Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver caused by excessive alcohol drinking disorders of the gall bladder or pancreas including side effects due to medication and infections. Hepatitis can be divided into two main groups namely, acute hepatitis and chronic hepatitis.
In the first group, it is caused due to inflammation of the liver damaging its function and lasting for less than 6 months and is more often because of a weakened immune system so that people are more susceptible to this disease. In the second type, it is active and persists for more than 6 months or for even decades. Though it is mild and does not cause significant damage to the liver, it has the capability to slowly damage the liver, eventually resulting in severe scarring, liver failure or sometimes liver cancer. Often contracting viruses that cause liver inflammation leads to hepatitis.
Symptoms
There are many symptoms that are associated with this disease. The most obvious and apparent symptom is jaundice which is because of the damage caused to the liver. It is identified by the yellow coloring in the skin, especially around the whites of the eyes. When the chemical accumulates in the blood and leaks out into the body. Another symptom is loss of appetite which lasts for a very short time followed by nausea and vomiting. Fatigue is very common for those affected by hepatitis and in acute cases, pain in the muscle and joints lasts for several days. Hepatitis is also capable of producing the level of blood sugar and therefore, regular monitoring is essential. Some people may also experience trouble sleeping, often waking up during night with vivid intense and frightening dreams. Mild to severe weakness tends to come along with hepatitis.
There are 3 types of hepatitis namely, A, B and C. A type is discovered by blood testing and is acquired through contaminated water or food and slowly develops but is fully curable. In the B type, it is generally contracted through blood contact like blood semen, body fluids or using tainted needles, commonly by IV drug abuses. This causes serious infection in the liver and may result in cancer. C type is also spread through blood and body fluid and slowly damages the liver over a long period of time, preventing its functioning. The other 2 less common types namely hepatitis D and E are caused by B and A respectively.
Treatment
Treatment it is very much possible to prevent this disease since the causes are known. Whole grain products get rid of the toxins and support the heart and are also rich in protein B vitamin and fiber. It strengthens the immune system and treats hepatitis. Fresh raw vegetable, juices containing high amounts of vitamin C and vitamin K helps to clean the liver of toxins and fights against infecting. Legumes also contain water soluble fiber sand activates the process of detoxification. Evidently, stopping intake of alcohol and smoking are essential to prevent hepatitis. Other treatments include ozone therapy which is found to be highly successful for that suffering from hepatitis B.
