Understanding Hepatitis: Unveiling the Facts and Strategies for Prevention
Understanding Hepatitis: Unveiling the Facts and Strategies for Prevention
Wed Sep 13 2023Hepatitis is a common disease that affects millions of people around the country. Hepatitis awareness has grown in recent decades due to the disease’s sometimes fatal nature. While gastroenterologists at some of the best surgical hospitals, including TOPS Surgical Specialty Hospital, can help some patients afflicted with this disease, understanding hepatitis is key to preventing it.
Let’s examine what hepatitis is and how you can protect yourself against it.
What Is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is a broad term that refers to a condition in which the liver becomes inflamed. This condition is caused by a virus and produces numerous symptoms, depending on its type. Some symptoms common across most hepatitis types include:- Jaundice
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
Types of Hepatitis and How They Are Contracted
The medical community recognizes the following five types of hepatitis:Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is contracted by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. It is acute, meaning it lasts a short time and has a high recovery rate.Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is contracted through contact with blood and other bodily fluids carrying the virus. People often contract hepatitis B by sharing needles or engaging in unprotected sex. It is also possible for a mother with hepatitis B to pass the disease on to her child during childbirth. Hepatitis B can be acute or chronic. People with chronic hepatitis B are at risk of developing serious liver disease.Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is also contracted via contact with blood carrying the virus. And it can be acute or chronic and lead to the development of liver disease, similar to hepatitis B.Hepatitis D
As with types B and C, hepatitis D is contracted via contact with blood carrying the virus and can be acute or chronic. However, this form of hepatitis can be contracted only if the patient already has hepatitis B.Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E is similar to Hepatitis A in that people can contract it by consuming contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. E can cause both acute and chronic infections and can resolve on their own. However, pregnant women and people with pre-existing liver conditions can experience severe complications with Hepatitis E.Types of Hepatitis Treatments
There is no cure for hepatitis. Patients with short-term hepatitis usually recover as their immune system clears the virus. Patients with chronic hepatitis must manage their symptoms using a combination of medications and lifestyle changes.How to Prevent Hepatitis
Some ways to protect yourself against hepatitis include:- Getting hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines
- Practicing good hygiene
- Practicing safe sex
- Limiting alcohol and drug use
- Exercising regularly
