Hepatitis – Causes, Symptoms, Types, Prevention and Treatment

Hepatitis is the presence of inflammatory cells in the liver tissue caused by excessive alcohol drinking, disorders of the gall bladder or pancreas, including medication side effects, and infections. In this article, we will discuss Causes, Symptoms, Types, Prevention and Treatment of hepatitis.

I. Causes of hepatitis

A person can develop hepatitis if they contract one of the viruses that can cause liver inflammation, or as a result of 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 from autoimmune processes.

Hepatitis can be divided into two subgroups:

1. Acute hepatitisAcute hepatitis caused by the below in result of inflammation that causes damaging to the liver’s normal function and lasting less than six months. People having a weakened immune system and weaken liver, making them more susceptible to be infected by hepatitis.

a) Infectious viral hepatitis such as hepatitis A, B, C, D, E.b) Inflammation of liver caused by Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus.c) Inflammation of liver caused by other bacteria.d) Medication overdose causing damage to liver tissues and cells such as tranquilizers, chemotherapeutic agents, antibiotics and anesthetics.e) Excessive alcohol drinking.

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, even decades. In most people, it is quite mild and does not cause significant liver damage. it may be caused by hepatitis B and C viruses, drugs and excessive alcohol drinking. it can also result in cirrhosis, with an enlarged spleen and fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity. In some people, continued inflammation slowly damages the liver, eventually resulting in severe scarring of the liver, liver failure and sometimes liver cancer.

II. Symptoms1. JaundicesJaundices caused by the excession of a chemical called bilirubin accumulated in the body’s tissues. When the liver is damaged by hepatitis virus, it’s unable to do its normal job and this chemical accumulates in the blood and starts to leak out into body tissue resulting in a yellow color in the skin, and especially around the whites of the eyes.

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

3. FatigueFatigue is a debilitating tiredness and is a big source of frustration for people with liver disease. When the liver is damaged, feelings of extreme weakness is common.

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

5. low blood sugarInfection by Hepatitis A virus may cause low blood sugar. Therefore regular monitoring of blood glucose level with constant glucose infusion is essential, because dangerously low blood sugar is a constant threat.

6. InsomniaInsomnia is caused by liver inflammation of hepatitis virus C leading to trouble of sleeping, and waking up often during the night. some people also experience unusually vivid, intense and frightening dreams.

7. PruritusPeople with hepatitis C sometimes have pruritus, itching to the palms of the hand and the soles of the feet.

8. LymphadenopathyHepatitis may also cause inflammation of lymph nodes. They usually appear in the armpits, groin and neck.

9. WeaknessHepatitis C also causes a sense of weakness. This symptom can vary from mild to severe and tends to come and go.

If you have any of the above symptoms, please consult with your doctor immediately.

III. Types of Hepatitis

1. Hepatitis A (HAV)Hepatitis A causes swelling and inflammation in the liver and is very common in underdeveloped countries, resulting in drinking water or eating food that is infected by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). it can also be transmitted through sexual intercourse. This type of hepatitis usually has slow onset and most people fully recover. Hepatitis A can be discovered by blood testing.

2. Hepatitis B (HBV)Hepatitis B virus is most often contracted via blood contact such as blood, semen, body fluids, IV drug abusers sharing needles or someone using tainted needles. it can also be transmitted through sexual contact and from mother to baby during childbirth. Hepatitis B causes inflammation of the liver leading to a serious infection that can cause liver damage, which may result in cancer.

3. Hepatitis C (HCV)Hepatitis C, like hepatitis B is spread via blood and body-fluid contact such as blood, semen, body fluid, IV drug abusers sharing needles or someone using tainted needles. Hepatitis C used to be the most common type of hepatitis acquired through blood transfusions until a test for it became available in the 1980s. Hepatitis C causes inflammation of the liver resulting in liver damage that can lead to cancer. it also commonly leads to chronic liver inflammation and slowly damagesthe liver over a long period of time before leading to cirrhosis of the liver, that means scar tissue replacing normal, healthy tissue in result of blocking the flow of blood through the liver and preventing it from from working as it should.

