Posts Tagged ‘Cells’

What are different treatment options available for hepatitis?

Hepatitis is a medical condition in which the liver cells are inflamed.

Overview
- The word hepatitis comes from the Ancient Greek word hepar (root word hepat) which means ‘liver’, and the suffix Latin itis meaning inflammation.
- Its plural is hepatitides.
- This condition is recognized by the presence of inflammatory cells in the tissue of the organ.
- This condition can progress to cirrhosis and fibrosis.
- Hepatitis may occur with limited or no symptoms.
- It often leads to jaundice, anorexia (poor appetite) and malaise.
- Hepatitis is acute when it lasts less than six months.
- It is chronic when it persists longer.
- A group of viruses known as the hepatitis viruses cause most cases of hepatitis worldwide.
- It can also be due to toxins (notably alcohol, certain medications, some industrial organic solvents and plants).
- It can also be due to other infections and autoimmune diseases.

How many types of hepatitis are there?
There are five main types of hepatitis that are caused by a virus, A, B, C, D, and E – plus types X and G.

Treatment for Hepatitis A
- There is no treatment specifically for hepatitis A.
- Doctor will advise the patient to abstain from alcohol and drugs during the recovery.
- The vast majority of patients with Hepatitis A will recover spontaneously.

Treatment for Hepatitis B
- A patient with Hepatitis B needs to rest.
- He will require a diet that is high in protein and carbohydrate.
- This is to repair damaged liver cells, as well as to protect the liver.
- The doctor may prescribe interferon.
- Interferon is an antiviral agent.

Treatment for Hepatitis C
- A patient with Hepatitis C will be prescribed pegylated interferon and ribavirin.

Treatment for Hepatitis D or E
- There is no effective treatment for either Hepatitis D or E.

Treatment for Non-Viral Hepatitis
- If the patient has non-viral hepatitis, the doctor needs to remove the harmful substance.
- It will be flushed out of the stomach by hyperventilation or induced vomiting.
- Patients with drug-induced hepatitis may be prescribed corticosteroids.

How to prevent Hepatitis A?
- Wash your hands with soap after going to the toilet.
- Only consume food that has just been cooked.
- Only drink commercially bottled water, or boiled water if you unsure of local sanitation.
- Only eat fruits that you can peel if you are somewhere where sanitation is unreliable.
- Only eat raw vegetables if you are sure they have been cleaned/disinfected thoroughly.
- Get a vaccine for Hepatitis A if you travel to places where hepatitis may be endemic.

How to prevent Hepatitis B?
- Tell the partner if you are a carrier or try to find out whether he/she is a carrier.
- Practice safe sex.
- Only use clean syringes that have not been used by anyone else.
- Do not share toothbrushes, razors, or manicure instruments.
- Have a Hepatitis B series of shots if you are at risk.
- Only allow well sterilized skin perforating equipment (tattoo, acupuncture, etc.).

How to prevent Hepatitis C?
- If you are infected do not let others share your toothbrush, razor, manicure equipment.
- If you are infected cover open wounds.
- Do not share needles, toothbrushes, or manicure equipment.
- If your skin is to be pierced, make sure equipment is well sterilized (tattoo, etc.).
- Go easy on the alcohol.
- Do not share drug equipment.

How to prevent Hepatitis D?
- Use the same guidelines as for Hepatitis B.
- Only a person who is infected with Hepatitis B can become infected with Hepatitis D.

How to prevent Hepatitis E?
- Do the same as you would to protect yourself from Hepatitis A infection.

How to prevent Alcoholic Hepatitis?
- Go easy on the alcohol, or abstain from consuming alcohol.

How to prevent Toxic/Drug Induced Hepatitis?
- Make sure you know about the lethal contents of all chemicals.
- Make sure the spray is not pointing at you.
- Make sure you wear protective gear.

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What are different ways to diagnose hepatitis?

Hepatitis is a medical condition in which the liver cells are inflamed.

Overview
- The word hepatitis comes from the Ancient Greek word hepar (root word hepat) which means ‘liver’, and the suffix Latin itis meaning inflammation.
- Its plural is hepatitides.
- This condition is recognized by the presence of inflammatory cells in the tissue of the organ.
- This condition can progress to cirrhosis and fibrosis.
- Hepatitis may occur with limited or no symptoms.
- It often leads to jaundice, anorexia (poor appetite) and malaise.
- Hepatitis is acute when it lasts less than six months.
- It is chronic when it persists longer.
- A group of viruses known as the hepatitis viruses cause most cases of hepatitis worldwide.
- It can also be due to toxins (notably alcohol, certain medications, some industrial organic solvents and plants).
- It can also be due to other infections and autoimmune diseases.

How many types of hepatitis are there?
There are five main types of hepatitis that are caused by a virus, A, B, C, D, and E – plus types X and G.

How is Hepatitis diagnosed?
- A blood test is usually needed to determine if a person has hepatitis.
- It is also important to stay well hydrated by drinking lots of fluids.
- Hepatitis B and C can sometimes be treated with medications.
- Some forms of medication used to treat hepatitis C are only approved for use in adults.
- Although treatments for hepatitis B and C are becoming more effective.

Diagnosis of Hepatitis A (HAV)
- A blood test showing the presence of IgM anti-HAV in serum.
- It confirms the diagnosis of acute hepatitis A infection.
- Symptoms of this virus strain include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Diagnosis of Hepatitis B (HBV)
Acute HBV infection is diagnosed by a simple blood test detecting the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc IgM).

