Hepatitis
By: Wynona Chotiner
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It is caused by a bacterial infection or a toxin that attacks the immune system. The bacteria or toxin can mutate and destroy the liver in Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B.
How is Hepatitis Transmitted?
Hepatitis is transferred through the feces of infected individuals in type A. Hepatitis is transferred through unprotected sex with a person with the disease in type B. Hepatitis is transferred through blood and/or other bodily fluids in type C.
What are the Symptoms of Hepatitis?
Signs of Hepatitis include:
- fever
- yellowing of skin/eyes (jaundice)
- nausea/vomiting
- lack of appetite
How is Hepatitis Diagnosed and How do You Treat Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is diagnosed through a blood test.
To treat Hepatitis, keeping hydrated and resting until all symptoms are gone. There are medications that are becoming more effective for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. However, some medications for Hepatitis C can only be taken by adults.
What can Hepatitis do if Untreated?
If Hepatitis is untreated the liver may become swollen/damaged and could lose it's ability to function properly. Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C may completely destroy the liver, causing patients to need a transplant to survive.
How do you Prevent Hepatitis?
You can prevent Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B with a vaccine. If you are recently exposed doctors recommend a shot of immune globulin containing antibiotics against the virus.
Other ways to prevent Hepatitis are:
- do not have unprotected sex
- avoid eating raw shellfish
- do not share tooth brushes or razors