4. Hepatitis D (HDV)Hepatitis D is caused by the virus HDV. You can only get hepatitis D if you are already infected with hepatitis B. Hepatitis D also causes inflammation of liver and is transmitted through infected blood, needles and sexual contact with with a person infected with HDV.

5. Hepatitis E (HEV)Similar to hepatitis A, hepatitis E is also caused by drinking water or eating food that os infected by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). it can also be transmitted through sexual intercourse causing temporary swelling of the liver and no long term damage to it.

IV. Prevention and TreatmentA. with Foods

1. Fresh water algaeFresh water algae contains high amounts of antioxidant-chlorophyll that has the power in strengthening the immune system to fight any bacteria and virus infection. it also helps in cleansing liver toxins as well as fat build-up in liver.

2. whole grain productsWhole grain product stimulates the liver to rid the body of toxins, supports the heart and is rich in protein, B vitamins, and fiber. it also helps lower blood cholesterol, reduce tumors, strengthens the immune and treats hepatitis.

3. Green vegetable juicesThe fresh raw vegetable juices are vitally important in the nutritional treatment of hepatitis. Green Vegetable juice contains high amounts of vitamin C, bioflavonoids, carotenoids, living plant enzymes to aid digestion & vitamin K resulting in cleansing of liver toxins as well as strengthening the immune system, helping to fight against hepatitis infection.

4. LegumesLegumes contain the nutrients and good sources of water-soluble fibers that your body needs to produce and activate the dozens of enzymes involved in the various phases of detoxification.

5. cold water fishCold water fish contain high amounts of essential fatty acids that helps to support the detoxification pathways in the liver, break down toxic chemicals and toxins from the blood stream. A healthy liver filter will keep your blood stream clean and free of dangerous toxins and microorganisms. the regular use of a liver tonic such as essential fatty acids support the repair of liver cells.

6. Limit daily intake of alcoholAlcohol is a potent toxin to the liver. Excessive alcohol drinking can lead to cirrhosis and its complications, including liver cancer.

7. Stop smokingCigarette fumes contain high amounts of cadmium, a toxic chemical that causes not only blood clots but also weakens the immune system functioning by fighting against harmful viruses and detoxifying the liver.

B. with Chinese HerbsHere are some Chinese herbs that have been used to prevent and treat hepatitis with proven results.

1. Natural schisandraSchisandradra contains essential oils, acids and lignans that help to regenerate liver tissue caused by excessive drinking of alcohol and hepatitis virus.

2. Milk thistleconsists of three components silybin, silydianin, and silychristin that help to reverse liver damage from alcohol, liver injure in result of chronic hepatitis and sloe the advance of cirrhosis.

3. Dan shen Danshenis frequently used for these problems in combination with other herbs in treating liver diseases such as cirrhosis, fibrosis, and chronic hepatitis B.

4. LyciiLycii contains high amount of beta-carotene that helps to nourish and tonify liver and kidney.

5. Chinese licoriceLicorice contains a compound called glycyrrhizin and has a long history of medicinal use in both Eastern and Western systems of medicine in treating infections caused by viruses, such as hepatitis.

6. AstragalusAstragalus is used conbination with other Chinese herbs are thought to possess properties in treating cancer, viral infection and immune system disorder. Astragalus is an ingredient in

7. Baikal scullcapBaikal scullcap contains a chemical of baikalin that helps liver to detoxification and fight against liver infection.

8. Gynostemma pentaphyllaThis herb has been used over thousand years in Chinese history in treating a variety of diseases such as high blood fat, heart disease, strengthen immune system as well as hepatitis.

9. American ginsengAmerican ginseng contain the ginsenosides ingredient that is effective in preventing GalN-induced liver cell damage and is a useful agent for chemoprevention of cancer or inflammatory diseases such as liver infection by hepatitis virus.

C. with Nutrition1. Cranberry juiceStudy shows that cranberry juice can be used as alternative antibody in helping our immune system fight off the hepatitis virus before it can do damage to the liver.

2. Lemon juiceLemon juice contains high amounts of vitamin C that helps to fight against free radical build up in our body as well as detoxifying liver cells damaged by hepatitis viruses to regenerate, forming new liver cells.

