ABOUT HEPATITIS AND THE CAUSES BEHIND THE DISEASE:

Hepatitis is a condition of inflammation of liver. The disease can be self healing on occasions. Hepatitis is considered acute if it lasts for less than six months and is considered chronic on persisting conditions. Failure in chronic disease management of hepatitis can lead to impairing of liver functions and eventually to death.

Hepatitis can be caused to liver due to following reasons:

1. Most cases of hepatitis are found to be a consequence of viral infections. Mumps virus, rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-barr virus etc are the main causing hepatitis.

2. Alcohol consumption: Ethanol is the main constituent of almost all alcoholic beverages. Excess consumption of alcohol can cause hepatitis. Symptoms are enlargement of liver, physical disability etc.

3. Consumption of medicines: A large number of drugs are found as triggers of hepatitis. The response of liver to these drugs may vary with people.  

SYMPTOMS SHOWN BY HEPATITIS PATIENTS AND DIAGNOSIS:

Majority of hepatitis patients never show any kinds of symptoms though there are exceptions that show small symptoms. Blood tests are the main method of manifestation of the disease. Abdominal fullness due to enlargement of liver due to inflammation is one of the main symptoms. Extensive damage of liver due to hepatitis can lead to weight lose and abnormal menstruation in case of females.

Other common symptoms are:

1. Jaundice.

2. Muscle loss.

3. Enlarged spleen.

4. Poor appetite

5. Joint pains.

6. Ankle swelling and skin rashes.

Untreated hepatitis can lead to disabling of liver functions and death hence timely analysis of these symptoms is important for the chronic disease management of hepatitis.

TREATMENT AND PREVENTION METHODS FOR HEPATITIS:

Alpha interferon therapy has been found successful in the treatment of hepatitis. Alpha interferon is a protein which produces an antiviral infection. This method is useful especially in case of viral hepatitis. Control in use of hepatitis triggers such as alcohol and non prescribed medicines etc helps in the treatment of hepatitis. Including adequate amount of protein and carbohydrate helps in repairing the liver cells damaged due to hepatitis. Use of liver supplements to protect liver is also recommended for chronic disease management of hepatitis.

Prevention is obviously a better choice than treatment. Practicing hygienic habits like washing hands before handling any food substances, cleanliness of environment to prevent viral infections, practice of safe sex etc helps in prevention of hepatitis.