The largest organ in the abdominal cavity is the liver, which plays a crucial role in regulating nutrients, synthesizing proteins, and producing biochemicals necessary for the digestive process. Proper liver function is essential for normal nutrient digestion, food accumulation, and the elimination of waste and toxins from the body. However, if the liver experiences inflammation or dysfunction, it can disrupt the proper functioning of these systems. Read on for more information on hepatitis, including early symptoms and treatment options, to help you recognize and manage this condition.
How does hepatitis occur?
Hepatitis is an inflammatory disease that affects the liver, with possible causes including viral infection, excessive alcohol consumption, drug abuse, and medication side effects. Inflammation can result in the death of liver cells and, if left untreated, can lead to scarring and fibrosis of the liver, ultimately causing cirrhosis or even cancer.
Factors that contribute to hepatitis;
· Hepatitis virus infection
There are five types of hepatitis viruses, namely hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.
· Exposure to large amounts of drugs and poisons over a long period of time
Certain drugs, including painkillers containing paracetamol, NSAIDs, oral contraceptives, clavulanate-containing amoxicillin, sulfa, statins, amiodarone, anabolic steroids, chlorpromazine, erythromycin, methyldopa, isoniazid, methotrexate, tetracycline, and certain anticonvulsants, have the potential to harm the liver even in small doses.
· The body's immune system malfunctions
This causes a disruption in liver function and results in liver damage to the point of inflammation which ranges from mild to severe.
· Excessive alcohol consumption behavior
Alcohol consumption can result in the destruction of liver cells, which, if left untreated, may cause irreparable harm to the liver, leading to cirrhosis and eventual liver failure.
· Fatty deposits around the liver
Liver dysfunction resulting from this cause may not present with symptoms, and in most cases, symptoms only appear when the liver is severely inflamed. Those at risk of hepatitis from this cause may include individuals with obesity, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, high blood pressure, and other related conditions.
There are five types of hepatitis virus:
· Hepatitis A Virus (HAV)
This virus is prevalent in countries with poor health systems and spreads through the consumption of contaminated water or food. Symptoms of HAV include fever, fatigue, vomiting, and jaundice, which causes yellowing of the eyes and skin, pale stools, and dark urine.
· Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
HBV is another common type of hepatitis virus, especially in Southeast Asia, including Thailand. It can be prevented with the hepatitis B vaccine and spreads through infected blood or bodily fluids, such as through mother-to-child transmission, sexual intercourse, or sharing needles. Patients with HBV are more likely to develop severe and chronic hepatitis, which may lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
· Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
HCV spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person, such as through mother-to-child transmission, sexual intercourse, or sharing needles. HCV can remain asymptomatic for some time and is often detected through liver function tests. However, it can eventually lead to chronic hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, or even death.
· Hepatitis D Virus (HDV)
HDV is less common but ten times more virulent than other types of hepatitis viruses. It only occurs in individuals previously exposed to HBV, as the HDV cannot spread without the presence of HBV.
· Hepatitis E Virus (HEV)
HEV is common in areas with critical public health systems, such as certain countries in Asia, the Middle East, Central America, and Africa, where water management is inadequate and leads to contamination. Patients can become infected by consuming contaminated food or water or undercooked meat. HEV symptoms are similar to those of other types of viral hepatitis and can lead to acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis.
Common symptoms of hepatitis patients
· Acute hepatitis
o Feeling tired, fatigued, exhausted all the time
o Joint pain, muscle pain
o High fever of 38 degrees Celsius or more
o Dark urine
o Pale stools
o Abdominal pain
o Loss of appetite
o Itchy skin
o Unexplained weight loss
o Jaundice or yellow body and yellow eyes
· Chronic hepatitis - Initially, this condition may not exhibit any apparent symptoms. Nonetheless, as the liver's function becomes compromised or when kidney failure commences, symptoms will begin to manifest.
o Jaundice
o Swollen legs, feet, and ankles
o Feeling dizzy and confused
o Vomiting or bloody stools
How to treat hepatitis
The treatment of hepatitis involves the use of antiviral drugs such as interferon injections and oral lamivudine. These drugs aim to eliminate the infection, reduce inflammation, and bring liver enzyme levels back to normal. Additionally, they may help in reducing liver fibrosis and preventing complications like cirrhosis. The appropriate type and dosage of medication will be prescribed by the doctor based on the patient's condition. Currently, there is no specific cure available for hepatitis.
Possible complications
Chronic hepatitis B and C infections can lead to severe complications, such as chronic liver disease, liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. Additionally, other potentially dangerous complications can arise such as;
· Abnormal blood flow
· Ascites (excessive fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity leading to abdominal distension)
· High blood pressure in the circulatory system
· Liver failure
· Brain symptoms caused by liver disease.
· Liver cancer
· Death
What are the recommended self-care practices for patients with hepatitis?
· Follow a healthy and balanced diet that includes clean, cooked, and complete foods from all 5 food groups.
· Avoid unnecessary medications and supplements, including herbal medicine and nutritional supplements.
· Avoid consuming any alcoholic beverages.
· Engage in regular exercise, choosing activities that are appropriate for your age and not too intense, such as running, brisk walking, swimming, etc.
· Follow your doctor's instructions for taking medications and be sure to take them as prescribed.
· Have blood tests every 3 to 6 months and ultrasounds every 6 to 12 months.
What are the measures to prevent hepatitis?
· Avoiding risky behaviors, which include;
o Intravenous drug use
o Sharing sharp objects with other people such as razors, nail clippers, needles
o Having multiple sex partners or having sex without a condom
o Healthcare workers should always wear gloves, goggles or gowns when handling patient blood or secretions
o Excessive alcohol consumption
· A pregnant woman with viral hepatitis should consult a doctor to assess the need for antiviral medication to prevent transmission of the virus to the fetus.
· Get vaccinated, which may help prevent infection with hepatitis A and B. Children are usually vaccinated against hepatitis B at birth. However, for children over 10 years old and adults, a blood test for immunity is required before vaccination.
Hepatitis is a disease that can be prevented and treated if the symptoms are properly understood, and medical advice is taken. In addition, following your doctor's instructions strictly can help relieve any severe symptoms so that the patient can live a normal life. For Krungthai-AXA Life Insurance customers who are interested in health care, you can check out other health articles at: https://www.krungthai-axa.co.th/th/health-advisories.
References
· Sikarin Hospital
http://bit.ly/3YawRUS
· Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital
https://www.siphhospital.com/th/news/article/share/hepatitis
· Pobpad website
http://bit.ly/3wUiFTX
· Bangkok Hospital
http://bit.ly/40z4wJa
· Paolo Hospital
https://bit.ly/3RCmrdS
https://bit.ly/3X852Le
· Petcharavej Hospital
https://bit.ly/3JFC8z5
· Nakornthon Hospital
https://bit.ly/3JFF2Eb