3. Apple cider vinegarApple cider vinegar contains malic acid and acetic acid and it is effective against most viral diseases including Hepatitis virus.

4. Olive leafOlive leaf helps to improve immune system and contains achemical oleuropein which converts to elenolic acid in the body. the oleuropein targets viruses and bad bacteria before they can cause any damage to the body including liver, while relaxing blood vessels.

5. PeppermintPeppermint is a stimulant that helps to relieve digestive disturbances caused by chronic hepatitis by stimulating the release of bile.

6. HoneyHoney provides the energy needed by the body for blood formation and blood cleansing. it also increases the liver’s glycogen through the increase of blood glucose, helping the liver to function properly and fight against hepatitis virus.

7. Royal jellyRoyal jelly contains protein, vitamins B, C, E, niacin and pantothenic acid that helps to strengthen our immune system, protecting our body against any viruses including the hepatitis virus as well as cleansing toxic deposits in the body.

8. Green teaGreen tea contains the highest concentration of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols that scavenge free radicals. it also seems to protect the liver from the damaging effects of toxic substances such as alcohol.

D. with Supplements1. Vitamin CIt is found only in fruits and vegetables and is highest in fresh, uncooked foods. Vitamin C is an antioxidant vitamin. it helps prevent oxidation of water-soluble molecules that could otherwise create free radicals. Vitamin C not only stimulates the immune system but also improves the prevention and treatment of infections and other diseases.

2. Vitamin EVitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin with antioxidant properties and is used for prevention or treatment of numerous health conditions such as liver detoxification. Vitamin E levels have been shown to be low in people with hepatitis as well as in those who later develop liver cancer from long-standing hepatitis therefore increasing the amount of intake of vitamin E may protect the liver from damage in people with hepatitis C.

3. B vitaminsB vitamins support metabolic functions, including energy production, nerve cell immune system functions and as well as antioxidant activity.

4. SeleniumSelenium is an essential trace mineral that helps in cleansing liver toxins. Selenium is proven to have a protective role against hepatitis B. the right dose of selenium will help to ware off liver cancer.

5. Flax seedFlax seed is an excellent vegetarian source of essential fatty acids that helps to reduce inflammation of liver and restore damaged liver cell membranes. it will also support the filter inside the liver, which removes microorganisms, dead cells and toxins from the blood stream.

6. L-GlutamineL-Glutamine contains high amounts of amino acid and natural growth hormones that help to combat the effect of alcohol addiction, benefiting the liver and strengthening the immune system.Click here for more information

7. S-adenosymethionine (SAMe)Study shows that S-adenosymethionine (SAMe) has ananti-oxidant effects in chronic liver disease and in the treatment of viral hepatitis C. it also helps to restore abnormalities and cellular dysfunctions in human liver disease. Oral SAMe is also helpful in treating patients with chronic liver disease.

E. with Herbs1. Red cloverRich in micro-nutrients it possesses activity against several bacteria. A good dietary supplement of vitamin A and Iron, it also contains B- complex, vitamins C,F, and P, some selenium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, sodium and is particularly rich in magnesium, calcium and copper.

2. Oregon grape rootThe herb stimulates the action on the liver and is one of the best blood cleansers. Mild stimulant to the thyroid functions and aids in the assimilation of nutrients.

3. EchinaceaEchinacea is an immuno stimulant. Enhancing the body’s resistance against both bacterial and viral infections it is probably the best detoxifying agent in Western Herbalism. it cleanses the blood and lymph systems, helps arrest pus formation and tissue putrefaction

4. SarsaparillaSarsaparilla purifies the urino-genital tract, dispelling all infection and inflammation. It’s purifying action extends to the nervous system and is therefore useful in many nervous disorders. Sarsaparilla’s diaphoretic and blood cleansing action is useful for rheumatic inflammation.

5. Licorice rootLicorice root is a natural anti-inflammatory agent. it helps to increase the secretion of digestive enzymes and bile and is widely regarded as the supreme liver tonic.