The following antibody variations can occur, each having a specific implication.

- Anti-HBs +:
Indicates individual has been vaccinated, has received immune globulin, is immune, or is an infant who has received antibodies from its mother.

- Anti-HBc +:
Indicates past or present infection and lasts indefinitely. Also may be detected in someone who has received immune globulin or an infant who has received antibodies from its mother.

- IgM anti-HBc +:
Indicates recent infection with HBV, usually within 4-6 months.

- HBeAg +:
Indicates active viral replication and high infectivity.

- HBsAg +:
Indicates acute or chronic HBV. Persistence for 6 months after acute infection indicates progression to chronic HBV.

Diagnosis of Hepatitis C (HCV)
- Infection by the hepatitis C virus can be determined by a blood test that detects HCV antibodies in the blood.
- This test is not a part of a routine physical
- People must ask their doctor for hepatitis C test
- If the initial test is positive, a second test should be done to confirm the diagnosis and liver enzymes (a blood test) should be measured.
- Anti-HCV (antibodies to the virus) may not be present in the first four weeks of infection
- HCV infection may be identified by the presence of anti-HCV in approximately 60% of people as early as 5-8 weeks after exposure.
- In some individuals HCV antibodies may not be detected for 5-12 months. HCV-RNA and RT-PCR tests can determine HCV presence in as little as 1-2 weeks.
- A liver biopsy can identify the type and degree of damage (and can determine the severity of the disease).
- The disease may gradually progress over a period of 10-40 years.

Diagnosis of Hepatitis D (HDV)
- A positive test for anti-HDV in a patient with acute hepatitis B indicates HBV/ HDV co-infection.
- Patients with chronic hepatitis B and a positive HDV test are super-infected.

Diagnosis of Hepatitis E (HEV)
- Testing for anti-HEV is usually reserved for returning travelers from the developing world in whom hepatitis is present.
- Other hepatitis viruses cannot be detected.
- Currently there is no treatment for HEV.

What is Hepatitis? What are symptoms of Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is a medical condition in which the liver cells are inflamed.

Overview
- The word hepatitis comes from the Ancient Greek word hepar (root word hepat) which means ‘liver’, and the suffix Latin itis meaning inflammation.
- Its plural is hepatitides.
- This condition is recognized by the presence of inflammatory cells in the tissue of the organ.
- This condition can progress to cirrhosis and fibrosis.
- Hepatitis may occur with limited or no symptoms.
- It often leads to jaundice, anorexia (poor appetite) and malaise.
- Hepatitis is acute when it lasts less than six months.
- It is chronic when it persists longer.
- A group of viruses known as the hepatitis viruses cause most cases of hepatitis worldwide.
- It can also be due to toxins (notably alcohol, certain medications, some industrial organic solvents and plants).
- It can also be due to other infections and autoimmune diseases.

How many types of hepatitis are there?
There are five main types of hepatitis that are caused by a virus, A, B, C, D, and E – plus types X and G.
- Hepatitis A
This is caused by eating infected food or water.
- Hepatitis B
This is an STD (sexually transmitted disease).
- Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is usually spread through direct contact with the blood of a person who has the disease.
- Hepatitis D
Only a person who is already infected with Hepatitis B can become infected with Hepatitis D.
- Hepatitis E
A person can become infected by drinking water that contains HEV (Hepatitis E Virus).
- Hepatitis X
If hepatitis cannot be attributed to the viruses of hepatitis A, B, C, D, or E, it is called Hepatitis X.
- Hepatitis G:
This is a type of hepatitis caused by the Hepatitis G virus (HGV).

Causes of Hepatitis
- Non-viral infection
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
- Alcoholic hepatitis
- Drug induced
- Other toxins
- Metabolic disorders
- Obstructive
- Autoimmune

What are the signs and symptoms of hepatitis?
The four main symptoms of hepatitis are:

1. Jaundice
- This is the classic symptom of hepatitis.
- This is an accumulation of a chemical called bilirubin in the body’s tissues.
- The liver usually processes this chemical as a waste product but during this condition it is not able to do that job.
- This chemical accumulates in the blood and starts to leak out into body tissue.
- When enough of this chemical accumulates it’s possible to see a yellow color in the skin, urine and especially around the whites of the eyes.

2. Loss of Appetite
- Loss of appetite is also called anorexia.
- It is often the first symptom of acute hepatitis.
- It is being replaced by nausea and vomiting on further progress

3. Fatigue
- Fatigue is a debilitating tiredness.
- It is a big source of frustration for people with liver disease.
- The liver is a vital organ in metabolizing and storing energy.
- When the liver is damaged, extreme weakness is common.

4. Muscle and Joint Aches
- Pain in the muscles and joints can last from days to weeks.
- These are more common in acute hepatitis than in chronic hepatitis.

Symptoms of Acute phase of Hepatitis
The initial phase of hepatitis is called the acute phase. The symptoms are like a mild flu, and may include:
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Mild fever
- Muscle or joint aches
- Nausea
- Slight abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Weight loss

As the patient gets worse, these symptoms may follow:
- Circulation problems (only toxic/drug-induced hepatitis)
- Dark urine
- Dizziness (only toxic/drug-induced hepatitis)
- Drowsiness (only toxic/drug-induced hepatitis)
- Enlarged spleen (only alcoholic hepatitis)
- Headache (only toxic/drug-induced hepatitis)
- Hives
- Itchy skin
- Light colored feces, the feces may contain pus
- Yellow skin, whites of eyes, tongue (jaundice)