Hepatitis is a condition which may cause liver disease or damage. Different forms of the disease include hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Hepatitis may be caused by several different viruses and may be acute or chronic. Symptoms may not be present with any form of hepatitis so patients may not know they have the disease.
Hepatitis A may be prevented through vaccination. The disease may cause liver disease, but may not lead to chronic problems. Hepatitis A may heal within a few months and result in no complications; however, rarely hepatitis A causes an infection that may be fatal.Hepatitis B may also be prevented through vaccination. The disease may cause liver damage. Many people may recover within six months, but the disease may also be a lifelong, chronic disease that may cause liver damage. There is not yet a vaccination for hepatitis C. This disease may be chronic and may require a liver transplant.
A person may get hepatitis A by eating food or drinking water infected with the virus. Hepatitis B may be spread through sexual contact, sharing needles, being in contact with infected blood, being in contact with infected bodily fluids or may be spread from mother to unborn child.
Hepatitis C may by spread by sharing needles, being in direct contact with infected blood or bodily fluids or in rare cases, sexual contact. Symptoms of all forms of hepatitis may include dark urine, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes, pale stool, a low fever, loss of appetite, fatigue and lack of nutrition. Patients with hepatitis B may also experience aching joints. Diagnosing hepatitis may be done through a blood test.
Hepatitis A may not be curable through any treatments, other than monitoring the liver's function. Chronic hepatitis B may be treated through the use of medications, while hepatitis C may be treated using a combination of other medications.
Medication used to treat hepatitis C may cause possible side effects such as anemia and birth defects, so speaking with a doctor about treatment options may be important. Avoiding alcohol, resting, eating a balanced, healthy diet and taking prescription medications may help to speed up recovery and improve health.
By www.healthnews.org