6. BurdockIt clears congestion, reduces swelling and dispels toxins via the skin, kidneys and bowel. it is a nutritive and rejuvenatory tonic . Historically it has been used to support the action of the kidneys in urinary tract infections.

7. DandelionDandelion cleanses the liver, kidneys, lymph and bowel and is ideal for toxic blood conditions. it increases the secretion of digestive enzymes and bile and is widely regarded as the supreme liver tonic.

F. with Common Sense Approaches1. Reduce intake of saturated and trans fatsUncontrolled diet that is high in saturated and trans fats not only cause cholesterol build up in your arteries but also increase high blood pressure and also damaging the immune system. it also is the main contributor to gallstone formation, fat liver that reduce the normal function of liver and making it vulnerable for virus infections.

2. Avoid intake of processed foodsProcessed food contain high amounts of salt and artificial food additives that causes free radicals to build up in the body and high blood pressure. They are also toxic to the liver causing the kidney and liver to work harder in cleansing the extra toxins in the bloodstream. if this lasts for a prolonged period, they may damage the kidney and liver causing liver inflammation if infected by the hepatitis virus.

3. Limit alcohol drinkingDrinking a maximum of 250 ml for women and 500 ml for men will help the circulation of blood, nourish the body’s cells, and strengthen the immune system and liver. Excessive drinking not only causes liver inflammation, but will also lead to cirrhosis.

4. Drink a lot of green and yellow juicesGreen and yellow juices contain high amounts of vitamins C, E and B that help to detoxify the body’s toxins and reduce burden of the liver. Green and yellow juices also help to protect our body from free radical build up, normalizing the liver function.

5. Quit smokingCigarettes contain toxic cadmium causing high blood pressure, increases the risk of calcium clotting up the arterial wall and reduces the amount of antioxidants in the body in result of weakening the immune system and liver causing the liver to be easier to be infected by hepatitis virus.

6. Limit intake of sugarHigh amount of sugar promotes liver inflammation and free radical damage.

7. Do not overdose your medicationOverdosing medications is toxic to the body causing extra burden for liver function.

8. Do not share things with others such as clippers, scissors, toothbrushes or anything that may have come into contact with blood or body fluids.

9. Casual sexual activity must be taken with extra care.

IV. Other Treatment1. Liver DetoxificationStrengthens the immune system with vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbs that we have been discussed lengthily in other articles.

2. Ozone therapyOzone oxidizes the cells of the body systemically. it stimulates enzymes and phagocytes of the white blood cells which chew up the viruses and the bacteria in the blood. it also activates alpha interferon, gamma interferon, interleukin II and tumor necrosis factor. it is effective in treating hepatitis B patients with high successful rate.

3. Lamivudine therapyCombining vaccine therapy with lamivudine has improved therapeutic potential for chronic hepatitis B. it helps to strengthen the immune system fighting against the hepatitis B virus specially with patients with chronic HBV infection and active viral replication.

4. Interferon-alpha therapyChronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious health problem because of its worldwide distribution. There are over 350 million people in the world infected with chronic HBV, 75% of whom live in the Asia-Pacific region. Interferon-alfa and direct antiviral agents such as lamivudine and adefovir are effective in the therapy of chronic HBV infection but only with some success, particularly in perinatally infected patients, patients with lower ALT levels and those with negative chronic hepatitis B.

5. Pegylated interferonPegylated interferon may be considered the best choice of treatment for patients with chronic hepatitis B infection. This therapy has been shown to be superior to both conventional interferon as well as lamivudine in the treatment of both hepatitis B positive and negative chronic hepatitis B with successful rates of 35-45%.

I hope that this information will help. if you need more information of the above subject, please visit my home page at:

Kyle J. Nortonmedicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/hepatitisabcde.blogspot.com/All rights reserved. any reproducing of this article must have all the links intact.

I have been studying natural remedies for disease prevention for over 20 years and working as a financial consultant since 1990

Article from articlesbase.comIncoming search terms:

• damaged rate

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Many illnesses and conditions can cause inflammation of the liver, for example, drugs, alcohol, chemicals, and autoimmune diseases. Many viruses, for example, the virus of mononucleosis and the cytomegalovirus can inflame the liver. Most viruses, however, do not primarily attack the liver; the liver is just one of several organs that the viruses affect.

