You all must have heard of the term “Hepatitis” once or more than that. Term hepatitis means the swelling of the liver but it’s more than that. Have you ever considered why there is a lot of fuss about hepatitis?
Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver produced by many viral infections as well as non-contagious substances, that can result in an array of health issues, some potentially deadly.
According to the most current figures, 40 million individuals in India have chronic hepatitis B. In contrast, 6 to 12 million have chronic hepatitis C. HEV is the primary cause of epidemic hepatitis, whereas HAV is more frequent in youngsters. The majority of sudden liver failures detected are due to HEV.
World Hepatitis Day 2024
World Hepatitis Day is celebrated on July 28 of each year. To raise awareness and encourage action to end viral hepatitis, it offers a forum for advocacy, instruction, and interaction with the public, governments, and physicians. It provides a chance to consider the continuous battle against hepatitis in all of its forms and to promote more dedication at the local, national, and worldwide levels to counteract the disease’s mounting danger.
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is a disease that affects your liver. Inflammation is an enlargement that occurs when cells in one’s body are harmed or diseased. It might damage your liver.
Hepatitis can be either acute (immediate) or ongoing. Some kinds of hepatitis result in just acute infections. Other types can result in both long-term and short-term infections.
What are the different types of Hepatitis?
Hepatitis can be classified into two categories Viral Hepatitis & Non-viral Hepatitis.
Viral Hepatitis: There are five forms of viral hepatitis: A, B, C, D, and E. Each one is linked to a particular hepatitis strain.
| Type | Virus Structure | Transmission | Usual Onset | Severity |
| Hepatitis A | Naked, RNA | Fecal- oral | Abrupt | Mild or Asymptomatic |
| Hepatitis B | Envelop, DNA | Parenteral, sexual | Insidious | Occasionally severe |
| Hepatitis C | Envelop, RNA | Parenteral, sexual | Insidious | Usually subclinical |
| Hepatitis D | Envelop, RNA | Parenteral, sexual | Abrupt | Often severe |
| Hepatitis E | Naked, RNA | Fecal- oral | Abrupt | Mild but severe in pregnant women |
Non-viral Hepatitis: Non-viral types of hepatitis include auto-immune hepatitis, alcohol-related hepatitis, and drug-mediated hepatitis.
- Autoimmune Hepatitis: It is a disorder that occurs whenever the immune response erroneously targets liver cells, causing swelling and injury. The specific etiology of autoimmune hepatitis is not clear however it is thought to be a combination of environmental and familial variables.
- Alcoholic Hepatitis: Alcohol-related hepatitis is a liver condition induced by heavy and long-term alcohol intake. Alcohol destroys liver tissue, causing injury and, in extreme instances, scarring (cirrhosis). It is a recoverable state if alcohol usage is discontinued, and therapy frequently includes withdrawal from drinking, a good diet, and supplementary care.
- Drug-induced Hepatitis: Certain drugs and chemicals may induce liver inflammation and impairment. Drug-induced hepatitis can arise as a side effect of drugs or as a consequence of an overdose of drugs in particular.
What are the signs and symptoms of Hepatitis?
Hepatitis can develop fast and then resolve. It may potentially develop into a chronic illness. In some situations, hepatitis can cause harm to the liver, collapse, cirrhosis, malignancy, or even mortality.
Various factors might influence how serious the disease is. They may consist of the etiology of the liver injury and any existing disorders. Hepatitis A, for instance, frequently results in an acute infection that does not result in lasting liver disorders.
The indications of hepatitis are:
- Discomfort or bloated abdomen
- Dark urine
- Pale or clay-colored stools
- Fatigue
- Low-grade fever
- Itching
- jaundice
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight loss
How can you diagnose hepatitis?
Your physician will examine you thoroughly for the signs of any liver disease. He may look for the liver tenderness, and paleness of your skin, eyes, and nails. They may also examine you for any fluid present in your abdomen i.e. ascites.
After a detailed history taking and elaborate physical examination, your physician may order the following investigations:
- Abdomen USG
- Liver Function Test (LFT)
- Blood Tests
- Biopsy
What are the homeopathic medicines for hepatitis?
Homeopathy is an extremely efficient and safe approach for treating Hepatitis and other liver problems. These medicines support the liver & metabolic process. Homeopathy aims to address the root cause of Hepatitis rather than merely addressing the signs. The procedure is mild, and the alleviation provided is typically long-lasting.
How does Homoeopathy work in Hepatitis cases?
This inflammation of the liver is caused by certain types of viruses and other causative factors. These factors could only affect your liver due to the weakened immune system or increased susceptibility towards a particular stimulus.
Homeopathic medicines work in a holistic way targeting your whole body and they strengthen your system to push your way towards healing. Few medicines are frequently indicated in cases of Hepatitis:
Chelidonium Majus: It stimulates the hepato-biliary mechanism and improves general liver health. The patient’s symptoms include jaundice with discomfort, swollen belly, considerable tiredness, weakness, decreased appetite, nausea, and vomiting.
Cinchona Officinalis: It is excellent for people suffering from periodic fevers, headaches, gall bladder stones, indigestion, and bleeding. The patient might experience weakness, shaking, buzzing in the ears, abdominal bloating, gassiness, and biliary vomiting.
Bryonia Alba: It affects several systems, such as the gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, airway, and neuromuscular tracts. This is beneficial for individuals suffering from dyspepsia, migraines, bronchitis, arthritis, backache, menstruation problems, and infections of the respiratory tract. Alongside vomiting and feeling dizzy, a patient may have burning and pain in the stomach, which is highly sensitive to touch.
Kali Carbonicum: It is commonly used to treat liver dysfunctions such as nephrotic disorder, cirrhosis, and hepatitis. A person might suffer from liver wasting, cirrhosis, abdominal discomfort, or jaundice. He or she might be agitated, excited, or nervous. Additional symptoms include severe fatigue and sensitivity to shifts in sound, light, contact, and smell. Rubbing might help ease the ache.
Other medications, such as Lycopodium, Belladonna, Nux Vomica, and Aconite, are beneficial. However, like with other homeopathic medications, self-medication is never recommended. Your physician will assess any concomitant complaints as well as your general health state before deciding what might work best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the main cause of hepatitis?
Ans. Hepatitis can be of two types including viral hepatitis & Non-viral hepatitis. In viral hepatitis, the main reasons behind this infection are various strains of the Hepatitis virus.
Q. How can you prevent hepatitis?
Ans. Maintaining adequate sanitation while preventing exposure to infected objects or body fluids can help prevent infection with any kind of virus. Hepatitis A can be transmitted by contact directly with a person with the disease or via exposure to soiled water and food, which can happen in areas with inadequate hygiene.
Q. What are the warning signs of hepatitis?
Ans.
- Jaundice
- Abdomen discomfort or aches (typically on the upper right side of the abdomen, where your liver is)
- The color of urine is dark.
- Immediate puking or uneasiness.
- Reduced hunger or sudden weight loss.
- Tiredness.
- Stools made of clay or light colors.
Dr Aditi
Dr Aditi (BHMS) from NHMC Delhi, HMO ( Chandigarh Administration), Ex- SRF ( CCRH ), currently doing a research study of effect of Homoeopathic medicines in Mother and Child Health care in Chandigarh.