Preventing Hepatitis – Protect Your Liver
By John Reed on Mar 24, 2009 with Comments 0
Sometimes the liver becomes inflamed due to virus, side effects of medications or other toxic agents. This condition is known as hepatitis. There are two types of hepatitis: viral and non-viral. Viral hepatitis is an acute condition which blankets the body speedily with severe symptoms and short duration. Non-viral is a chronic condition which settles slowly for a longer span of time with no visible symptoms.
There are five classes of hepatitis. They are
Hepatitis A: children of the developing countries are generally affected with this type of hepatitis. Hepatitis A is considered to be acute and infectious. The mode of transfer of this disease is the feces of the infected person. This disease spreads with the indirect contamination of drinking water, cooking utensils and direct contact with the person.
Hepatitis B: this is the most deadly and severe form of hepatitis. The mode of transfer of this disease is through sexual contact, blood transfusion, sharing of needles or razors, ear piercing tools and open sores of the infected person.
Hepatitis C: this disease is transmitted through undeviating contact of blood with the infected person like sharing unsterile needles for tattooing or acupunctures or having transfusions of blood. It can also be passes from mother to child during birth. This condition can be both chronic and acute.
Hepatitis D: those who are carriers of hepatitis B and are indulging in unprotected needle sharing for drug use are more likely to catch this disease.
Hepatitis E: this is an acute condition and is transmitted via contaminated water and food.
Many people recover after contracting hepatitis A and E but unfortunately hepatitis B, C and D can stick around in the body with the chances of producing lifetime infections. They are also at a higher risk of contracting liver disease in the future.
There are however symptoms of hepatitis but are difficult to detect initially as they mimic the flu-like signs. Some of which are:
- Light fever
- Joint pain
- Vomiting, light-headedness and diarrhea
- Weight loss due to appetite loss
- Discomfort in the abdomen
- Low energy levels and weariness
Once the condition starts to get severe more critical indications are experienced. Some of which are:
- Yellowing of skin and eyes
- Darkness of urine
- Passing of pus containing stool
- Headaches and fainting spells
- Irritation
- Lethargy
Early diagnoses of the disease may speed up the curing process. Hepatitis A has no known remedy. Mostly hepatitis A cases are cleared up of their own accord. High protein or carbohydrate diet is recommended in the treatment of hepatitis B for the restoration of liver cells. Severe cases require the assistance of antiviral agents. Similarly medications are recommended for the treatment of hepatitis C. there is no known treatment for hepatitis D and E.
Prevention is always better then cure. For thwarting of hepatitis A and D it is recommended to wash hands thoroughly after using washroom, drinking boiled or mineral water and washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
Avoiding of hepatitis B and C can be ensured by practicing safe sex and averting sharing of needles, razors and other unsterile tools that have contaminated blood on them.
The key principal of avoiding this disease is to focus on personal hygiene and making changes in your lifestyle that ensures your body health.
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Filed Under: Featured • General Health • Hepatitis
