Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a general term for liver inflammation that can be caused by a number of things, including viruses, chemicals, drugs, alcohol, and genetic disorders.

Here are some things to know about hepatitis:

Types

There are five main types of hepatitis viruses, A, B, C, D, and E. but there are actually seven types of hepatitis. The other two are autoimmune hepatitis, neonatal hepatitis.

Each type differs in how it’s transmitted, how severe the illness is, and how it’s prevented.

Symptoms

Some people with hepatitis don’t have any symptoms, while others may experience yellowing of the skin and eyes, poor appetite, vomiting, tiredness, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

Acute vs chronic

Hepatitis can be acute, which means it flares up suddenly and then goes away, or chronic, which is a long-term condition. Chronic hepatitis usually produces more subtle symptoms and progressive liver damage.

Transmission

Hepatitis can be transmitted in a number of ways, including contaminated blood or blood products, invasive medical procedures, and sexual contact.

Causes

In addition to viruses, hepatitis can also be caused by heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications, and certain medical conditions.

Public health threat

Hepatitis is a serious public health threat that kills thousands of Americans annually and is a leading cause of liver cancer.

Most common types of hepatitis

Hepatitis A

Usually spread through contaminated food or water, or by personal contact with an infected person. Hepatitis A is the easiest to transmit, especially in children, but it’s also the least likely to cause long-term damage to the liver.

Hepatitis B

Usually spread through contact with infected blood, semen, or other bodily fluids. This can happen through sexual contact, sharing needles, or from mother to baby at birth. Hepatitis B can cause a chronic infection that can lead to liver damage, liver cancer, or cirrhosis.

Hepatitis C

Usually spread through blood, primarily by sharing needles or other drug injection equipment. Hepatitis C is the most common cause of hepatitis, and many people with it don’t have symptoms. About 80% of those with the disease get a long-term infection that can lead to cirrhosis.

Hepatitis D

Only occurs among people with hepatitis B infection, and is transmitted through contact with infectious blood.

Hepatitis E

Usually spread through contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis A can easily spread from one person to another by putting something in the mouth (even though it may look clean) that has been contaminated with the stool of a person with hepatitis A. This can happen when people do not wash their hands after using the toilet and then touch or prepare other people’s food.

Hepatitis Symptoms

• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Jaundice
• Stomach pain
• Loss of appetite
• Dark colored urine
• Pale bowel movements
• Yellow color of skin and eyes

Causes of Hepatitis

• Alcohol
• Drug Abuse
• Liver Injury
• Liver Disorders
• Poisonous Mushroom
• Contaminated food and water
• Viral or bacterial Infections
• Sexual contact with infected person

If not treated properly, Hepatitis may cause

• Death
• Liver Cancer

Your best bet is Hepatitis Vaccine. A visit to the Doctor is a must.

Herbs that help with hepatitis

• Dandelion – Best used for Hepatitis, Jaundice and other Liver Diseases
• Milk Thistle- Best used for liver disorders.
• Borututu – The Bark of the tree is used to detoxify Liver and Digestive System. Best used for Liver Diseases and Digestive Disorders.
• Polypodium Vulgare is a fern best known for hepatitis