Hepatitis (A)

                                   Hepatitis 

   Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. The condition can be self-limiting or can progress to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis or liver cancer. Hepatitis viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis in the world but other infections, toxic substances (e.g. alcohol, certain drugs), and autoimmune diseases can also cause hepatitis

Causes: 

Causes of hepatitis can be divided into the following major categories: 

1. Infectious 

2. Metabolic 

3. Ischemic 

4. Autoimmune 

5. Genetic, and other. 

 Types of viral hepatitis :

Scientists have identified 5 unique hepatitis viruses, identified by the letters A, B, C, D, and E. While all cause liver disease, they vary in important ways

                    Hepatitis A virus (HAV)

• Is present in the faeces of infected persons and is most often transmitted through consumption of contaminated water or food. Certain sex practices can also spread HAV.  

• Infections are in many cases mild, with most people making a full recovery and remaining immune from further HAV infections. However, HAV infections can also be severe and life threatening.  

• Most people in areas of the world with poor sanitation have been infected with this virus. Safe and effective vaccines are available to prevent HAV. 

Symptoms :

Hepatitis A symptoms typically appear a few weeks after you've had the virus. But not everyone with hepatitis A develops symptoms. If you do, symptoms can include:

• Unusual tiredness and weakness

• Sudden nausea and vomiting and diarrhea

• Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially on the upper right side beneath your lower ribs, which is over your liver

• Clay- or gray-colored stool

• Loss of appetite

• Low-grade fever

• Dark urine

• Joint pain

• Yellowing of the skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice)

• Intense itching

Risk factors :

You're at increased risk of hepatitis A if you:

• Travel or work in areas of the world where hepatitis A is common

• Live with another person who has hepatitis A

• Are a man who has sexual contact with other men

• Have any type of sexual contact with someone who has hepatitis A

• Are HIV positive

• Are homeless

• Use any type of recreational drugs, not just those that are injected

Complications :

1. Unlike other types of viral hepatitis, hepatitis A does not cause long-term liver damage, and it doesn't become an ongoing (chronic) infection.

1. In rare cases, hepatitis A can cause a sudden (acute) loss of liver function, especially in older adults or people with chronic liver diseases. Acute liver failure requires a stay in the hospital for monitoring and treatment. Some people with acute liver failure may need a liver transplant.

Tips to prevent hepatitis :

*Hygiene 

 Practicing good hygiene is one key way to avoid contracting hepatitis A and E. If you’re traveling       to a developing country, patient should avoid: 

• Local water 
• Ice 
• Raw or undercooked shellfish and oysters 
• Raw fruit and vegetables 

*Hepatitis B, C, and D contracted through contaminated blood can be prevented by: 

• Not sharing drug needles 

• Not sharing razors 

• Not using someone else’s toothbrush 

• Not touching spilled blood 

• Hepatitis B and C can also be contracted through sexual intercourse and intimate sexual contact. Practicing safe sex by using condoms and dental dams can help decrease the risk of infection.  

*Vaccines 

• The use of vaccines is an important key to preventing hepatitis.  

• Vaccinations are available to prevent the development of hepatitis A and B. 

• Experts are currently developing vaccines against hepatitis C.