When doctors speak of viral hepatitis, they usually are referring to hepatitis caused by a few specific viruses that primarily attack the liver. There are several hepatitis viruses; they have been named types a, B, C, D, E, F (not confirmed), and G. As our knowledge of hepatitis viruses grows, it is likely that this alphabetical list will become longer. The most common hepatitis viruses are types a, B, and C.

Difference between the different Hepatitis Symptoms

HAV — Hepatitis a Symptoms

Hepatitis a commonly occurs due to overcrowding of space and poor sanitation system. it is also known as Infectious Hepatitis as its transmission to the infected people id through food and water contaminated with fecal matter, hepatitis virus in the blood and on the hands of the people. The parturition period of the virus lasts between 15 to 45 days and the onset of the hepatitis can be very abrupt.

The sudden onset of the hepatitis is marked by the high fever. The Hepatitis B and C are different from Hepatitis a as in these two types the incubation period of the virus is much longer. The Hepatitis a virus infects over 150,000 Americans each year still the infection state never turns out to be chronic. Generally, all the cases are very mild without any complications.

HBV — Hepatitis B Symptoms

HBV is the common name for Hepatitis B virus in the medical circles. Other commonly referred names are Long Incubation Hepatitis and Serum Hepatitis. it is actually the most deterrent pathogen that happens to be bloodborne. More than 6800 health care professionals were infected by HBV in the year 1992. out of the 250 hospitalized, 100 died due to further complications in their infections. HBV has a rather long incubation period ranging between 50 days to 180 days during which the virus can potentially appear in the infected person’s urine, fecal matter, semen, sweat and tears; spreading across the body without any visible signs of it being there.

The beginning of HBV is often marked by mild flu-type symptoms coupled with Acute Hepatitis Symptoms. However, about 70% of the patients remain infectious for more than three months even after the acute stage symptoms have subsided. For 5%-10% of the cured patients, the case is altogether different, as they become lifelong carriers of the infection. Often these lifelong carriers develop liver cancer and cirrhosis. to keep the organ liver of these lifelong carriers in a healthy state, medical professionals prescribe chronic hepatitis patients for a milk thistle diet.

HCV — Hepatitis C Symptoms

You can pick HCV or Hepatitis C virus if you are exposed to contaminated blood. Occurring mostly in adults, it very common in Intra Venous drug users. it is a form of “Blood Transfusion Associated” Hepatitis. with an incubation period of 20 days to 90 days for the virus, most of the positive cases of HCV are unearthed between 5th and 10th week after exposure to virus. with the advancement of chronic stage, the infectious stage ends abruptly.

With an insidiously acute stage of HCV showing symptoms such as vomiting, jaundice, nausea and anorexia, more than half the HCV infected persons develop into chronic patients. Many even advance onto develop liver cancer and cirrhosis. Milk Thistle yet again is the most trusted diet by the healthcare professionals to keep their patient’s liver in a healthy state.

Find powerful herbal remedies Herbal Remedies for Hepatitis

Treatment of acute viral hepatitis and chronic viral hepatitis are different. Treatment of acute viral hepatitis involves relieving symptoms and maintaining adequate intake of fluids. Treatment of chronic viral hepatitis involves medications to eradicate the virus and taking measures to prevent further liver damage.

Acute hepatitis

In patients with acute viral hepatitis, the initial treatment consists of relieving the symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Careful attention should be given to medications which can have adverse effects in patients with abnormal liver function. Only those medications that are considered necessary should be administered since the impaired liver is not able to eliminate drugs normally, and drugs may accumulate in the blood and reach toxic levels.

In addition, sedatives and “tranquilizers” are avoided because they may accentuate the effects of liver failure on the brain and cause lethargy and coma. The patient must abstain from drinking alcohol since alcohol is toxic to the liver. it occasionally is necessary to provide intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration caused by vomiting. Patients with severe nausea and/or vomiting may need to be hospitalized for treatment and intravenous fluids.

