Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver. Our liver can be termed as a fundamental organ of our body, which carries many critical functions including blood clotting, filtering toxins from the body, synthesis of blood proteins, excretions of bilirubin, breaking down carbohydrates, protein, and fats, etc. Although hepatitis itself can be the symptom of many illnesses, including auto-immune diseases, it is most often caused by a viral infection. There are five main types of viral hepatitis, that is A, B, C, D and E. Of those, Hepatitis A, B, and C are the most common & severe types across the world. Marham.pk can help you find the best liver specialist in Islamabad, Karachi and other main cities of Pakistan. Hepatitis is caused by,
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- Drinking contaminated water
- Having sex with someone who has the virus
- Contact with the blood of an infected person
- Under-cooked food
- Food handled by people who have not properly washed their hands
Common Symptoms of Hepatitis:
There are forms of hepatitis that are chronic, like hepatitis B and C, where you may not have symptoms in the beginning. Symptoms may not occur until the damage affects liver function and the body’s metabolism. Indications and symptoms of acute hepatitis appear quickly. They may include:
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- Fatigue
- Dark urine
- Pale stool
- Flu-like symptoms
- Loss of appetite
- Belly Pain
- Abdominal pain
- Skin rash or itching
- Joint pain
- Yellow skin and eyes, which may be signed for jaundice
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
Chronic hepatitis develops slowly, so these signs and symptoms may be too subtle to notice.
Risk Factors of Hepatitis:
Chronic hepatitis B or C can often lead to more serious health problems such as liver cancer, cirrhosis or chronic liver dysfunction. When your liver freezes functioning normally, liver failure may occur. Complications include,
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- Bleeding disorders
- A buildup of fluid in your abdomen, known as ascites
- Hypertension
- Kidney failure- You can consult the best nephrologist in Karachi, Lahore and other main cities of Pakistan via Marham.pk, to manage kidney disorders.
- Hepatocellular carcinoma, which is a form of liver cancer
- Death
Tips to Prevent Hepatitis:
Practicing good hygiene is one best way to avoid contracting hepatitis A and E. Hepatitis B and C can also be contracted through sexual intercourse and intimate sexual contact. Practicing safe sex by using condoms and dental dams can help reduce the risk of infection. If you’re traveling to a new place, you should avoid,
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- Local water
- Ice
- Raw or undercooked shellfish and oysters
Hepatitis B, C, and D can be prevented by,
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- Not using someone else’s toothbrush- The best dentists in Karachi, Lahore and other main cities of Pakistan can help you maintain your oral health status.
- Not sharing razors
- Not touching spilled blood
- Not sharing drug needles
If you or someone you know is suffering from any of the above-mentioned conditions do not ignore and get proper medical treatment and care immediately.