Hepatitis: All You Need To Know

Hepatitis is one of the lethal diseases and Pakistan ranks second among the countries with the highest prevalence, that is 4.8%. Around 2 billion people in the world have evidence of past or current HBV infection, with 240 million chronic carriers of HBsAg. HBV, along with the associated infection by the hepatitis D virus, is one of the most common pathogens affecting humans.

 

What is Hepatitis

Inflammatory condition of the liver which is swelling and redness of the liver is referred to as Hepatitis. Viral infection is the common reason, but there are other possible causes of hepatitis, including autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis that occurs as a secondary result of medications, drugs, toxins, and alcohol. Hepatitis can be autoimmune as well which occurs when your body makes antibodies against your own liver tissue.

Types And Causes Of Hepatitis

There are several forms of Hepatitis found to be affecting human beings. That includes the following:

Hepatitis A 

This type of hepatitis is an acute, short-term disease and a result of an infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV) found in contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B, caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a chronic condition that occurs due to coming in contact with infected body fluids.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes this type, and this is the most common bloodborne viral infection and presents as a chronic condition. It is caused by coming into contact with infected blood or body fluids.

Hepatitis D

The hepatitis D virus (HDV) only occurs when pre-existing HBV is present, it is a rare type but causes liver inflammation just like other strains.

Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E is a waterborne infection. HEV is predominantly found in regions with improper sanitization and occurs because of ingesting faeces that defile the water supply.

Signs And Symptoms

• Jaundice is one of the most important symptoms
• Fatigue
• Flu-Like Symptoms
• Abdominal pain
• Unusual Weight loss

Diagnosis of Hepatitis

Most of the time symptoms of hepatitis do not appear in earlier stages and later when they do it is too late. Therefore it is essential to get hepatitis screening tests. Your physician will advance through a progression of tests to precisely analyze your condition.

History and Examination

To analyze all types of hepatitis, your primary care physician will initially take your history to decide on any risk factors you might have.

During an actual assessment, your PCP might push down delicately on your mid-region to check whether there's aggravation or tenderness. Your primary care physician may likewise check for any enlarging of the liver and any yellow staining in your eyes or skin.

Liver Function Tests

Liver function tests use blood tests to decide how productively your liver functions.

Unusual results of these tests might be the main sign that there is an issue, particularly in the event that you don't give any indications on an actual test of liver sickness. High liver protein levels might show that your liver is worried, harmed, or not working accurately.

Other Blood Tests

These tests can determine assuming you have irresistible hepatitis by checking for the presence of hepatitis infections or antibodies your body produces to battle them.

Specialists may likewise utilize blood tests to check for any indications of immune system hepatitis.

These tests include Hb Ag ,Hb Ab, Anti HCV, HepC(Qualitative), HAV IgG.

 

Liver Biopsy

While diagnosing hepatitis, specialists will likewise survey your liver for expected damage. A liver biopsy is a strategy that includes taking a sample of tissue from your liver.

Assuming your liver capacity tests are unusual, your primary care physician will probably arrange other blood tests to identify the wellspring of the issue.

A clinical expert might take this example through your skin with a needle, there is no requirement for a medical procedure. They will normally utilize an ultrasound examination for direction during this method.

This test permits your PCP to decide what disease or aggravation is present in your liver.

Ultrasound

A stomach ultrasound utilizes ultrasound waves to make a picture of the organs inside your midsection. This test permits your PCP to investigate your liver and close-by organs. It can uncover:

• the liquid in your midsection
• liver harm or extension
• liver cancers
• irregularities of your gallbladder
• Some of the time the pancreas appears on ultrasound pictures too.

Screening Test

Symptoms of Hepatitis do not show earlier in the disease, therefore, Screening Tests for Hepatitis are important for everyone and must be performed at least once a year. Screening Tests include:

• Indirect Coombs Test(ICT)
• ELISA (Confirmatory test)
• PCR(Quantitative, Qualitative)

How It Is Spread And How To Prevent It

Hepatitis can be spread from:

• Coming in contact with infected blood
• Used razors and needles
• Surgical or Dental treatment from unsterilized instruments
• Blood transfusion from an infected person
• From infected mother to her baby

Therefore precautions and necessary measures should be taken to protect oneself from HepatitisThere are many ways you can reduce your chances of getting hepatitis:

• Get the vaccines for hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
• Don't share needles to take drugs.
• Practice good personal hygiene such as thorough hand-washing with soap and water.
• Don't use an infected person's personal items.
• Take precautions when getting any tattoos or body piercings.
• Take precautions when travelling to areas with poor sanitation.
• Make sure to get your vaccines.
• Drink bottled water when travelling.

 

Our Responsibility

Dr. Essa Lab. a leading name in diagnostics and laboratory tests, is offering all the necessary Screening Tests for Hepatitis and is committed to spreading awareness regarding Hepatitis. Visit our nearest branch, book your online test, or call us at UAN: (021) 111-786-986.

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