The liver, a large organ located on the upper right abdomen, has many functions. It helps in the digestion of food, stores energy source, and removes toxins from the body. Hepatitis, is a liver disease that makes the liver swell and keep it from working properly. Some forms of hepatitis may lead to scarring, called cirrhosis, or to cancer.
What causes hepatitis?
Viruses cause most cases of hepatitis. The type of hepatitis is named according to the virus that causes it. The most common types of hepatitis are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Chronic (long-term) use of alcohol or drugs may also cause hepatitis. In some cases, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks our body tissues.
Spread of Hepatitis
Hepatitis caused by viruses may be spread through close personal contact with an infected person. Hepatitis A can be spread through food or water contaminated by feces from a person who has the virus. You can get hepatitis B by having sex with an infected person without a condom, sharing drug needles, or sharing a toothbrush or razor with an infected person. It can be spread through contact with an infected person’s blood, semen, or other body fluid. A woman with hepatitis B can give the virus to her baby at birth.
Hepatitis C is spread through contact with an infected person’s blood. You can get hepatitis C by sharing drug needles or getting pricked with a needle that has infected blood on it.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hepatitis may resemble the feeling of having the flu. You might
If you think that you might have hepatitis, consult your doctor.
Treatment
Most people with hepatitis A get well on their own after a few weeks even without special medical treatment. Hepatitis B also usually gets better on its own after a few months.
Unlike hepatitis A and B, hepatitis C does not get better by itself. Medications might be given to people with hepatitis C but side effects can be a problem. Over time, hepatitis B or C may cause the liver to stop working. You can’t live without your liver. If it stops functioning, you will need to undergo liver transplantation.
Prevention
Having a vaccine can protect you from some forms of hepatitis. But there is no vaccine for hepatitis C.
You can protect yourself from hepatitis A by washing your hands after using the toilet and before touching any food.
To protect yourself from hepatitis B and C
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver.
The most common causes of hepatitis are viruses.
Hepatitis can be caused by other diseases, such as autoimmune disorders.
Some forms of hepatitis can be prevented by following proper hygiene practices.
You can protect your self from some forms of hepatitis by getting a vaccination.
Source: Scientific information provided by the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse and the National Institutes of Health. NIH Publication No. 07–6190S. August 2007. Web URL: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hepatitis_ES/index.htm
This Page Last Revised: August 26, 2011
What causes hepatitis?
Viruses cause most cases of hepatitis. The type of hepatitis is named according to the virus that causes it. The most common types of hepatitis are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Chronic (long-term) use of alcohol or drugs may also cause hepatitis. In some cases, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks our body tissues.
Spread of Hepatitis
Hepatitis caused by viruses may be spread through close personal contact with an infected person. Hepatitis A can be spread through food or water contaminated by feces from a person who has the virus. You can get hepatitis B by having sex with an infected person without a condom, sharing drug needles, or sharing a toothbrush or razor with an infected person. It can be spread through contact with an infected person’s blood, semen, or other body fluid. A woman with hepatitis B can give the virus to her baby at birth.
Hepatitis C is spread through contact with an infected person’s blood. You can get hepatitis C by sharing drug needles or getting pricked with a needle that has infected blood on it.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hepatitis may resemble the feeling of having the flu. You might
feel tiredSome people who have hepatitis may notice their urine turn to dark yellow, stools become light-colored, and their eyes and skin have a yellowish tone. Some may not even know they have hepatitis because they don’t feel any symptoms at all.
have fever
experience nausea and vomiting
have stomach pain
lose your appetite
If you think that you might have hepatitis, consult your doctor.
Treatment
Most people with hepatitis A get well on their own after a few weeks even without special medical treatment. Hepatitis B also usually gets better on its own after a few months.
Unlike hepatitis A and B, hepatitis C does not get better by itself. Medications might be given to people with hepatitis C but side effects can be a problem. Over time, hepatitis B or C may cause the liver to stop working. You can’t live without your liver. If it stops functioning, you will need to undergo liver transplantation.
Prevention
Having a vaccine can protect you from some forms of hepatitis. But there is no vaccine for hepatitis C.
You can protect yourself from hepatitis A by washing your hands after using the toilet and before touching any food.
To protect yourself from hepatitis B and C
Use a condom when you have sex.Points to Remember:
Wear gloves if you have to touch someone’s blood.
Do not share drug needles.
Do not share toothbrush or razor with anyone who might be infected.
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver.
The most common causes of hepatitis are viruses.
Hepatitis can be caused by other diseases, such as autoimmune disorders.
Some forms of hepatitis can be prevented by following proper hygiene practices.
You can protect your self from some forms of hepatitis by getting a vaccination.
Source: Scientific information provided by the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse and the National Institutes of Health. NIH Publication No. 07–6190S. August 2007. Web URL: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hepatitis_ES/index.htm
This Page Last Revised: August 26, 2011
