Hepatitis and Hepatitis A, B and C
goodtoknow says: Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. There are many different causes, from drinking too much alcohol to catching a virus, but some symptoms, such as jaundice, are present in all. When a virus is to blame, it's usually one of three types, Hepatitis A, B or C. Hepatitis A is flu-like illness caught in contaminated water. Hep B and C are blood borne and are commonly caught through blood transfusion, unprotected sex, or sharing dirty needles. Hepatitis can be diagnosed via a blood test. Many people live with chronic hepatitis but remain well throughout their life.
For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of hepatitis from patient.co.uk, read on.
Infection with the hepatitis A virus can cause an unpleasant illness, but most people make a full recovery. Symptoms include 'flu-like' symptoms and jaundice which then gradually clear without any specific treatment. Serious problems or complications are rare. Good personal hygiene (in particular, washing hands after going to the toilet) helps to prevent spreading the virus to others. Immunisation is advised before going to countries where hepatitis A is common.
What does the liver do?
The liver is in the upper right part of the abdomen. It has many functions which include:
- Storing glycogen (fuel for the body) which is made from sugars. When required, glycogen is broken down into glucose which is released into the bloodstream.
- Helping to process fats and proteins from digested food.
- Making proteins that are essential for blood to clot (clotting factors).
- Processing medicines.
- Helping to remove or process alcohol, poisons and toxins from the body.
- Making bile which passes from the liver to the gut and helps to digest fats.
- Next: Hepatitis A
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