Chronic hepatitis

Treatment of chronic infection with hepatitis B and hepatitis C usually involves medication or combinations of medications to eradicate the virus. Doctors believe that in properly selected patients, successful eradication of the viruses can stop progressive damage to the liver and prevent the development of cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. Alcohol aggravates liver damage in chronic hepatitis, and can cause more rapid progression to cirrhosis. Therefore, patients with chronic hepatitis should stop drinking alcohol. Smoking cigarettes also can aggravate liver disease and should be stopped.

Fulminant hepatitis

Treatment of acute fulminant hepatitis should be done in centers that can perform liver transplantation since acute fulminant hepatitis has a high mortality without liver transplantation.

Acute Viral Hepatitis is a liver inflammation resulted from infections with 1 of the 5 hepatitis viruses. For most individuals, the inflammation starts abruptly and lasts only several weeks.

Acute Viral Hepatitis symptoms commonly start abruptly. the symptoms include nausea, the feeling of being ill, vomiting, and fever. In smokers, a typical symptom is a distaste for cigarettes. some people, especially, who have hepatitis B virus, develop wheals (red itchy hives) on the skin or joint aches. After a several days, the urine becomes dark and jaundice can progress. Most symptoms  usually disappear at this point and individual feeling better, even through jaundice becomes worse.

Cholestasis (bile flow reduction or stoppage) symptoms such as general itching and pale stool can develop. Acute Viral Hepatitis is usually diagnosed based on the results of blood tests and on individual’s symptoms. a doctor finds the enlargement of liver or tenderness in about 50% of individuals with such disease and tries to distinguish Acute Viral Hepatitis from other diseases with similar symptoms.

An Acute Viral Hepatitis’ specific diagnosis can be confirmed if blood tests show antibodies against hepatitis infections or viral proteins. Acute Viral Hepatitis may produce various symptoms from a minor flu-like condition to fatal failure of the liver. An individual, who has Acute Viral Hepatitis, generally recovers after four to eight weeks, even without treatment.

An individual with this disease may become a virus chronic carrier. In the carrier stage, the patient experience no symptoms but is still infected. Such incidence happens only with hepatitis B and C infections, not in hepatitis a. a chronic carrier can develop cancer of liver. Preventing of spreading hepatitis a virus consists of proper hygiene. Hospital workers can lower their risk by screening all blood donors for hepatitis B and C viruses by using blood donated by volunteer, rather than paid donor. Vaccination against hepatitis B stimulating body’s immune defense and protecting most individuals as well. Vaccines against hepatitis a virus are given to individuals at high risk of acquiring the infections. no vaccines exist against hepatitis E, D and C infections.

Individuals who have not be vaccinated and who were exposed to hepatitis, can recieve immune serum globulin (antibody preparation), which is given immediate protection against viral hepatitis. Individuals with extremely severe acute Viral Hepatitis can require hospitalization, but in most situations, treatments are not necessary. After the first few days, appetite generally returns and the individual does not require to stay in bed. Severe restrictions of activities or diet are not required and vitamin supplement is not necessary. Most individuals may return to work after the jaundice is cleared, even if their liver functions test results are not nearly normal.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 5th, 2011 at 2:46 am and is filed under Diseases and Conditions.

Tags: acute viral hepatitis, hepatitis a virus, hepatitis b and c, hepatitis infections, liver inflammation, viral hepatitis symptoms

you can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. you can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

This disease, hepatitis affects a person’ s liver. Having hepatitis means that your liver is inflamed and swollen. the cause of hepatitis can either be a microorganism or because your liver is damaged by other things like alcohol.

There are five different types of hepatitis, like hepatitis a, B, C, D, E, that are cause by hepatitis viruses. This hepatitis virus grows in a person’ s liver and causes a lot of damage to this organ. Our immune system fights back against hepatitis, but is takes a while to eliminate the infection in our liver.

