The liver is responsible for helping the body fight infections, eliminate toxins, filter blood, and so much more. However, an infection such as hepatitis can impede its functions, leading to a wide range of health issues, which, in some cases can be fatal. Globally, the disease is responsible for more than 1.5 million deaths every year.
Hepatitis exists in five strains: A, B, C, D, E. Symptoms are similar, but they differ in transmission modes, causative agents, geographical locations, and prevention methods. Hepatitis carriers may not know they have the virus, as its signs and symptoms can go unnoticed and infected persons may spread it unknowingly.
Hepatitis A and E can be contracted through fecal-oral transmission from contaminated food, water, or direct contact with an infected person. Hepatitis B (the most prevalent form) can be transmitted by bodily fluids. Hepatitis C is spread through contaminated blood, while Hepatitis D only occurs in people already infected with Hepatitis B. It is transmitted through similar methods to Hepatitis B, excluding mother to child transmission.
Importance of Understanding the Early Symptoms
The majority of people infected with hepatitis have no symptoms or show only mild ones, which prevents them from seeking treatment early on. This allows the virus to replicate and can cause a chronic liver infection that can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer, especially in cases of hepatitis B and C.
The symptoms of viral hepatitis are general enough that they may be mistaken for another illness or disease. The CDC recommends all adults getting tested for hepatitis once in their life, as early detection goes a long way in controlling the virus before it worsens.
It’s also important to catch hepatitis early on because of how certain lifestyle choices impact the outcome. Alcohol consumption, certain over-the-counter medications, and certain diet choices can increase the burden on the liver, worsening symptoms and the prognosis for recovery.
Early Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of the different types of hepatitis are similar, with only minimal differences in intensity and duration. These include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Jaundice
- Muscle and joint pain
- Stomach pain
- Dark urine
- Pale or clay coloured stool
Treatment Options
Treatment of hepatitis can help reduce the spread of infection, improve a patient’s prognosis, and increase quality of life.
Vaccination
Effective vaccines are generally available for types A, B, and E. Vaccines help prevent the spread and boost the body’s immunity against future infection. Children over one year or age should be vaccinated.
Antiviral Medication
Antivirals are prescribed by a doctor for treatment of chronic hepatitis. They can help slowdown the replication of Hepatitis B or eradicate Hepatitis C. New direct-acting antiviral medications are promising, resulting in better outcomes, shorter treatment times, and fewer side effects.
Liver Transplant
Liver damage or liver failure may require a transplant from a live or deceased donor. Since there are chances that the new liver becoming infected are high, antivirals are generally used post-surgery.
Research Online and Seek Medical Advice
Hepatitis adversely affects the lives of those chronically infected and so education is critical. By researching the early signs of hepatitis, you’ll be able to detect infection early and seek immediate treatment. There are many resources online that provide further information. If you are experiencing any of. the symptoms above, speak to a doctor.