Hepatitis : Inflammation of Liver

 

The word hepatitis comes from two words, hēpar, hēpat which are Greek words for liver, and the English suffix ‘itis’ means ‘inflammation’. Therefore, the word ‘hepatitis’ refers to inflammation of the liver.




There are five main types of hepatitis viruses that are responsible for causing viral hepatitis. According to the viruses that cause viral hepatitis, they can be named as follows:

1.      Hepatitis A
Caused by hepatitis A virus, it is primarily spread when an uninfected and mostly unvaccinated person ingests contaminated food or water. The contamination usually occurs by the feces of a contaminated person. Unsafe water, inadequate sanitization, and bad personal hygiene contribute to this infection.

2.      Hepatitis B
Caused by the hepatitis B virus, it is life-threatening and a major global health problem. The transmission of hepatitis B virus occurs through contact with blood and other body fluids of an infected person as in the case of unsafe sex, using common syringes while doing drugs.
It can cause chronic infection, and if treatment is not taken; liver cirrhosis and liver cancer can occur which can, in turn, increase the risk of death of the infected person.

3.      Hepatitis C
Caused by the hepatitis C virus; it can result in an acute or chronic hepatitis infection. Hepatitis C infection can be a mild infection that can last for weeks, or it can be severe and serious and can last for lifelong.
Since hepatitis C virus is a bloodborne virus; the modes of transmission of infection can include unsafe injection practices, inadequate sterilization of medical equipment in certain healthcare set-ups. Unscreened blood and blood products can also lead to hepatitis c infection.

4.      Hepatitis D
Caused by the hepatitis D virus, hepatitis D infection only occurs in people already suffering from hepatitis B infection. Therefore, the best way to prevent hepatitis D infection is getting timely immunization against hepatitis B.
Hepatitis D infection is passed on through infected blood.

5.      Hepatitis E
Caused by the hepatitis E virus, hepatitis E is a liver disease transmitted through contaminated drinking water. The infection is usually self-limiting in nature and the infected person can heal within 4 to 6 weeks.

A fulminant or violent form of this infection can cause acute liver failure and death.

 

Apart from viral causes of hepatitis, there can be other causes of hepatitis also. These include infection by bacteria like anaplasma, autoimmune conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus, drugs like paracetamol, circular insufficiency that causes ischaemic hepatitis, metabolic diseases such as Wilson’s disease. Other factors such as pregnancy and excessive consumption of alcohol may also be responsible for causing hepatitis. 

Symptoms of hepatitis may vary from person to person. One can suffer from abdominal pain and discomfort, especially on the upper right side and beneath the lower ribs, clay-colored stools, and loss of appetite. A person may experience itching. Chronic hepatitis can create a feeling of tiredness and be unwell, depression, and jaundice.

While the best way is to prevent hepatitis and take precautions for prevention accordingly, if unfortunately, one has got infected, management and recovery are a priority. The steps to management can be followed as below:

  • ·        It is important to take proper rest so that your body can recover.
  • ·        Completely refrain from alcohol. If one is addicted to alcohol, do it under medical supervision.
  • ·        Personal hygiene is very important. Wash your hands before and after eating food, after getting back home, after using restroom, and whenever necessary.
  • ·        Prefer freshly cooked food. A balanced diet is a must for prevention as well as management of the infection.
  • ·        Boil and strain water before drinking at least when ill.
  • ·        Fruits and raw vegetables for salads shall only be consumed after proper washing.
  • ·        Avoid unsafe sex.
  • ·        Personal items like shaver, razor, manicure tools, needles shall never be shared.
  • ·        The conventional treatment includes various combinations of medicines. Some of these medicines can result in side effects like joint and back pain, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, headache, shortness of breath.

·       Management in homeopathy can play a crucial part in aiding the recovery of the patient. Homeopathic treatment can play a crucial part in managing hepatitis and countering side effects of conventional treatment if a patient is under allopathic treatment as well.

Diagnosis of the disease holds value in homeopathic treatment unlike the common perception so that disease management can be advised. Viral hepatitis and hepatitis caused by other factors can be dealt with homeopathic treatment. Personal, medical, and family history guide towards prescription along with peculiar symptoms the patient presents with. Not only the physical health but also the emotional and mental health are taken care of.

A clinical study in France over a period of 21 months by two homeopathic doctors revealed 70% of cases of hepatitis improving and feeling better and healthier with no side effects. There are many remedies that strengthen the liver, reduce symptoms of hepatitis

A foundation in India has also given details of the homeopathic remedies they have provided to manage hepatitis and have successfully dealt with. The method of a prescription can vary according to the variations of severity, intensity, and peculiarity of symptoms in different patients. Jaundice can be decreased with homeopathic remedies along with muscle pain, nausea, and symptoms of co-existing diseases such as auto-immune disease.

Some of the homeopathic medicines used to manage hepatitis include:

·        Lycopodium:

Lycopodium is needed for patients who have disorders of the digestive system and problems with liver. It reduces pain in the abdomen, especially shooting pain, and excessive flatulence. The patient generally desires sweet and warm things, especially when he is in a healthy self.

·        Crotalus horridus:


 A homeopathic physician can prescribe this remedy when the whole body of the affected person turns yellow. There is a pain in the liver region along with coldness, constant nausea and vomiting. Jaundice is accompanied by hemorrhagic problems. It can be given in complications that arise after blood transfusion.

·        Natrum sulph:


It is great homeopathic medicine for liver problems. The liver region is tender and sensitive to touch. Jaundice is present. Vomiting is present.

There are many other homeopathic medicines like Chelidonium, Nux vomica, podophyllum that can be prescribed for hepatitis. None of the remedies shall be taken without consulting a good homeopathic doctor.


Watch the video on youtube if you are in a mood to skip reading:
 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjfnfFOXSO-ADEuny_t06GA


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