Hepatitis is a group of diseases that cause inflammation of the liver and is both infectious and non-infectious in nature. Acute hepatitis contributes to impaired liver function, which is accompanied by the development of jaundice. Today, up to 30% of the adult population suffers from such a dangerous disease, which in severe forms causes death.
Causes of Hepatitis
To date, there are several reasons for the development of the disease - viral, toxic and cholestic. With the last two reasons caused by food and medicine, doctors cope pretty quickly. A person who has used a low-quality product has intoxication, in which the liver cages begin to break down. It is much more difficult to cope with viral hepatitis.
The main types of existing hepatitis
Let's look at the main types of hepatitis.
Viral hepatitis - this group combines the most common diseases that are dangerous to humans. This includes viruses from groups A to G. A distinctive feature is the pathogen viruses. But, despite the differences, they all cause inflammatory processes in the liver. Here you can highlight the most common infections - rubella, Epstein-Bar virus, cytomegalovirus, HIV disease.
Toxic hepatitis mainly occurs in people with impaired liver function. It differs in two types - alcoholic and medicinal. The development of drug hepatitis is influenced by the long-term use (from 2 days to 1 year) of drugs (antibiotics or tranquilizers). Alcoholic hepatitis provokes excessive consumption of "strong" drinks containing ethyl alcohol.
Chronic hepatitis is a disease that proceeds without improvement for 6 months.
Acute hepatitis is the most common disease that occurs against a background of a viral or bacterial infection, industrial poisons, drugs or poor-quality food.
How to recognize hepatitis and how to treat it?
The first symptoms of hepatitis are accompanied by jaundice. Quite often, the disease is accompanied by fatigue, weakness and bitterness in the mouth, fever, headache, and in rare cases, vomiting is discovered. The patient’s urine changes color and resembles strong tea, while the stool, on the contrary, acquires a white - gray color. In some cases, an asymptomatic course of the disease is possible.
Symptoms of hepatitis in each of the existing species are different. Consider them:
Hepatitis A . The first signs of hepatitis of this species appear 30 days after the alleged infection. The patient feels pain in the abdomen and muscles, fever, weakness and headache. During the period of the disease, people are most dangerous to others. This type of hepatitis can cause death, can lead to chronic illness or liver cancer.
Treatment methods. The doctor prescribes painkillers and antipyretic drugs and prolonged rest. There is no cure for this disease, however, immunoglobulin injections performed shortly after infection in most cases are quite effective.
Hepatitis B. Infection can occur through blood, semen, saliva or fluid secreted by the female genital organs. Newborn babies can be infected through the placenta. Symptoms of hepatitis usually appear several months after infection (malaise, jaundice, rash, and pain in the abdomen).
Treatment methods. The patient is prescribed bed rest, plentiful drinking and a diet. Successful treatment is achieved using interferon.
Hepatitis C. This disease is directly related to blood transfusion. The first symptoms of hepatitis appear 50 days after the alleged infection. People with this diagnosis are prone to liver cirrhosis or cancer.
Treatment methods. Doctors use interferon in the treatment.
Remember, the first signs of hepatitis need urgent hospitalization. In the hospital you will receive the necessary medical care. You will receive timely treatment and a suitable diet.