Hepatitis Research Paper

Hepatitis is a disease caused by a virus and affects the liver, which in turn affects the gastrointestinal system. There are many types of hepatitis to include Hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Each different type of hepatitis is it own distinct disease that has specific signs and symptoms as well as different treatments. Laboratory testing of a persons ALT and AST levels determine the specific type of hepatitis. Hepatitis A is the most common type. This virus can be found in the feces of an infected person. It is transmitted by the ingestion of food or drinks that have come in contact with the infected feces. It is easily spread in restaurants, daycares and even at home if you live with or are intimate with someone who is infected with hepatitis A. Signs and symptoms of this virus can take up to seven weeks to surface after exposure. Some common signs and symptoms of hepatitis A are fatigue, upset stomach, food aversion, weight loss, pain in the area where the liver is located (right side of abdomen
under the ribs), a fever and sometimes jaundice can occur along with dark urine. Hepatitis A is diagnosed through blood testing. These tests can tell the physician whether or not your labor is inflamed and whether or not you have antibodies to the virus. Most cases clear out on their own and last about two or three months. It is recommended if someone believes they have been exposed to hepatitis A, that they rest, drink fluids and eat nutritionally dense foods. Hepatitis B can either be acute or chronic.
Over a long period of time it can cause major damage to your liver. Like hepatitis A, a virus causes hepatitis B. It is spread through blood and other bodily fluids. You may contract this disease by having unprotected sex with an infected person, drug users who share needles to inject the drug, going and getting a tattoo in a facility who does not sterilize their equipment and also by sharing toothbrushes and razors with an infected person. Common signs and symptoms of hepatitis B are fatigue, headaches, or diversions and jaundice. It is important to know that once jaundice occurs there has been severe damage to the liver. Concurrently people who are infected with hepatitis B do not generally have symptoms. Diagnosis of hepatitis B is done by blood test but if liver damage is suspected there may be a need for a liver biopsy. In severe cases of chronic hepatitis B a liver transplant may be
needed. Hepatitis C is like the other two forms and virus causes it and it also has similar signs and symptoms. The major difference between hepatitis C and the other two forms of hepatitis mentioned above is that it can be cured. There have been developments in medication that has cured almost 100% of the patients treated. With hepatitis prevention is key. As with most communicable diseases it is important to prevent rather then need to treat. Proper hand hygiene is very important. Vaccinations are available to help in the prevention of hepatitis A and B.