Hepatitis: Causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Hepatitis, which is the inflammation of the liver, is a condition that affects millions of people around the world.
World Hepatitis Day is observed each year on 28 July.
The day raises awareness about the liver condition that affects millions of people around the world.
In 2019, the World Health Organisation stated that:
- 296 million people worldwide are living with hepatitis B.
- 58 million people worldwide are living with hepatitis C.
- 1.5 million people were newly infected with chronic hepatitis B.
- 1.5 million people were newly infected with chronic hepatitis C.
READ: WHO announces outbreak in unexplained acute hepatitis infections in children
Causes
Healthline states that excess alcohol consumption can cause liver damage and inflammation which can then lead to alcoholic hepatitis.
'Other toxic causes of hepatitis include misuse of medications and exposure to toxins,' states the publication.
Mayo Clinic states that hepatitis A can be caused by contaminated food or water or from close contact with a person or object that's infected.
Diagnoses
Blood tests, live ultrasound, and liver biopsy is what is used to diagnose if you suffer from hepatitis.
Other symptoms that can show if you suffer from hepatitis are:
- Abdominal pain
- Dark urine
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness and fatigue
- Bruising easily
- Fatigue
- Poor appetite
- Dark-colored urine
- Itchy skin
- Fluid buildup in your abdomen (ascites)
- Swelling in your legs
- Weight loss
- Confusion, drowsiness and slurred speech (hepatic encephalopathy)
- Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, also called jaundice.
READ: Hepatitis outstrips AIDS & TB as killer
Treatment
The kind of treatment your health practitioner will recommend will depend on the type of hepatitis.
According to the Mayo Clinic website, chronic HCV is usually curable with oral medication taken every day for two to six months.
Disclaimer: Health-related information provided in this article is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems. It is always advisable to consult with your doctor on any health-related issues.
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