Hepatitis: All you need to know about it and more

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 DEFINITION:

 Hepatitis is a problem/infection that attacks the liver. It refers to an inflammation of the liver.

   Inflammation refers to the body's process of fighting against things that harm it, such ad infections, injuries and toxins in an attempt to heal itself. When something damages your cells, your body releases anti bodies(chemicals) that trigger a response from the immune system.

SIGNS OF INFLAMMATION

1. Redness(Rubor in Latin)

2. Heat(Calor)

3.Swelling (Tumor)

4. Pain(Dolor)

5. Loss of function of inflamed area (due to pain or swelling inhibiting movement/motility).

    In other words, inflammation is the reddening, swelling, pain or heating of a particular region in response to trauma.

             CAUSES OF HEPATITIS

It is Commonly caused by a viral infection, but there are other illusion causes of hepatitis which include 

A. Autoimmune hepatitis

B. Hepatitis that occur as secondary result of medications, drugs, toxins and alcohol.


A. Autoimmune Hepatitis: This occurs when your body makes antibodies fight against your liver cells. It is a condition whereby the body's immune system begins to see a body organ/tissue/cell as a foreign body(in this case,  the liver) and begins to fight it.

B. Hepatitis that occurs as secondary result of medications, drugs, toxins and alcohol: Prolonged use of drugs such as Non-steroidal inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs), can lay great burden on the liver which can decrease the liver's detoxification power which may eventually lead to Liver Cirrhosis and Hepatitis. Also, excessive intake of alcohol and dark carbonated beverages can erode the liver surface why can also result to cirrhosis and Hepatitis.

Note: One of the functions of the liver is detoxification.

  FUNCTIONS OF THE LIVER

1. Bile secretion.

2. Detoxification

3. Excretion of Bilirubin

4. Breakdown of carbs, fats &proteins.

5. Activation of enzymes(specialized proteins), which are essential to body functions.

6. Storage of glycogen

7. Synthesis of production of blood protein e.g albumin

8. Production or synthesis of clotting factors.


                TYPES OF HEPATITIS

Hepatitis can occur  by viral and non-viral  causes.

         

       VIRAL CAUSES OF HEPATITIS:

Hepatitis are majorly caused by a viral infection. So, there are Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.

1. Hepatitis A: This is caused by an infection with the Hepatitis A virus(HAV). It is most commonly transmitted by consuming food or water contaminated by faces from an infected person.

2. Hepatitis B: Transmitted through contacts with contaminated body fluids like blood, vaginal secretions, or semen, containing the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), having sex with an infected person, injection/drug use( sharing piercing objects with an infected person).


3. Hepatitis C: This is gotten from the Hepatitis C virus(HCV). It is transmitted through direct contacts with infected body fluids typically through piercing objects and sex. It is a blood-borne viral infection.


4. Hepatitis D(Delta Hepatitis): This is a serious liver disease caused by the Hepatitis D virus(HDV). It is contracted through direct contact with infected blood. HDV is a rare form of hepatitis that only occur in conjunction with HBV infection.


5. Hepatitis E: This is a water borne disease caused by the Hepatitis E virus(HEV), mainly found in areas with poor sanitation and typically results from ingestion of faecal matter that contaminate water bodies(natural sources of water supply like rivers, ponds, streams, oceans, etc).


CAUSES OF NON-INFECTIOUS HEPATITIS


1. Excessive intake of Alcohol, & other toxic substances: This can cause liver damage and inflammation. The alcohol directly injures the cells of the liver. Overtime, it can cause permanent damage to to the liver and lead to liver cirrhosis and failure. 

Other toxic causes of hepatitis includes excessive intake of carbonated dark drinks, prolonged use of medications, and exposure to poisons.

2. Autoimmune system response: In some cases, the immune system sees the liver cells as a foreign body and hence, begins to attack it. It causes inflammation that can range from mild to severe often hindering liver functions and cell damage.

    Research shows that this type of hepatitis occurs 3 times in women than in men.


     COMMON SYMPTOMS OF HEPATITIS

Infectious Hepatitis like B and C may not have symptoms in the beginning (being that they're chronic), hence, symptoms may not occur until there is damage to the liver functions.

    Signs and symptoms of Acute Hepatitis appear quickly but chronic Hepatitis does not appear qucikly.

 

              SIGNS OF ACUTE HEPATITIS

1. Fatique

2. Flu-like symptoms

3. Dark urine

4. Pale stool

5. Abdominal pain

6. Loss of Appetite

7. Signs of Jaundice


    Chronic Hepatitis develops slowly, so these signs & symptoms may not be too subtle to notice. 


ADVICE:

1. Check out for these signs and symptoms and see your doctor if you noticed any changes in your body system or any of the signs.

2. Reduce or Stop intake if alcohol.

3. Reduce or stop the intake of dark carbonated soft drinks on a daily basis.

4. Practice ABC in sexual relationship (A= abstinence, B= Be faithful to your partner, C= Use condoms if you must have sex with an untrusted partner).

5. Take great care about what you eat and drink especially water.



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