2009-11-06 14:54:58 -
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Viral hepatitis is an infection of the liver. It has several forms, the most common of which are A and type B. It may also produce other types, include hepatitis C, D, E and G. The disease can produce mild disease or, at times, can be fulminant, and lead to death. Some forms of hepatitis are more prone to develop
into chronic conditions. Due to the chronic inflammation, these forms may eventually lead to liver failure, cirrhosis of the liver and death.
Inflammation of the liver can also occur from certain medications and toxins. The most common form of this type of hepatitis comes from alcohol abuse.
Causes of Hepatitis
Types A and E virus enters the body through water or food, raw shellfish, that has been contaminated by sewage (fecal-oral contact). Type B virus infections can be sexually transmitted (contact with body fluids of an infected person), passed through blood transfusions , or from injections with non-sterile needles or syringes. An infected mother can infect here newborn with hepatitis B. Some cases appear sporadically. Hepatitis C is transmitted through intravenous drug use, blood transfusions and other exposures from contaminated blood or its products, In slightly less than half of the cases, the mode of transmission is unknown. Type D is associated with infection of hepatitis type B. Type G similar to type C, usually transmitted through blood product.
Alcoholic hepatitis occurs from chronic abuse of alcohol. This may result in liver failure. INH, a drug used to treat tuberculosis, tylenol and some blood pressure medicines can produce hepatitis. One of the anesthetic gases, halothane, is thought to be capable of producing hepatitis. Some oral contraceptives, anabolic steroids, and erythromycin can lead to hepatitis.
Signs and Symptoms of Hepatitis
Flu-like symptoms are common in the early stages of viral hepatitis. There can be fever, fatigue and loss of appetite. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can also occur. Later symptoms usually include jaundice - yellowing of the skin and eyes. The urine is dark while the stools appears very light in color. Sometimes, there is an alteration in the sense of smell and taste.
Both viral hepatitis and hepatitis caused by toxins or drugs produce right upper abdominal discomfort. Chemical or toxic hepatitis may have many of the features cited above. Many of these symptoms are a reflection of impaired function of the liver.
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