History Of Hepatitis

Hepatitis is the presence of inflammatory cells in tissues of the liver caused by alcohol abuse, disorders of the gallbladder or pancreas, including medication side effects, and infections. In this article we will discuss the causes, symptoms, types, prevention and treatment of hepatitis.

I. The causes of hepatitis

A person can develop hepatitis if they contract a virus that can cause liver inflammation, or following exposure to substances that can cause hepatitis. There are two ways that can lead to hepatitis: it can either occur as a result of infections or autoimmune processes.

Hepatitis can be divided into two subgroups:

1. Acute hepatitis
Acute hepatitis caused by the following result in the inflammation that causes damage to the normal function of liver and less than six months. People with a weakened immune system and weaken the liver, making them more likely to be infected with hepatitis.

a) hepatitis viral infection such as hepatitis A, B, C, D, E.
b) Inflammation of the liver caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus.
c) Inflammation of the liver caused by other bacteria.
d) an overdose of drugs causing damage to liver tissue and cells such as tranquilizers, chemotherapeutic agents, antibiotics and anesthetics.
e) excessive alcohol consumption.

2. Chronic hepatitis:
Chronic hepatitis means active, ongoing inflammation of the liver persisting for more than six months. Chronic hepatitis, although much less common than acute hepatitis, can persist for years or even decades. In most people, it is very soft and does not cause significant liver damage. It can be caused by hepatitis B and C viruses, drugs and excessive alcohol consumption. It can also cause cirrhosis, with an enlarged spleen and the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. In some people, continued inflammation slowly damages the liver, resulting in severe liver damage, liver failure and liver cancer, sometimes.

II. Symptoms
1. Jaundice
Excession jaundice caused by a chemical called bilirubin accumulated in the tissues of the body. When the liver is damaged by hepatitis, it is incapable of doing his normal job and this chemical accumulates in the blood begins to flow through the body tissues resulting in a yellow color of the skin and especially in the eye.

2. Loss of appetite
Loss of appetite is called anorexia, is often the first symptom of acute hepatitis. Sometimes this symptom lasts a very short time before being replaced by nausea and vomiting.

3. Fatigue
Fatigue is a debilitating fatigue and is a great source of frustration for people with liver disease. When the liver is damaged, feelings of extreme weakness is common.

4. Pain in muscles and joints
Pain in muscles and joints can last from several days to several weeks and are very common infection in acute hepatitis.

5. Hypoglycemia
Infection with hepatitis A can cause hypoglycemia. Therefore, regular monitoring of blood glucose with a constant infusion of glucose is essential, because the dangerously low blood sugar is a constant threat.

6. Insomnia
Insomnia is caused by inflammation of the liver virus hepatitis C leading to trouble sleeping and often wakes up at night. Some people also unusually vivid dreams, intense and frightening.

7. Pruritus
People with hepatitis C sometimes have pruritus, itching of the palms and soles of the feet.

8. Adenopathy
Hepatitis can also cause inflammation of the lymph nodes. They usually occur in the armpits, groin and neck.

9. Weakness
Hepatitis C also causes a feeling of weakness. This symptom can range from mild to severe.