Viral Hepatitis

What Is Viral Hepatitis?

Viral hepatitis is an umbrella term for a liver disease caused by certain kinds of virus. The most common types of viral hepatitis are categorized by letters of the alphabet. Hepatitis A, B and C are most prevalent, although there are a number of others, including D, E, F, G and H. As research into the nature of hepatitis continues, more virus types are likely to be disocvered.

Viral hepatitis causes swelling and inflammation of the liver. Damage to the liver will depend on the type. For instance, hepatitis A causes symptoms and may last for up to six months, but usually leave no damage. However, other types of viral hepatitis can become chronic, greatly impairing liver function and constituting a serious health threat.

Viral hepatitis is the number one cause of liver cancer and the most common reason for getting a liver transplant.

It's estimated that more than 3-4 million individuals in the United States are living with chronic hepatitis C. More than one million have chronic hepatitis B.

Viral hepatitis causes include infection by viruses that primarily target the human liver. These viruses cause inflammation that affect liver function to varying degrees.

There are a number of ways to get viral hepatitis.

• Through contact (especially intercourse) with someone who already has it.
• By sharing needles or self-injected drugs with someone who has been infected.
• By getting a transfusion of impure blood.
• Through an attack from parasites.
• By introducing chemicals and toxins into the body that are unhealthy.
• By eating at a restaurant where there has been an viral hepatitis outbreak (typically this is how you get the hepatitis A virus, which is often found in fecal matter. Outbreaks tend to occur where hygiene and sanitation standards are poor).

Symptoms

Some people with certain types of viral hepatitis never show any symptoms at all. This can be especially true with hepatitis A.

When symptoms of viral hepatitis appear, they'll probably include abdomen pain, muscular pain, a slight fever, urine that is darker than usual, loss of appetite and fatigue.

Dizziness, drowsiness and headaches are also common.

Itching, including a skin rash known as hives, is typical with viral hepatitis, as is jaundice (yellowing of the skin).

Some individuals infected with viral hepatitis have diarrhea and/or clay-colored stools.

If you notice these symptoms, or you suspect you've been exposed to viral hepatitis, you should see a doctor. Besides diagnosing your symptoms, your doctor may also ask you to take a blood test.

Treatment

Medical science has not developed a specific treatment for hepatitis A. It usually clears up on its own. Similarly, there's no current treatment for hepatitis D or E.

The only effective therapy for hepatitis B is a high protein/high carbohydrate diet. This helps rebuild liver cells and protect the liver. In persistent hepatitis B cases, your doctor may suggest an antiviral agent called interferon. Interferon is an antiviral protein that helps prevent the hepatitis virus from replicating itself.

The only approved treatment for hepatitis C that has shown any promise is a type of ieterferon known as interferon alfa-2b (Intron A).

There are some things you can do to ease the symptoms of all forms of hepatitis. These include

• Getting as much rest as you can.
• Eating soft, easily digestible foods that are not likely to cause nausea or vomiting (you may need some trial and error testing to figure out which foods work for you).
• Avoiding alcohol.

Talk to your doctor about your medications. He or she may be able to suggest alternatives that are less likely to trigger viral hepatitis symptoms.

Sponsored Advertising

How to Lose Weight and Feel Great With a Natural Solution to Liver Problems

The Fatty Liver Solution

Click hereto Get This Book Plus

Three Free Bonuses Worth $87...