Hepatitis:
Hepatitis is the liver damage caused by many agents. It is characterized by swelling and inadequate functioning of liver. Hepatitis may be acute or chronic. In severe conditions, it may causes to liver failure and death.
Causes & Types:
- Viral infection (viral hepatitis)
- Bacterial infection like leptospirosis and Q fever
- Excess consumption of alcohol
- Excess administration of drugs like paracetamol
- Poisons like carbon tetrachloride and aflatoxin
- Wilson disease
- Circulatory insufficiency
- Inheritance from mother during parturition.
Viral Hepatitis:
Viral hepatitis is the type of hepatitis caused by viruses. It is caused by two kinds of viruses, hepatitis-A and hepatitis-B.
Causes of Viral Hepatitis:
- Mainly by intake of water and food contaminated with hepatitis virus.
- Sharing needles with infected persons.
- Accidental prick by infected needle.
- Having unprotected sex with infected persons.
- Inheritance from mother during parturition
- Blood transfusion from infected donors.
Hepatitis which happens due to hepatitis-B virus is almost common and is considered to be more serious because it may lead to cirrhosis and cancer of liver.
Features of Hepatitis:
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite
- Headache and weakness
- In addition, chronic hepatitis is characterized by:
- Stomach pain
- Paleness of skin
- Dark-colored urine and pale stool
- Jaundice
- Personality changes.