BLOG POST-HEPATITIS II
Non-Infectious Hepatitis/Non-Viral Hepatitis
There are 3 types of non-viral hepatitis. Toxic hepatitis, Alcohol hepatitis and Auto-immune hepatitis. The non-viral hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that results from excessive alcohol, toxins, nutritional supplements, or overuse of drugs (prescription and over the counter). This can lead to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver cancer, failure. This happens when alcohol or other toxins damage the cells of the liver.
As against Toxic hepatitis, and alcohol hepatitis, Auto-immune hepatitis occurs when the immune system begins to attack the liver. It perceives the liver to be a threat, and hence begins to fight the liver.
Signs and symptoms of acute hepatitis appear quickly. They include:
Fatigue, Flu-like symptoms, Dark urine, Pale stool, abdominal pain, Loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, yellow skin and eyes, which may be signs of jaundice
Prevention of Non-viral Hepatitis
Reduced intake of alcohol
Take drugs strictly as prescribed
If possible, limit the number of medicines you take
Do not take medications with alcohol, especially acetaminophen
When working with hazardous chemicals, take cognizance of health safety precautions, and get emergency care if exposed.
Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis.
Infectious form of hepatitis that are chronic, like hepatitis B and C, might not show symptoms at the early stage. Symptoms may not be viable until the damage affects the liver function.
Hepatitis A: is an acute infection and does not usually require treatment. Taking bed rest and following guidelines on hydration and nutrition will suffice. Vaccine is available to prevent hepatitis A. It is a series of vaccines that can be combined with hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B: acute hepatitis B doesn’t require specific treatment. Chronic hepatitis B requires antiviral medications. The treatment can also be very costly, as it requires medication spanning through months or even years. Often, chronic hepatitis B also requires regular medical evaluations and monitoring to determine if the virus is responding to treatment. However, this type of hepatitis can also be prevented with vaccination. The series of 3 vaccination can be completed over 6 months, for both children and adults.
Hepatitis C: antiviral medications are used to treat both acute and chronic forms of hepatitis C. People who develop chronic hepatitis C are typically treated with a combination of antiviral drug therapies. They may also be subjected to further testing to determine the best mode of treatment. People who develop cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) or liver disease as a result of chronic hepatitis C may be candidates for a liver transplant. Currently, there is no vaccination for hepatitis C.
Hepatitis D: as of now, there are no anti-viral medications for hepatitis D. Hepatitis D can be prevented by getting the vaccination for hepatitis B, as infection with hepatitis B is necessary for hepatitis D to develop.
Hepatitis E: is an infection that is often acute, and it typically resolves on its own. And as such, medical therapies are not available to treat hepatitis E. Therefore, people who are infected are advised to get enough rest, drink plenty fluids, feed well for optimal nutrients and avoid alcohol. However, pregnant women who develop this infection require close watch and care.
In conclusion, Hepatitis B and C are the dominant type of infectious hepatitis in Nigeria. Vaccines are available for A and B. It is of necessity to get vaccinated, as the infection is easily transmissible from person-to-person.