Inflammation in the liver results in Hepatitis. Although it is a viral infection, you can develop it from various other resources. For instance, you may develop autoimmune Hepatitis because of various drugs, medications, and toxins. You will develop autoimmune Hepatitis when your body creates antibodies to eliminate liver tissue.
Experts differentiate the common categories of Hepatitis from viruses that lead to the condition. These five categories of Hepatitis are A, B, C, D, and E. According to World Health Organization, about 354 million people in the world have chronic Hepatitis.
AFC Urgent Care Toms River provides necessary vaccinations to all patients. If you would like to get vaccinated against Hepatitis, call our center to ensure availability and visit us today.
Causes of Hepatitis
Here are some types of Hepatitis according to causes:
- Viral Hepatitis: Different viruses can cause different types of viral Hepatitis. These types include hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, which commonly attack the liver. However, it can spread to other parts of the body as well.
- Toxic Hepatitis: You may develop toxic Hepatitis because of toxic chemicals, alcohol, and certain medication. In this condition, these substances damage an individual’s life and cause inflammation.
Symptoms of Hepatitis
The symptoms of Hepatitis are not noticeable unless the substance or virus causes damage to the liver. However, you will notice various initial symptoms of acute Hepatitis, which include:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Pale stool
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Sudden weight loss
Who’s at Risk?
There are various risk factors involved with Hepatitis. Here are the factors:
- Environmental risk includes harmful substances in the surroundings entering the body through different means. These can include contact with used syringes and needles, unsafe water, and a lack of sanitation services.
- Your behavior increases the risk of developing Hepatitis as well, such as eating unhygienic food or drinking untreated water. You can even develop the condition by engaging in unsafe sex, sharing needles, and drinking excessive alcohol. Some people also develop Hepatitis because of various medications.
- Various health factors also contribute to various people developing the condition. The health risk factors include an acute or chronic infection, not getting vaccinated for HAV and HBV, and developing an autoimmune disorder. If a mother with Hepatitis, especially hepatitis B, gives birth to a child, the baby will also develop the condition.
Conclusion
Hepatitis is a critical medical condition that causes inflammation and pain in the liver. Initially, symptoms are not visible to the patient. When the condition becomes critical and the liver stops functioning properly, you can identify the condition.
Doctors can prescribe tests to identify symptoms of Hepatitis. If you experience abdominal pain, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms, you should immediately visit a doctor. They will diagnose the condition and recommend effective treatment.