To better understand hepatitis, you must first know how you can get this disease. Well, before a person gets sick, but has already contacted the hepatitis a virus, they shed it in their feces. if somehow the hepatitis a virus gets into the main water supply and you use it to wash your body, food, etc. you are a possible hepatitis victim. This way of spread the hepatitis a virus is called fecal- oral transmission. This is the most common form of transmitting the viral hepatitis.

People who live in countries that are just developing are more at risk of developing hepatitis, because the sewage system is not properly cleaned. so much of the water that these people use is contaminated by the hepatitis virus that spreads very easily and causes hepatitis a. This hepatitis virus does not kick in from the beginning. It may take about 30 days for the symptoms of hepatitis to show. This time that the hepatitis virus does not show any symptoms is called an incubation period. however, many of the people infected with the hepatitis virus will not develop hepatitis. This is mostly true in children. Older people are more at risk of getting hepatitis.

Some of the most common hepatitis symptoms are tiredness, nausea, vomiting, a general loss of your apatite. another major hepatitis symptom is pain in your liver area, that is in the right side of the abdomen, under your ribs. a striking hepatitis symptom is the change in color. Your skin will become yellow to orange and the white portion of your eyes will also become yellow if you have hepatitis. In most people the symptoms of hepatitis last about one month. After proper treatment, the hepatitis a will no longer be a problem for you.

There is also a simple way of avoiding infection with the hepatitis a virus and that is the hepatitis a vaccine.

For more resources about hepatitis c treatment please review hepatitis-guide.com/causes-of-hepatitis-c.htm or even hepatitis-guide.com/hepatitis-c-symptoms.htm

ok, so I was checking out stuff on the internet about abdominal pains and nausea, and other symptoms that are listed under Viral Hepatitis, but i'm still a virgin, and i dont drink or use drugs, or have gotten to science stuff! so thats not it, but all the sympstoms under Viral Hepatitis are what i got! So can someone please help me?!!

GO TO a FREE MEDICAL CLINIC TODAY!!!! – Dr.H

Girl…the only person who can help you is the doctor. So make an appointment ASAP!

many sicknesses have the same symptoms so you have a very good chance of not having the viral infection

Please go to webmd.com or nih.gov to learn more about viral hepatitis. Then go to a doctor who will probably allay your fears. Good luck.

Go to a doctor immediately. also, stop self-diagnosing. Symptoms alone are not sufficient to make a diagnosis, and you will only cause yourself to panic.

Hepatitis a and E are contracted through unclean food and drink. Hepatitis B and C spread through contaminated needles, blood and sexual contact with an infected person. Get your ALT(SGPT) level done. if it is high, you have hepatitis. Then, get serology done to see the type.

• Previous: Bulletin for Hep C Patients: Building on Dr. Oz’s Advice
• Main
• Next: Inhibitex’s Hep C Drug Gets Fast-Tracked

A Summary of Social Security Disability Benefits for Viral Hepatitis

Printer-friendly version

If chronic Hepatitis B or C has rendered you incapable of performing any work, Social Security disability benefits may provide a safety net. Understanding the guidelines for disability will help those truly in need to better work their way through an intensive application process.

While many with chronic Hepatitis B or C are able to prevent their liver disease from progressing to a severe condition, some are not as fortunate. when the symptoms of liver disease are severe enough to prevent Americans from working, they may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) from the U.S. government.

At the end of 2007, over seven million Americans were receiving compensation from Social Security for their inability to earn an income. If the idea of getting a monthly check from the Social Security Administration sounds like a reprieve from your monetary pressures, make certain of your eligibility before applying. Every year for the past 10 years, the percentage of people being approved for SSDI has diminished. in 2007 alone, only 37 percent of the nearly 2.2 million applications for this reward were approved. just like any other nationally sponsored program involving funds, being approved for Social Security benefits requires a lot of effort, paperwork and proof of your problem.

SSDI benefits are paid to totally disabled individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system for at least five of the previous 10 years. If approved for SSDI, the Social Security Administration issues a monthly check based upon how much was earned and paid into their system. Benefits are also paid to dependent children who are under 16 years old, or who are under 18 years old and still in high school.

