WHAT IS HEPATITIS B?
Hepatitis B is an infectious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) that affects the liver.
CAUSES
It is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The virus is passed from person to person through,
- Transfusion of unscreened blood.
- Organ transplants.
- Sexual contacts.
Sharing of contaminated needles.
- Unsafe medical practices, such as reusing medical equipment.
- During birth, a mother can pass it to a child.
- Sharing toothbrush, razors.
- Re-used equipment for tattooing, body piercing.
SYMPTOMS
- Jaundice.
- Abdominal Pain.
- Dark Urine.
- Fever.
- Joint Pain.
- Loss of appetite.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Weakness.
- Fatigue.
DIAGNOSIS
- Blood Tests.
- Liver Biopsy.
PREVENTION
Vaccination against Hepatitis B at an early age confers long term protection against the virus.
The vaccine is a series of 3 injections; the first injection is given followed by the second at least 1 month after the first dose. The third dose is given 6 months after the first dose.
It is recommended that all children receive a birth dose of HBV vaccine and complete the series by 6-18 months of age.
TREATMENT
TREATMENT TO PREVENT HEPATITIS B INFECTION AFTER EXPOSURE:
If you know you’ve been exposed to the hepatitis B virus, receive an injection of hepatitis B immune globulin within 12 hours of coming in contact with the virus may help protect you from developing hepatitis B.
TREATMENT OF ACUTE HEPATITIS B INFECTION:
If hepatitis B infection is acute, you may not need treatment. Your doctor might recommend rest and adequate nutrition and fluids.
TREATMENT OF CHRONIC HEPATITIS B INFECTION:
MEDICINES:
- Antiviral medications.
- Interferon.
LIVER TRANSPLANTATION:
- Severe life-threatening liver disease may require liver transplantation.
COMPLICATIONS:
Chronic hepatitis B may lead to
- Liver Cirrhosis.
- Liver Failure.
- Liver Cancer.
WHAT IS HEPATITIS C?
Hepatitis C is a serious and often silent liver disease caused by hepatitis C virus. It affects and damages the liver. However, this virus can also affect other parts of the body, including the digestive system, immune system, and the brain.
CAUSES
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne disease. The main source of infection is from the blood of an infected person. Most cases are caused by,
- Transfusion of unscreened blood.
- Sharing contaminated needles.
- I/V drug abuse.
- Sexual contact.
- Breastfeeding.
- During birth, a mother can pass it to a child.
- Sharing toothbrushes, razors.
- Re-used equipment for tattooing, body piercing.
Hepatitis C is not spread through food, water, holding hands, sharing cups or crockery.
SYMPTOMS
- Fatigue
- Fever.
- Muscle or joint pain.
- Poor appetite.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Jaundice.
- Itchy Skin.
- Pain in the right upper part of the abdomen.
- Dark yellow urine.
- Pale stools.
- Easy bleeding.
- Easy bruising.
- Swelling of legs and abdomen.
- Brain damage.
DIAGNOSIS
- Blood tests.
- Liver biopsy.
PREVENTION
Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C. Until a vaccine is discovered, the best way to protect people from being exposed to the hepatitis C virus is to avoid contact with other people’s blood or open wounds.
TREATMENT
Hepatitis C does not always require treatment as the immune response in some people clear the infection and some people with chronic infection do not develop liver damage. When treatment is necessary, the goal of treatment is a cure.
DIET:
- Eat a normal healthy balanced diet.
- Should not drink alcohol.
MEDICINES:
LIVER TRANSPLANTATION:
- Severe life-threatening liver disease may require liver transplantation.
COMPLICATIONS:
Chronic hepatitis C may lead to
- Liver Cirrhosis.
- Liver Cancer.
- Death.
Controlling the spread of these diseases is possible, you need to consult with best nephrologists in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad or main cities of Pakistan and get yourself properly evaluated on a regular basis.
