ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HEPATITIS
INTRODUCTION Hepatitis is caused by inflammation of the liver. It often results from exposure to a virus. However, there are non-viral forms of this disease as well. Hepatitis can last for a few weeks to a few months. Acute hepatitis causes mild symptoms and cures on its own. On the other hand, chronic hepatitis can persist for six months or even longer. Chronic hepatitis can also lead to serious and even life-threatening complications if left untreated. The following slides highlight some important factors related to hepatitis.
SYMPTOMS When caused by a virus, hepatitis often resembles symptoms of flu. Some of the early symptoms may include: Fever Nausea Headache Joint pain
As the condition progresses or becomes chronic, there can be more distinct symptoms, like: Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) Abdominal pain or discomfort (typically in the right upper quadrant beneath the ribs) Darkened urine (choluria) If an individual observes these symptoms, it is advised to seek medical attention at the earliest and get an HBsAg test.
CAUSES The causes of hepatitis may range from viral infections to genetic disorders. Excessive alcohol consumption may also result in hepatitis. The three most common causes of hepatitis can be categorized as infectious, metabolic, and autoimmune.
TREATMENT Treatment for hepatitis depends on several factors like the cause, symptoms, and severity of the disease. It should be noted that vaccines are available for only two of the viral forms: hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Thus, it is important to seek medical aid as soon as possible and get tested at a nearby radiology centre to avoid any complications.
CONCLUSION Hepatitis like many other conditions requires timely diagnosis. We hope that this information will provide better knowledge of hepatitis, its symptoms, and its causes.
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