World Hepatitis Day 2023: What is hepatitis? Learn everything from its symptoms to its causes

World Hepatitis Day 2023: The liver is an important part of our body. Apart from taking out toxins from the body, it also performs many important functions. Hepatitis is a serious problem related to the liver, and World Hepatitis Day is celebrated every year to spread awareness. The day is observed every year on 28 July to mark the birthday of Nobel-prize-winning scientist Dr. Baruch Blumberg.

It was Dr. Baruch who discovered the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and developed a test and vaccine for the virus. Today on this special occasion, we will know what is hepatitis and everything from its symptoms, causes, and types-

What is hepatitis?

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including viruses, alcohol consumption, toxins, or certain medications. There are many types of hepatitis, but the most common is viral hepatitis, which is caused by a specific virus.

symptoms of hepatitis

Symptoms of hepatitis can vary depending on the type and severity of the infection. However, its common symptoms include-

fatigue and weakness

yellowing of the skin and eyes

abdominal pain and discomfort

nausea and vomiting

loss of appetite

dark urine

light-colored stools

joint pain

Fever

causes of hepatitis

viral infections

Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E are caused by specific types of viruses that affect the liver.

alcohol and drugs

Alcoholic hepatitis or drug-induced hepatitis can be caused by excessive alcohol consumption and certain drugs.

toxins

Exposure to certain chemicals, toxins, or pollutants can lead to hepatitis.

autoimmune disease

In some cases, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the liver, which can lead to autoimmune hepatitis.

metabolic disease

Rare metabolic disorders can cause hepatitis due to a build-up of substances in the liver.

How to identify hepatitis

Blood tests and the clinical picture of the person are sufficient to rule out viral hepatitis and acute causes of hepatitis. For chronic cases, blood tests may not be as useful. In such a case, a live biopsy is a better option to identify it.

treatment of hepatitis

Hepatitis treatment varies according to its type. It depends on the severity of the disease whether it is acute or chronic.

Keep these things in mind in Hepatitis

Diet

Hepatitis patients should have a diet rich in calories. If the patient is not able to eat, then for this it is advised to give food in the form of intravenous feeding (intravenous).

action

Although it is not mandatory to avoid all kinds of physical activities, still bed rest is recommended for hepatitis patients.

Drugs

People with hepatitis should avoid taking drugs that are metabolized by the liver.

precaution

It is necessary to take many precautions in case of hepatitis. If someone has hepatitis A and E and has persistent stool problems, isolation is necessary. Apart from this, those patients with Hepatitis B and C also need to be isolated, who have uncontrolled bleeding.

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