Hepatitis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention!

Hepatitis simply means an inflammation (swelling) in the liver. It is a common medical condition in Nigeria. It is spread through sexual intercourse as well as through blood transfusion. It can be prevented by Vaccination. The Hepatitis Vaccine was introduced into the NPI in 2004.

They are different types of Hepatitis, such as Acute or Chronic Hepatitis.

Causes of Hepatitis

This inflammation or swelling in the liver can be caused by a number of factors such as;

Infections: usually caused by viruses known as the Hepatitis viruses. They are 5 common types (A-E). They are other viral & non-viral causes, but these are the most important.
Alcohol: Excessive intake of alcohol can lead to a number of liver diseases, one of them being hepatitis.
Drugs: medication abuse is fast becoming one of the commonest cause of hepatitis. Paracetamol is one of the commonest drug of abuse.
The liver is responsible for the removal of drugs from the body, and abuse of drugs causes poisoning which leads to liver damage. Herbal medications in our environment are another cause.
Toxins: example are found in Mushroom, aflatoxin (seen in rotten groundnuts).
Other causes are; Metabolic, Autoimmune, Radiation.

Hepatotropic viruses

These are viruses that primarily affect the liver but can involve many other organs
Hepatitis A virus (HAV): Transmission is through the mouth, from foods.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV): This is the worst of the Hepatitis viruses. Transmission is through the blood (transfusions, sharing sharp objects, tattoos, etc), sexual intercourse & from mother to child during delivery.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV): Transmission is similar to that of HBV.

Hepatitis D virus (HDV): usually transmitted with HBV.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV): Transmission is through the mouth, especially
water borne.

Symptoms of Hepatitis

Individuals with inflammation (swelling) of the liver tissues would have;

Tiredness, nausea,
fever, joint pain, vomiting,
Abdominal pain or swelling.
later: Dark urine, yellowing of the eyes, itching.

Yellowing of the Eyes: A feature seen in Hepatitis and other liver diseases. Image Credit: OnHealth

Treatment

Anyone with possible cases of Hepatitis should see a doctor. It is a very serious infection and currently, there is no cure, but the good news is that it is easy to prevent. Treatment modalities include;

Remove offending agent (like alcohol, drugs, etc) if possible.
Adequate protein diet is encouraged.
Avoid alcohol, sedatives, hypnotics,
IV fluids may be necessary in people who are quite ill.
Drugs: such as Antiviral agents (interferon, lamivudine, etc), Steriods, immunosupressants (for autoimmune cases)

Prevention of Hepatitis

This includes

Minimize alcoholic beverages
Proper screening of blood & blood products before transfusion
Use of sterile needles
Observe standard universal precaution at all times.
Avoid Unsafe sexual habits
Proper hygiene (oral)
Avoid use of local herbal concoctions
Immunization/Vaccination: against Hepatitis B virus. The Vaccine was introduced into the Nigerian National Programme of immunization (NPI) in the year 2004. Hence, anyone born before the year 2004 should endeavor to get tested and take the vaccine.

Spread the message & awareness.
Hepatitis is preventable.

Hepatitis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention!