Chronic Liver Disease

Chronic liver disease, commonly known as Hepatitis, is a disorder in which viruses or other mechanisms produce inflammation in liver cells, resulting in their injury or destruction. In most cases, this inflammatory process is triggered when the immune system fights off infections caused by viruses. It can also be caused, however, by an overactive immune system that attacks its own liver cells. Hepatitis varies in severity from a self-limited condition with total recovery to a life-threatening or life-long disease. Acute Hepatitis or short-term Hepatitis can begin suddenly or gradually, but it has a limited course and rarely lasts beyond one or two months. Chronic Persistent Hepatitis is usually mild, non-progressive or slow to advance causing limited damage to the liver. Chronic Active Hepatitis is caused by extensive liver damage and cell injury that may lead to the malfunction and failure of the entire liver.

The general symptoms of acute viral Hepatitis are usually mild and develop gradually:

Prevention of Hepatitis varies with each type of infection:
The standard preventive measure against Hepatitis A has been Immune Globulin Injections administered pre and post exposure to the virus. Hepatitis A vaccine is also highly effective and provides a potential to have a substantial impact on the disease. However, the importance of good hygiene and sanitation must not be forgotten. All transfused blood is now tested for both Hepatitis B and D, thereby reducing the risk from this source. Vaccination provides protection for up to 18 years and Immune Globulin Injections within two weeks of exposure have been known to be effective. Sharing of razors, toothbrushes or needles should be avoided if possible and avoid sexual contact with a person infected with Hepatitis or an individual with unknown health history. Practice safe sex. Preventing Hepatitis B also prevents Hepatitis D.
Immune Globulin Injections protect against developing Hepatitis C after transmission. Sexual partners, should avoid sharing personal items, such as razors or toothbrushes, and abstain from sexual activity during menstruation or infections that cause bleeding in the genital or urinary areas
Some general preventive measures, which should be followed against all Hepatitis viruses, are:

Hepatitis can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, infestation with parasites, chemicals (alcohol or drugs), toxins, or immune diseases. Viruses, which attack the liver, cause the most cases of Hepatitis; these viruses are named with the letters A through G. Hepatitis A, formerly called infectious Hepatitis, is always acute and never becomes chronic. Drinking water or eating food contaminated with fecal matter containing the virus, results in its transmission. Experts have not as yet understood the means by which Hepatitis A virus damages the liver. Hepatitis B virus does not kill cells directly, but triggers cells in the immune system, to cause inflammation and damage to the liver. It is found in semen, blood, and saliva, and is usually spread through blood transfusions, contaminated needles, and sexual contact. Between 1% and 10% of Hepatitis B patients go on to develop chronic Hepatitis and it is worth noting that Hepatitis B can become chronic without an acute stage. Hepatitis D virus can replicate only by attaching itself to Hepatitis B and therefore cannot exist without the B virus being present.
Hepatitis C is the most frequent cause of all cases of Hepatitis resulting from transfusions and intravenous drug use. It can also transmit through injuries in the skin and sexual contact. About 10% to 60% of Hepatitis C patients develop the chronic form without an acute stage.
Hepatitis E is similar to Hepatitis A and is transmitted by contact with contaminated food or water. It was thought to be rare, but experts now estimate that up to 20% of people in the US may be infected.
Around nine percent of the cases not diagnosed as Hepatitis A through E are generally attributed to Hepatitis G. This virus can occur with other Hepatitis viruses as well and seems to be chronic at all times. However, indications are mild and the presence of this virus does not increase the severity of any accompanying viruses.
Autoimmune chronic Hepatitis develops when a genetically defective immune system triggered by a virus or other environmental agent, begins to attack the liver. In about 30% of cases, Autoimmune Hepatitis is associated with autoimmune disorders that attack other parts of the body as well, but the relationship between these conditions is unclear.
Excessive consumption of alcohol may result in the accumulation of fat, thereby impairing the liver’s ability to absorb oxygen. Cells may suffer from irreversible damage possible causing cirrhosis, a dangerous and life threatening condition.
A large number of medications and drugs cause reactions that are similar to those of acute viral Hepatitis.
Symptoms can appear anywhere from two weeks to six months after starting drug treatment. However, in most cases, they disappear when the drug is withdrawn but at times they may cause serious damage to the liver.

Neither symptoms, signs, nor LFT abnormalities can definitively confirm that a person has Hepatitis A, nor can these manifestations distinguish Hepatitis A from other forms of Hepatitis. Most people find out they have chronic Hepatitis C purely by accident. The only way of definitely diagnosing that a person is infected with the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) is by obtaining specific blood tests known as the Hepatitis A serology. The standard Hepatitis A serology includes both the Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody to HAV and the Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody to HAV. The other liver function tests are routinely performed when any type of liver disease is suspected.

Symptoms of Hepatitis can be treated. For example, restricting fat and drinking clear liquids can help relieve symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In addition, it is recommended that individuals with Hepatitis B:

• Get plenty of rest

Rest and proper nutrition are the best home care strategies for effecting a full and rapid recovery. Avoid using any drugs or antibiotics. Iron supplements are particularly irritating to the liver during Hepatitis infection. A hot water bottle can be used for 15 minutes a day near the liver area to stimulate circulation.

Sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral) with an infected person. Sharing needles, IV drugs, and drug paraphernalia .Use of contaminated razors or tattooing needles. Pregnancy and/or birth (perinatal exposure). Occupational exposure to blood or other body fluids of an infected person. Although it is rare, household transmission (transmission without recognized blood, sexual, or perinatal exposure) of Hepatitis B has been documented primarily among young children who live with family members who are Hepatitis B carriers. It is believed that the virus is most likely transmitted by unrecognized exposure to mucous membranes or minor cuts in the skin.