AN OVERVIEW ON HEPATITIS
The Liver is the largest solid organ in the body. It removes toxins from the body’s blood supply, metabolizes proteins, carbohydrates and fats, stores glycogen, regulates blood clotting, produces bile (a fluid that helps digest fats and carry away waste) and performs hundreds of other vital functions.
WHAT IS HEPATITIS?
Inflammation means swelling that happens when tissues of the body are injured or infected. Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that can damage your liver functions. Hepatitis can be acute (short-term) or a chronic (long-term) infection.
WHAT CAUSES HEPATITS?
Different types of Hepatitis present with different causes like:
Viral Hepatitis which is the most common type is caused by one among several viruses such as hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D and E.
Alcoholic Hepatitis caused by heavy alcoholic use.
Autoimmune Hepatitis is a chronic type in which immune system of your body attacks your liver.
MODES OF TRANSMISSION:
Fecal-Oral Route (Enteric): Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E usually spread directly or indirectly by viral infection.way of contact with food or water that has been contaminated with an infected person’s stool, often observed in patients with hepatitis C virus.Parenteral Route: Hepatitis B, C and D spread through blood of an infected person.Hepatitis B and D may also spread through other body fluids, such as sharing drug needles or having unprotected sex.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF HEPATITIS
If the person suffers with a chronic form of hepatitis (B and C) they may not present with symptoms until the damage affects the functions of the Liver. In contrast, if the you have an acute infection, symptoms can start anywhere between 2 weeks to 6 months after you got infected.
They may include:
Fever
Fatigue, which is a common symptom of chronic hepatitis.
Loss of appetite
Nausea or Vomiting, which can occur in both acute hepatitis and chronic hepatitis cases.
Abdominal pain
Dark urine
Clay colored bowel movements
Joint pain
Jaundice
DIAGNOSIS OF HEPATITIS
Physical examinations
Blood tests
Urine tests
Ultrasound
Liver biopsy
Consult our team of Doctors at Bhadra Teja Ayurveda for an accurate diagnosis and a carefully tailored Ayurvedic treatment plan.
PREVENTION OF HEPATITIS
Reducing your exposure to substances that may harbor these viruses can be a keypreventive strategy. The viruses that cause Hepatitis A and E can be present in local water, ice, raw or undercooked shell fishes, raw fruits and vegetables, etc. It is possible to decrease your risk of coming into contact with fluids containing Hepatitis B, C and D by not sharing razors, toothbrush, not touching spilled blood, etc. Using proper barrier methods like condoms during sexual activity can also reduce the risk of spread of Hepatitis B and C, both of which can cause chronic hepatitis B infection.
AYURVEDIC VIEW ON HEPATITIS
According to Ayurveda, Hepatitis can be acknowledged as Yakrithshodha, and Ayurvedic treatment can help manage the condition. This is caused mainly due to impairment of Pitta Dosha and Raktha Dhatu. For proper diagnosis of Yakrithshodha criteria of Ashtasthana Pariksha is implied. And for deciding the Ayurvedic therapeutic measures we need to assess the Agni, Bala, Dosha and Dhatu of the patient. The treatment protocol for managing Yakrithshodha is through Samana Chikitsa, which is then followed by Pathya Ahara Vihara.
WORLD HEPATITIS DAY
The problems of the Hepatitis virus in terms of infectivity, morbidity, mortality and economic loss and loss of quality of life have been recognized by the World Health Organization(WHO). WHO chose the date of 28 July as World Hepatitis Day because it is the birthday of Nobel prize-winning scientist Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the Hepatitis B virus and developed a diagnostic test and vaccine for the same. Among the 5 strains of Hepatitis viruses, B and C are the most common. According to WHO, only 1 in 4 people living with Hepatitis B have been diagnosed and only 1 in 5 received appropriate treatment. Similarly, only 1 in 2 people living with Hepatitis C have been diagnosed and only 1 in 6 have been cured. Under the theme “it’s time for action”, this year World Hepatitis Day highlights need for the collaborative action to expand access to diagnosis and treatment in countries.
WHAT A HEPATITIS PATIENT SHOULD AVOID?
Avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish, foods that are processed, packagedsnacks, foods fried in oils, and foods that contain added sugar. Avoid drinkingalcohol and smoking. Most importantly, practice personal hygiene.
CAN HEPATITIS BE CURED PERMANANTLY?
There are approved vaccines that can prevent Hepatitis A and B, which can helpreduce the risk of developing a serious liver condition like liver cirrhosis. Hepatitis D infection can be prevented by Hepatitis B immunization, but treatment success rates are low. There is no effective vaccine for Hepatitis C, and access to diagnosis and treatment is low.
HOW CAN I REDUCE HEPATITIS?
Once a person is infected with strains of Hepatitis, there is no specific medicines toreduce the symptoms. The recommended action plan is to manage the symptomswith antiviral medications, pain, and dietary requirements of the body and reduce the risk of it developing a serious liver condition. The best way is to prevent incidence by immunization to prevent Hepatitis B infection.
WHICH HEPATITIS CANNOT BE CURED?
Hepatitis B and Hepatitis D cannot be completely cured once the virus makes its way to the bloodstream. Hepatitis D occurs only in patients who are infected withHepatitis B virus.
WHICH IS THE AYURVEDIC DRUG FOR HEPATITIS?
Studies have shown that Ayurvedic medicines that contain Triphala, Jambu, can be effective in managing chronic hepatitis.Bhunimba, Pippali, etc. have anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and anti-viralproperties such as those found in Ayurvedic treatment for viral infection. However, it is advised to consult an Ayurvedic Healthcare professionalbefore administering any drugs.
WHAT FOODS ARE GOOD FOR HEPATITIS A PATIENTS?
A balanced diet is recommended for maintaining good health. Carbohydrate sources like wholegrain cereals, protein sources like meat/ fish, and calcium sources such as dairy products should be included as a part of a balanced diet. Vegetables and fruits like oranges, bell peppers, strawberries, broccoli, and potatoes that are good sources of Vitamin C are good for general health and well-being, and can support liver health in cases of hepatic conditions.
CAN HEPATITIS PATIENTS DRINK MILK?
Milk and other dairy products are a good source of calcium, riboflavin, vitamin B12and protein. There is no proven correlation between including milk products as a part of a balanced diet and the progression of hepatitis. It is hard to get recommended levels of calcium from the diet if dairy products are not included in one's diet.
WHAT FOODS ARE MOST AFFECTED BY HEPATITIS A?
The risk of hepatitis is at most when a person ingests contaminated food and water.There are no types of food that are at a greater or lesser risk of contamination than the other. Maintaining personal hygiene, and avoiding contaminated food and water altogether can reduce the risk of contraption altogether.
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