[Health Tips] HEPATITIS; COMMON SYMPTOMS AND PREVENTIVE TIPS - 9jawellness

HEPATITIS; COMMON SYMPTOMS AND PREVENTIVE TIPS

Written by Nwele, David Bassey 

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver,  hepatitis is a viral infection, however, can also be caused by other factors. There are five main strains of hepatitis virus which are type A, B, C, D, and E. Which hepatitis types B and C as leading causes of chronic liver disease and risk factors for liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and viral hepatitis-related death.

 Hepatitis is also among the most common bloodborne viral infections with approximately 2.4 million. An estimated global population of 354 million people live with hepatitis B and C. Hepatitis can also occur as an autoimmune disease or from medication, toxins, and alcohol. 

It is worthy to know that this chronic condition is preventable through vaccination. 

COMMON CAUSES

Causes can be grouped into infectious and noninfectious. 

Infectious; hepatitis A is caused by exposure to the Hepatitis A virus in food and water. Hepatitis B and C have common causes, by contact with an infected body fluid{semen, blood, vaginal discharged) 

Noninfectious; excessive alcohol consumption leads to cell injuries to the liver which over time can damage and inflame the liver - alcohol hepatitis 

Exposure to toxins.

Misuse of medications 

Autoimmune; is when the immune system starts attacking the liver cells, leading to damage and inflammation of the liver. 

COMMON SYMPTOMS

Fatigue 

Dark urine 

Loss of appetite

Pale stool 

Flu-like feeling 

Yellow skin and eyes 

PREVENTION TIPS 

Get vaccinated 

Reduce exposure to toxins

Avoid sharing sharps( needle, razor )

Avoiding contact with spilled blood.