HEPATITIS IS A DEADLY DISEASE... Take time to Read about Hepatitis

WORLD HEPATITIS DAY 2016 with the theme KNOW HEPATITIS - ACT NOW! is a call for more awareness about the disease Hepatitis and particularly, for the correction of the misconceptions that patients have about the disease wherein they often mix it up with Arthritis or Hypertension and thus often risk misusing drugs (by self-medicating against wrong diagnosis using wrong drugs and thus harm in their liver the more).

It is also a call for Healthcare providers to do more in ridding our society of Hepatitis through *proper blood screening prior to transfusion, *increased awareness of the public on the routes/Modes of transmission and prevention of Hepatitis, to mention but a few.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports these facts:

- Over 400million people globally have Viral Hepatitis and millions are infected yearly. Viral Hepatitis is the most common type of Hepatitis

- Over 95% of infected persons do not know they are infected.

- 90% of people with Hepatitis C Viral infection can be completely cured within 3-6 months.

Other facts are:

- Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver.

- The liver is a very important Organ of the body that functions to:

• Production of bile for the metabolism of fats. 
• Detoxify the blood to rid it of harmful substances such as alcohol and drugs 
• Store some vitamins and iron
• Store the sugar glucose
• Convert stored sugar (glycogen) to functional sugar when the body’s sugar (glucose) levels fall below normal
• Break down hemoglobin (the very important part of blood which transports oxygen) as well as insulin and other hormones.
• Convert ammonia to urea, which is vital in metabolism. 
• Destroy old red blood cells (called RBC’s).

- Any compromise to the health of the liver leads to a fatal state of loss of liver functions hence the need for more awareness and care for the liver.

- Alcohol and Drug Misuse and Abuse are also causes of Hepatitis because alcohol is toxic to the liver and many drugs (e.g. Paracetamol) are too.

- Hepatitis can resolve self or lead to scarring (fibrosis & cirrhosis) or even to Cancer (and death).

- Having one form of Hepatitis places one at risk of other types of Hepatitis.

Types of Viral Hepatitis 

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is present in the faeces of infected persons and is most often transmitted through consumption of contaminated water or food. Certain sex practices can also spread HAV. Infections are in many cases mild, with most people making a full recovery and remaining immune from further HAV infections. However, HAV infections can also be severe and life threatening. Most people in areas of the world with poor sanitation have been infected with this virus. Safe and effective vaccines are available to prevent HAV.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted through exposure to infective blood, semen, and other body fluids. HBV can be transmitted from infected mothers to infants at the time of birth or from family member to infant in early childhood. Transmission may also occur through transfusions of HBV-contaminated blood and blood products, contaminated injections during medical procedures, and through injection drug use. HBV also poses a risk to healthcare workers who sustain accidental needle stick injuries while caring for infected-HBV patients. Safe and effective vaccines are available to prevent HBV.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is mostly transmitted through exposure to infective blood. This may happen through transfusions of HCV-contaminated blood and blood products, contaminated injections during medical procedures, and through injection drug use. Sexual transmission is also possible, but is much less common. There is no vaccine for HCV.

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infections occur only in those who are infected with HBV. The dual infection of HDV and HBV can result in a more serious disease and worse outcome. Hepatitis B vaccines provide protection from HDV infection.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is mostly transmitted through consumption of contaminated water or food. HEV is a common cause of hepatitis outbreaks in developing parts of the world and is increasingly recognized as an important cause of disease in developed countries. Safe and effective vaccines to prevent HEV infection have been developed but are not widely available.

Causes of Non-viral Hepatitis

Alcohol Hepatitis can be caused by liver damage from excessive alcohol consumption. This is sometimes referred to as alcohol hepatitis. The alcohol causes the liver to swell and become inflamed. Other toxic causes include overuse of medication or exposure to poisons.

Autoimmune Disease 

The immune system may mistake the liver as a harmful object and begin to attack it, hindering liver function.

Common Symptoms of Hepatitis 

If you have forms of hepatitis that are usually chronic (hepatitis B and C), you may not have symptoms in the beginning. Symptoms may not occur until liver damage occurs.

Signs and symptoms of acute hepatitis appear quickly. They include: failure, flu-like symptoms, dark urine, pale stool, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, yellow skin and eyes, which may be signs of jaundice. Since chronic hepatitis develops slowly, these signs and symptoms may be too subtle to notice.