Before proceeding with a claim for SSDI, or even before reading this article in its entirety – understand that all of the negative parts of your illness must emerge and take center stage. It can be challenging to remain positive about your outlook for the future when undertaking the task of highlighting the severity of your disease. with that said, the basics of Social Security disability eligibility for someone with chronic hepatitis are outlined below.

1. Due to a medical condition, the individual is unable to perform the tasks of a job for which he or she is suited.

2. That medical condition either has or will last for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death.

Although these conditions appear to be straightforward, the key to being approved for benefits is supplying irrefutable evidence of your disability. by learning how to best assemble your case for disability, your chances of being approved increase.

Known as the Blue Book, Social Security publishes a list of impairments that qualify for disability benefits. although Hepatitis B or C are not directly listed, the Blue Book includes chronic active hepatitis under the Chronic Liver Disease heading in Section 5.05. however, because the symptoms of hepatitis can significantly vary, Social Security has specific guidelines on how severe the condition must be. Below are some of those details:

· Esophageal Varices – This must be demonstrated by medical imaging with documentation of a massive hemorrhage attributable to these varices or implementation of an esophageal varices shunt.

· Bilirubin – This value must be 2.5 mg per deciliter or greater persisting repeatedly for at least five months.

· Ascites – due to liver disease, ascites must recur or persist for at least five months as proven by abdominal paracentesis or persistent hypoalbuminemia of 3.0 gm per deciliter or less.

· Hepatic Encephalopathy – Physician documentation of how this problem prohibits daily functioning is necessary.

If none of these liver disease complications are applicable, there are some additional SSDI qualifications that may accurately describe your condition. Along with a liver biopsy confirming chronic liver disease (obtained independent of social security disability evaluation), one of these three must be met for SSDI consideration:

1. Ascites – Proven by abdominal paracentesis or persistent hypoalbuminemia of 3.0 gm per deciliter or less, recurrent or persisting for at least three months and not attributable to other causes.

2. Bilirubin – This value must be 2.5 mg per deciliter or greater persisting repeatedly for at least three months.

3. Liver Cell Necrosis or Inflammation – as documented by repeated abnormalities of prothrombin time and enzymes indicative of hepatic dysfunction, this must persist for at least three months.

Recognizing that you may qualify for SSDI is only the first step in an intensive process to receive compensation. Experts who evaluate these claims agree that regardless of the guidelines or illness being appraised, the most important component of any accepted application is medical proof documenting an inability to earn income. This could include documents such as a disability diary, doctor’s notes, records from an alternative healthcare practitioner, medical procedure results, physician letters explaining why you are unable to work and declining performance reviews from your former employer.

Since the Social Security disability program is designed to pay benefits to those suffering from medical problems so severe that they cannot function at any type of work, claimants who are not completely disabled are denied. Thus, the process of applying for and receiving benefits can be harsh and lengthy. however, if you are in the unfortunate position of being completely unable to earn an income due to symptoms from chronic hepatitis, SSDI may be able to offer you some much needed monetary relief.

Editor’s Note: For more information on disability, visit the Social Security Administration’s website at ssa.gov. Or, to read about an explanation of Social Security’s five-step process to determine if a Hepatitis C patient qualifies for SSDI, visit: allsup.com/about-ssdi/ssdi-guidelines-by-disability/hepatitis-c.aspx.

References:

cpmc.org/advanced/liver/patients/topics/ssbenefits.html, Obtaining Social Security Benefits for Patients with Liver Disease, Jeffrey a. Rabin, Esq., Retrieved July 11, 2008, California Pacific Medical Center, 2008.

hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/hepc/gettingdb.html, getting Disability Benefits under Social Security with HCV, Jacques Chambers, CLU, Retrieved July 11, 2008, Hepatitis C Support Project, 2008.

socialsecurity.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/5.00-Digestive-Adult.htm#5_05, Medical/Professional Relations, Retrieved July 12, 2008, Social Security Administration, 2008.

ssa.gov/OACT/STATS/dibStat.html, Selected Data from Social Security’s Disability Program, Retrieved July 12, 2008, Social Security Administration, 2008.

Posted by Editors at February 16, 2011 11:57 AM

Requirements for using and reposting articles