Hepatitis

“Liver inflammation” means Hepatitis. Virus causes this condition. About 50% of cases of Hepatitis is due to viral infection. Liver can be infected by hepatitis virus of various types like hepatitis B and A.
Contamination of water along with faeces or stools because of poor sanitation and hygiene and food can result n Hepatitis A. Exchange of body fluids and blood results in Hepatitis B. needle stick injury (accidental skin puncture with the use of needle), un-sterilized needles, products of contaminated blood and sex can cause Hepatitis B.
Exchange of blood products or blood can also spread Hepatitis C. This most occurs by accidental needle sticks and sharing needles. Before 1992 September it could spread by transfusion of blood as screening was not introduced then for Hepatitis C. Hepatitis viruses are recognized in four other types ranging from G to C. Hepatitis E and A causes acute infection. Chronic and ongoing illness are caused by Hepatitis C and B. People infected with hepatitis B shall also find hepatitis D present in them. The virus of glandular fever can be because of hepatitis. Hepatitis A and B (combined or singly) vaccinations are easily available also typhoid and hepatitis A combination are also available.
Autoimmune hepatitis
Chronic hepatitis (inflammation for long term) rarely causes autoimmune hepatitis. The reasons are still not known as to why does the immune system attacks organs of the body considering it to be foreign bodies instead of attacking germs, bacteria and viruses. Liver is attacked by WBC or white blood cells in case of autoimmune hepatitis. Serious problems like liver failure can occur due to this. In UK autoimmune hepatitis is very rare, about 1 in 10000 cases are diagnosed each year. 7 in every 10 cases are women in age group of 15-40. Men in older in age tend to get affected more than women
Symptoms include:
Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
Fatigue or tiredness
Pain in the abdomen
Joint aches or arthralgias
Jaundice (whites in your eyes and yellow tinge in your skin)
In case if any of the above mentioned symptoms are experienced, you need to consult your doctor immediately and tests need to be taken for diagnosing the cause. The below mentioned tests are recommended.
Blood tests for liver function: chemical activities in the liver are measured to check for any inflammation and also functioning of the liver with the help of these blood tests.
Blood tests for antibodies: viral hepatitis and autoimmune hepatitis are distinguished for choosing the right treatment option with the help of this test.
Ultrasound scan: used to know in case the cause is of liver cirrhosis or cancer and not for diagnosing hepatitis.
Biopsy of your liver: Helps to show various cells causing inflammation and also to check till what extent is the liver is damaged.
Autoimmune hepatitis treatment involves medicines which help in suppressing of immune system and also reduces inflammation. Steroid medication or prednisolone has the tendency to gradually decrease the swelling within few weeks time, and can also be used in controlling symptoms.