Overview

The liver is one of the essential organs of a living being. It acts as the major organ facilitating the digestion process. Bile juice secreted by the organ helps in digestion and ensures proper breakage of food particles to make energy. Improper functioning of the liver can lead to multiple health hazards. It can result in issues such as the improper passage of urine, dark-coloured urine, abdominal pain, swelling in legs and arms, and more. In case of such symptoms, consulting a doctor is highly recommended to avoid worsening the situation.

What is hepatitis?

Hepatitis is liver inflammation caused by viral infections (hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E) or other factors like alcohol abuse or autoimmune diseases. If left untreated, it can lead to liver damage, impaired liver function, and various symptoms, including fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, and liver failure.

Symptoms of Hepatitis

Mentioned below are the symptom of the liver inflammation that helps to identify the disease and begin the medication at the earliest possible time:

Abdominal Pain- A liver is covered with a sensitive membrane. In the case of an injured liver, the organ enlarges the membrane's walls, resulting in abdominal pain. The pain may be slow initially but may become extreme when not treated on time. Hence, the individual should consult a doctor for a proper medical examination and identify the root cause of unexplained abdominal pain. Abdominal pain can also be caused due to multiple other health problems.
Swollen Legs and Feet- Swelling of legs and feet due to excess fluid build-up is known as oedema. The medical condition causes swollen hands and legs, further accompanied by pain. The affected patient is unable to walk properly. It happens due to small blood vessels allowing the build-up of fluid.
Itching- An individual suffering from liver disease constantly feels itching all over their hands and legs. It happens due to improper bilirubin filtration, causing the itching sensation over the hands, legs, or body. The individual feels uncomfortable the whole day and cannot continue routine activities.

Causes of Hepatitis

Mentioned below are some of the causes of liver damage that help to avoid harsh health habits to cease the symptoms of the disease:

High alcohol consumption
Formation of antibodies by the autoimmune system
Viral infection

Steps to Manage Hepatitis

A healthy lifestyle and required medications help lower the disease's symptoms. Mentioned below are a few steps to manage the ailment for healthy living:

Healthy Eating- The first and prime step doctors advise in case of liver disease is healthy eating. Junk, oily, and spicy food are the biggest enemies of damaged liver. Hence, a home-cooked meal with proper hydration helps early recovery from the disease. The disease can also lead to jaundice. Clean drinking water can help to prevent it and other damaging symptoms.
Liver-healthy lifestyle- Avoid alcohol consumption and eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit processed foods and fatty or fried foods.
Medications- Different types of medications, such as corticosteroids, azathioprine, mycophenolate, tacrolimus, and other similar medicines, help suppress the symptoms of the disease.

Guidelines to Prevent Hepatitis

Mentioned below are the guiding steps that help to avoid the occurrence of the symptoms of disease and help to avoid deterioration of health:

Vaccinations- Getting vaccinated is one of the effective methods to get rid of liver disease. Vaccinations help develop antibodies that fight off the infection causing microbes. A different form of vaccination for different types of hepatitis helps to lower the symptoms and strengthen the liver.
Lower Exposure- Hepatitis is a liver infection that spreads by sharing common articles. The exchange of food items and personal hygiene products leads to an exchange of body fluids. Hence, avoiding sharing products like razors, needles, toothbrushes, or food items and liquids is recommended to avoid transferring liver-damaging microbes in areas more prone to the disease. It helps to lower direct exposure and keeps one safe from getting infected by the disease.
Protected Sexual Intercourse- Sex is one of the highest and easiest methods for sharing body fluids. It can also lead to exposure to microbes causing liver disease. Condoms can help lower the chances of direct contact with body liquids.
Safe Travelling- One must adequately check the destination before travelling. Destinations prone to hepatitis virus should be avoided. In case of compulsory travelling, it is advised to avoid street food and local tap water. Getting intimate with strangers at such places can be one of the most prominent reasons for getting infected with liver disease.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Gastroenterology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

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Conclusion

Hepatitis is a liver-damaging disease ceasing the functioning of the organ. The affected individual may experience indigestion, dark-coloured urine, swelling on legs and feet, abdominal pain, and many such symptoms. A healthy diet and lifestyle can help reverse the symptoms and reduce the causes.

FAQs

Q. What is hepatitis?
A. Hepatitis is liver inflammation due to a viral infection or exchange of body fluids.

Q. What are tips to prevent hepatitis?
A. Avoiding the exchange of hygiene products and consumption of street food and water consumption, and timely vaccinations can help avoid liver-damaging diseases.

Q. What are the symptoms of hepatitis?
A. Abdominal pain, swollen feet, itching on the body are some of the symptoms of hepatitis.

Reference Links:

https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/hepatitis-types-symptoms-causes-and-treatment-options/
https://www.healthline.com/health/hepatitis
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4245-hepatitis-viral-hepatitis-a-b--c