How Is Hepatitis Diagnosed

During a physical examination, your doctor may press down gently on your abdomen to see if there’s pain or tenderness. Your doctor may also feel to see if your liver is enlarged. If your skin or eyes are yellow, your doctor will note this during the exam.

Liver Biopsy

A liver biopsy is an invasive procedure that involves the doctor taking a sample of tissue from your liver. This is a closed procedure. In other words, it can be done through the skin with a needle and doesn’t require surgery. This test allows your doctor to determine if an infection or inflammation is present or if liver damage has occurred.

Liver Function tests

Liver function tests use blood samples to determine how efficiently the liver works. These tests check how the liver clears blood waste, protein, and enzymes. High liver enzyme levels may indicate that the liver is stressed or damaged.

Ultrasound

An abdominal ultrasound uses ultrasound waves to create an image of the organs within the abdomen. This test will reveal fluid in the abdomen, an enlarged liver, or liver damage.

Blood Tests

Blood tests used to detect the presence of hepatitis virus antibodies and antigen in the blood will indicate or confirm which virus is the cause of the hepatitis.

Viral Antibody Testing

Further viral antibody testing may be needed to determine if a specific type of the hepatitis virus is present.

How Is Hepatitis Treated?

Treatment options are determined by which type of hepatitis you have and whether the infection is acute or chronic.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A isn’t usually treated. Bed rest may be recommended if symptoms cause a great deal of discomfort. If you experience vomiting or diarrhea, you will be put on a special diet created by your doctor to prevent malnutrition or dehydration. Vaccination can also prevent hepatitis A infections by helping your body produce the antibodies that fight this type of infection. Most children receive the vaccination between ages 12 and 18 months. Vaccination is also available for adults.

Hepatitis B

Acute hepatitis B doesn’t require specific treatment. Chronic hepatitis B is treated with antiviral medications. This form of treatment can be costly because it must be followed for several months or years. Treatment for chronic hepatitis B also requires regular medical evaluations and monitoring to determine if the virus is progressing. The CDC recommends hepatitis B vaccinations for all newborns. The vaccine is also recommended for all healthcare and medical personnel.

Hepatitis C

Antiviral medications are used to treat both acute and chronic forms of hepatitis C. People who develop chronic hepatitis C are typically treated with a combination of antiviral drug therapies. They may also need further testing to determine the best form of treatment. People who develop cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) or liver disease as a result of chronic hepatitis C may be candidates for a liver transplant.

Hepatitis D

Hepatitis D is treated with a medication called alpha interferon. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, between 60 to 97 percent of people develop hepatitis D again even after treatment.

Hepatitis E 

There are currently no specific medical therapies to treat hepatitis E. Because the infection is often acute, it typically resolves on its own. People with this type of infection are often advised to get adequate rest, drink plenty of fluids, get enough nutrients, and avoid alcohol.

Prevention Tips 

1.Practicing good hygiene is one key way to avoid contracting hepatitis.

2. If you’re traveling to a developing country, you should avoid:

-drinking local water

-ice

-seafood

-raw and uncooked fruit and vegetables.

2. Hepatitis contracted through contaminated blood can be prevented by:

-not sharing drug needles

-not sharing razors

-not using someone else’s toothbrush

-not touching spilled blood vaccines.

3. The utilization of vaccines is a second key to preventing hepatitis. Vaccinations are available to prevent the development of hepatitis A and B. Experts are currently developing vaccines against hepatitis C, D, and E.

Complications of Hepatitis

Chronic hepatitis B or C can often lead to more serious health problems. Because the virus primarily affects the liver, people with chronic hepatitis B or C are at risk for:

- chronic liver disease*.cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)

- cancer of the liver (in rare cases) When the liver stops functioning normally, liver failure can occur.

Complications of liver failure include:

- bleeding disorders

- buildup of fluid in the abdomen

- increased blood pressure in portal veins that enter the liver

- kidney failure

- hepatic encephalopathy, which can involve fatigue, memory loss, and diminished mental abilities due to the build up of toxins that affect the brain (especially ammonia)

- hepatocellular carcinoma, which is a form of liver Cancer. People with chronic hepatitis C are encouraged to avoid alcohol because it can accelerate liver disease and failure.

Certain supplements, prescription, and over-the-counter medications can also affect liver function. If you have chronic hepatitis C, check with your doctor before taking any new medications.

Sources:

* World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/features/qa/76/en/)

* Healthline http://www.healthline.com/health/hepatitis