First symptoms of hepatitis in women and men. General principles of treatment

Inflammatory process in the liver tissues, acute or chronic in nature, is called hepatitis. The problem of this disease is pressing because the first signs of hepatitis in women and men do not manifest immediately – the pathology can be hidden for an extended period. Delay in starting treatment leads to the development of later stages of the disease (fibrosis) when specific liver cells are replaced with connective tissue and stop performing their functions, leading to severe complications.

Types and Causes of Hepatitis

Depending on the cause that led to the development of hepatitis, the following types of the disease are distinguished:

1. Viral (infectious) hepatitis. Currently, there are five viruses known to cause inflammation in the liver: A, B, C, D, E. They have different transmission pathways and development.
2. Non-infectious hepatitis:

• toxic – resulting from the action of toxic substances,
• drug-induced – occurs against the background of taking certain medications,
• alcoholic – liver cells suffer from alcohol,
• autoimmune – a pathological condition in which, for unknown reasons, the immune system perceives liver cells as foreign and starts to destroy them,
• metabolic – arises from metabolic disorders in specific diseases.

Mechanism of Hepatitis Development in Humans

It should be noted that different types of this disease are transmitted differently. Can hepatitis be transmitted through household items and clothing? In some cases – yes. The well-known Botkin's disease (hepatitis A) is transmitted in this way. Contaminated water and food can also pose a threat. Therefore, patients with such a diagnosis are necessarily isolated in an infectious hospital.

If a patient has been diagnosed with hepatitis B or C, then it is about infection through blood or sexual contact. The risk group includes visitors to manicure salons and tattoo parlors where sterilization measures are not implemented. Those who use drugs are also at risk.

Symptoms of Hepatitis

Hepatitis can be caused by various factors, but they often share common signs including:

• constant feeling of heaviness and periodic pain in the right upper quadrant;
• intense itching of the skin;
• jaundice on the skin and mucous membranes;
• light-colored stools and dark urine;
• lack of appetite, constant nausea;
• unstable fever.

The initial signs of hepatitis in adults can be quite nonspecific and resemble symptoms of other diseases. Patients frequently experience fatigue, loss of energy, general malaise, discomfort, or pain in the abdomen, decreased appetite, weight loss, and psychoemotional changes, such as anxiety or a low mood.

When these symptoms appear, it is necessary to consult a doctor for examination and treatment.

Diagnosis of Hepatitis

To accurately establish a diagnosis, clinical signs are not enough – doctors always prescribe a thorough examination of the patient. First, hepatitis markers are checked – a specific analysis that allows not only to confirm hepatitis but also to determine its type. Second, a biochemical blood test is conducted – this helps to understand how intense pathological changes are occurring in the liver. Third, the doctor may prescribe an ultrasound of the abdominal organs and liver biopsy.

Many are concerned about where they can get tested for hepatitis – some aware citizens periodically undergo voluntary examinations. Tests can be done at the “Dobrobut” laboratory or at a government facility after visiting a therapist.

General Principles of Hepatitis Treatment

After diagnosing hepatitis, doctors face two tasks:

• eliminate the causes of the disease;
• restore the normal functioning of the liver.

If viral hepatitis is diagnosed, the patient is prescribed a course of antiviral therapy. In the case of toxic hepatitis diagnosis, doctors prescribe enterosorbents and antidotes, while the autoimmune type of the disease involves the use of glucocorticoids.

Diet for Hepatitis

If a person genuinely wants to recover or reduce the risk of complications, they will have to follow certain dietary rules. A diet for hepatitis includes:

• abstaining from any alcoholic beverages;
• restricting animal fats or completely avoiding their consumption;
• refraining from the consumption of products containing trans fats (mayonnaise, spreads, smoked products, sauces, margarine, etc.);

• limiting spicy seasonings and condiments, including garlic;
• incorporating vegetables and fruits into the daily diet.

Prevention of Various Types of Hepatitis

Preventing viral hepatitis is the only way to avoid infection or at least reduce such likelihood. The risk of contracting hepatitis A can be decreased by following simple hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing, consuming only washed vegetables and fruits, and drinking bottled water—especially when traveling to countries with a high prevalence of the virus.

Vaccination plays a vital role in prevention—after vaccination against hepatitis B, the incidence rate in various regions significantly decreases.

For the prevention of bloodborne hepatitis, such as those transmitted through dirty needles or unprotected sexual contacts, there are specific guidelines:

• Avoid any contact with blood, particularly during manicures, tattoos, piercings, and medical procedures.
• Practice safe sex: using condoms can reduce the risk of virus transmission during sexual intercourse.
• Limit risky behaviors: avoid the use of drugs administered via needles and do not share your needles or other injection tools.

At the state level, blood donor screening is conducted. All blood donors must undergo testing for hepatitis C, which significantly reduces the risk of transmission through transfusions.

Regarding non-infectious hepatitis, the risk of the disease can be reduced by eliminating the causative factors:

• Avoid excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages. It is advisable to practice moderation and, in some cases, completely refrain from alcohol. If alcohol is consumed, it is important to periodically monitor liver health with your doctor.
• Follow a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit the intake of saturated fats and simple sugars to prevent the development of fatty liver disease.
• Engage in sports for a minimum of 150 minutes per week to maintain a healthy weight and improve metabolism.
• Promptly treat exacerbations of chronic diseases, and reduce exposure to stress and other negative occurrences whenever possible.
• Only use medications as prescribed by a physician, and never exceed the recommended doses. This is particularly applicable to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other medications that may have toxic effects on the liver.

Overall, maintaining liver function can be achieved through a healthy lifestyle and a balanced routine. It is also important to undergo regular preventive medical examinations to detect diseases at early stages.

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What You Need to Know About Hepatitis

1. What are the first symptoms of hepatitis?

Symptoms may vary, but often include fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, dark urine, and light-colored stools.

2. How is hepatitis A transmitted?

Hepatitis A is usually transmitted through contaminated food or water.

3. Can you get hepatitis B?

Yes, hepatitis B can be transmitted through contact with infected blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child during childbirth. Vaccination against hepatitis B is an important prevention measure.

4. What complications can arise from hepatitis C?

Chronic hepatitis C can lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer.

5. How is hepatitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is established based on blood tests that can detect the presence of viruses or disease markers, the results of physical examinations, and additional studies (ultrasound).

6. Can hepatitis be cured?

Treatment depends on the type of hepatitis. Hepatitis A usually resolves without treatment. Hepatitis B requires medication to restore liver function, while hepatitis C requires the use of modern antiviral drugs that can lead to recovery.

7. How can hepatitis be prevented?

Prevention includes vaccination (especially for hepatitis A and B), following hygiene rules, avoiding contact with contaminated blood, and managing harmful habits like alcohol consumption.

8. Which groups of people are at high risk for hepatitis?

People who have unprotected sexual contacts, use injectable drugs, live with individuals infected with hepatitis, or have chronic liver diseases are at increased risk for hepatitis.

9. When should you see a doctor if you suspect hepatitis?

If you experience symptoms like jaundice, severe abdominal pain, persistent fatigue, changes in appetite, or digestive problems, you should seek medical attention immediately.