Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hepatitis Care

Hepatitis is defined as the clinical condition characterized by the inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis is commonly caused by virus hence named as viral hepatitis.  Other common causes include alcohol abuse, administrations of certain medications, accumulation of certain toxins, other auto immune disorders, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Even after the recovery from hepatitis that person can suffer from serious health risks such as destruction of the liver tissues, hepatic failure, hepatocellular carcinoma and even death in some cases. Hepatitis infection can be treated but cannot be cured completely and hence care should be taken to prevent the infection from attacking. Hepatitis infection can be prevented by immunization with the hepatitis vaccine within the day the child is born. There are available vaccines for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B but not for Hepatitis C. Based on the fact that the hepatitis D infection occurs only if the person is suffering from the Hepatitis B infection vaccinating with Hepatitis B can protect against Hepatitis D infection. There exists no vaccine for hepatitis which is FDA approved. The risk factors associated with the hepatitis include unprotected sex, poor nutrition, alcohol abuse, long term dialysis and poor sanititation.