that cause liver damage, like alcohol, drugs, poisonous mushrooms Ingestion of too much acetaminophen Reaction of the body's own cells against the liver to result in autoimmune hepatitis How many forms of viral hepatitis exist? There are several forms of viral hepatitis, each caused by its own virus, bacteria, or parasite. They are: Hepatitis A - seen in epidemics and transmitted through fecal contaminated food and water. Hepatitis B - transmitted by infected blood or blood products, or sexually. Hepatitis C - transmitted by blood from asymptomatic donors and may result in chronic disease. Hepatitis D - occurs in conjunction with Hepatitis B and results in either acute or chronic disease. Hepatitis E - often transmitted by fecal contaminated food in the tropics. Hepatitis disease is either acute (starts and ends quickly) or chronic (long-term progression). What are the signs and symptoms of hepatitis? Symptoms of hepatitis occurs in stages. During the early phases of disease, fatigue, headache, depression, loss of appetite, fever, weakness, and nausea may occur. During the clinical jaundice stage, dark-colored urine or clay-colored stools appear, accompanied by abdominal pains and indigestion. Rashes may develop, along with liver enlargement and jaundice (yellowing of the skin). How is hepatitis diagnosed and treated? Hepatitis is diagnosed using a combination of lab and serology tests to determine if antibodies to hepatitis viruses exist. A liver function test may be used to assess the severity and cause of liver disease. A liver biopsy may be used if doctors cannot determine the extent of the liver disease. There is no cure for viral hepatitis, and drug therapies exist only for Hepatitis C. Doctors recommend rest. High-protein and high-calorie meals should be eaten early in the day as nausea can set in later. For non-viral cases of hepatitis, the body must be rid of the agent causing the disease before recovery occurs. What steps can be taken to prevent hepatitis? There are vaccines available for Hepatitis A and B. The Hepatitis A vaccine is given to medical workers and travelers. The Hepatitis B vaccine is administered to children and high risk adults. Other methods to avoid infection with the virus include: Avoid contact with blood Do not have sexual intercourse with persons of unknown sexual history Don't share needles Wash hands thoroughly before handling food Don't drink and take acetaminophen simultaneously Don't eat uncooked foods or drink unboiled water in other countries.
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Common misspellings of Hepatitis: hepatitus