HEPATITIS
World Hepatitis Day 2022 Theme: Bringing Hepatitis Care Closer to you
Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver. This may result from damage to liver tissue or other causes. Hepatits is considered acute if it lasts lessthen six months; chronic cases are those that last six months or longer.
Causes of Hepatitis
Liver inflammation can be caused by several viruses (viral hepatitis), chemicals, drugs, alcohol, certain genetic disorders or by an overactive immune system that mistakenly attacks the liver, called autoimmune hepatitis.
Types of Viral Hepatitis and Mode of Transmission
Hepatitis A- exposure to Hepatitis A Virus in food or water.
Hepatitis B – contact with Hepatitis B Virus in body fluids, such as blood, vaginal secretions, or semen.
Hepatitis C – contact with Hepatitis C Virus in body fluids, such as blood, vaginal secretions, or semen.
Hepatitis D- contact with blood containing Hepatitis D Virus. It is a rare form and occurs in conjunction with Hepatitis B infection.
Hepatitis E- exposure to Hepatitis E Virus in food or water. This is found in areas with poor sanitation and typically results from ingesting faecal matter that contaminates water supply.
Symptoms
Malaise – a general feeling of being unwell
Muscle or joint aches
Nausea and vomiting
Itchy skin
Fatigue
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the white portion of the eyes)
Dark-coloured urine
Lightly coloured stools
Abdominal pain
Abdominal swelling due to fluid retention
Diagnosis
Physical exam, which may or may not reveal a swollen, enlarged liver.
Blood tests to check liver enzymes that are elevated when the liver is damaged or infected, as well as blood tests to check for the presence of any of the five viruses causing hepatitis
Ultrasound of the liver to detect any changes
Liver biopsy to confirm suspected inflammation when other tests are inconclusive and to determine the exact degree of liver damage.
Prevention of viral Hepatitis
Avoiding exposure to viruses: practising effective hygiene, not sharing needles, razors, or materials, and practising safe sex.
Injectable immunoglobulins
Vaccines.
Nutrition Recommendations
Limit sodium intake either from heavily processed foods, etc.
Consume fruits and vegetables as they contain essential vitamins and minerals for good health.
Consume healthy fats e.g olive oil, flaxseed oil, etc in moderation.
Consume the right amount of proteins.
Avoid alcohol/ smoking.
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