HEPATITIS
Having to witness a loved one suffer from the pangs of illness (whether terminal or not) can really be demoralizing. In the case of Hepatitis, while there are different variants of this viral infection, some of them can be prevented through vaccination and lifestyle precautions. And as much as life can be enigmatic in some ways, staying informed on health and wellness must not be undervalued.
Now let’s discuss what Hepatitis is.
Hepatitis is a liver condition caused by a viral infection, resulting in inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis that occurs as a secondary result of medications, drugs, toxins and alcohol are referred to as Non-infectious Hepatitis. Additionally, Autoimmune Hepatitis is caused when the body suddenly sees the liver as a threat, thereby making antibodies against your liver tissue. It is important to note that the liver is the body’s largest solid organ; playing more than 500 vital functions, some of which are: -
Filters blood from the digestive tract before passing it to the rest of the body
Detoxifies chemicals
Metabolizes drugs into forms that are easier to use by the general body
Secretion of bile, which is essential for digestion
Conversion of excess glucose into glycogen for storage which can later be converted back to glucose for energy. Also balances and produces glucose as needed.
Production of certain protein for blood plasma
Regulation of blood clotting.
Based on a recent Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS) report, about 19 million Nigerians are living with Hepatitis B and or C, with a prevalence of 8.1% for Hepatis B and 1.1% for Hepatitis C. Treatment options vary depending on which type of hepatitis you have. You can prevent some forms of hepatitis through immunizations and lifestyle precautions. A good number of people have poor risk perception, low level of awareness and poor knowledge about the viral infections of Hepatitis.
Classification Of Viral Hepatitis
Classification of Hepatitis include hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Different viruses are responsible for each class of hepatitis. Hepatitis A & E is always an acute, short-term disease, nonetheless, the latter can be potentially dangerous in pregnant women. While hepatitis B, C, and D can be ongoing and chronic.
Hepatitis A: is caused by an infection with hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is caused by having a contact with contaminated food or water with someone who is infected. It is preventable by vaccine. There are more than 100,000 reported cases of the infection per year in Nigeria.
Hepatitis B: is transmitted through contact with infectious body fluids, such as blood, particularly semen and vaginal fluids containing the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis B infection is one of the leading bloodborne pathogenic infections that constitute an occupational hazard to health care workers. Unlike Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B can be progressive, running through a chronic course that leads to cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer and even death in 15-40% of the cases.
Hepatitis C: It comes from hepatitis C virus. The virus is spread by contact with contaminated blood; for example, from sharing needles, from unsterile tattoo equipment, or from unscreened blood transfusion. Hepatitis C is highly prevalent in Nigeria.
Hepatitis D: Also called delta hepatitis, is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). HDV is contracted through direct contact with infected blood. Hepatitis D is a rare form of hepatitis that only occurs in conjunction with hepatitis B infection. The hepatitis D virus can’t multiply without the presence of hepatitis B.
Hepatitis E: is a waterborne disease caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). Hepatitis E is mainly found in areas with poor sanitation and typically results from ingesting fecal matter that contaminates the water supply. Viral infection with Hepatitis E is uncommon, unlike B and C.
Different viral hepatitis requires different modes of treatment. Prolonged cases of infection can progress into liver cancer or other chronic diseases. The most common liver cancer is Hepatocellular carcinoma and most commonly occurs in people with liver disease, particularly in people with chronic hepatitis B and C.