Acute and chronic hepatitis

The most common liver disease is hepatitis. There are acute and chronic hepatitis. Acute hepatitis in the vast majority is a viral disease. Chronic hepatitis B 50 - 80% cases - Is the outcome of acute viral hepatitis. Besides, possible hepatitis due to intoxication by some organic substances, prolonged use of alcoholic beverages. The uncontrolled use of sulfonamides, antibiotics, hormones, the drug can cause inflammation of the liver. It is believed, that in addition to the above factors, in the development of its immune processes play a role in the body. In some cases, chronic hepatitis occurs without clinical manifestations, without requiring active treatment, other - causes severe changes in the body.

Types of Hepatitis

There are three types of viral hepatitis: hepatitis A (Botkin's disease), hepatitis B (or serum hepatitis) and hepatitis C, which is caused by a virus of another type, or, As doctors say, "And none, The audio ", Besides, There is hepatitis D virus, which is found only in association with HBV. In hepatitis A infection occurs through contaminated water, feces, foods, as well as the hands and household items. It does not rule out the role of flies in the mechanical transmission of the virus. This type of virus found in disadvantaged regions (India, African countries). Hepatitis B infected by ingestion of the virus from the blood of a sick person. Hepatitis C is transmitted to the two above-described methods. The presence of the virus type D enhances the painful symptoms of hepatitis B.

Symptoms of hepatitis

All viral hepatitis have similar symptoms. The incubation period ranges from viral hepatitis 18 to 100 days. The disease begins with the appearance of weakness, fatigue. Often, patients have decreased appetite, a feeling of bitterness in the mouth, belching, heartburn, nausea, stomach ache, Vomiting may occur. Sometimes, the first signs of viral hepatitis are cough, cold, headache, often pain in muscles and joints, fever (40 ° C). There is a change in color of urine, It becomes like a beer or tea krepkozavarenny. Cal loses its normal color, acquiring a blue-white color. In the future, skin and mucous membranes are painted in yellow color with an orange tint. But it is possible for the disease and no signs of jaundice, with a slight deterioration of the general condition. Such forms are very dangerous: access to a doctor later and untimely hospitalization may lead to a protracted course of the disease with severe complications, and create conditions for the infection of others.

Features manifestations of hepatitis

There are features, associated with typical manifestations of a particular type of virus. So, viral hepatitis A - an acute infectious disease, that starts suddenly, among full health, and this reminds flu outbreak. Without a history of not completely vaccinated susceptible to the virus (ill). The pathogen is transmitted human health from the "acute" patient, especially if he suffers from mild, "Worn out" form of the disease, escapes the attention of doctors. The incubation period in this case is 10 - 12 days. The virus is in the blood within hours or days, then multiplies in the liver within two to three weeks, and all this time (period of communicability) excreted in the bile out. When the patient "yellow", it, usually, already contagious. Hepatitis A, which doctors call the disease of "dirty hands", typical intestinal infection.

Hepatitis B virus behaves differently. It can be months or even years to remain in the human body. Hepatitis B is transmitted only through blood - eg, infected blood human health or using unsterilized instruments of this type of virus often infected drug addicts.

In the body A and B viruses behave differently. Virus type A is introduced into the cells and destroys them. The virus type B "cohabiting" with liver cells, outwardly without damaging them. The immune system begins to attack the infected organism against a foreign agent, but not a virus strikes, but his own liver cells. Hepatitis type B often causes death, than hepatitis A.

Treatment of acute hepatitis should be done in a hospital setting. The outcome of chronic hepatitis can be cirrhosis.

Prevention of hepatitis

Prevention of chronic hepatitis B is to prevent the spread of disease Botkin and timely treatment of the disease, Prevention of intoxication, and to limit the reception of some medicines. Patients with chronic hepatitis B should be systematically observed the doctor. For the prevention of viral hepatitis vaccine developed special, “their” for each type of virus.

Been ill with viral hepatitis need saving mode. If the labor activity of the people associated with professional injury or heavy physical activity, they are encouraged to move to lighter work, temporarily or permanently, depending on a doctor. Such patients should be taken into account on an outpatient at least 6 months. Everyone should remember recover, that the non-compliance regime and diet, prescribed by a physician, possible complications, until liver cirrhosis. For some time, said the doctor, to avoid fatigue, overheating, hypothermia, Sports facilities. After being discharged from the hospital within 6-12 months of dieting, completely eliminating alcohol (including beer), canned food, sausage, pickles, spicy seasonings, fried foods, chocolate. Recommended lacto-vegetarian diet, lean meats and fish (boiled).

Prevention includes the compulsory hospitalization of patients, disinfecting the premises, where they were. For individuals, to communicate with the ill with hepatitis A, establish medical surveillance for 45 days. Medical instruments thoroughly sterilized.