Journal of Liver

How Hepatitis Affects Your Liver and their Health

Hanan Esraa^* Department of Pharmacology, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
^*Correspondence: Hanan Esraa, Department of Pharmacology, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Email:

Received: 02-Jan-2023, Manuscript No. JLR-23-21044; Editor assigned: 05-Jan-2023, Pre QC No. JLR-23-21044(PQ); Reviewed: 18-Jan-2023, QC No. JLR-23-21044; Revised: 24-Jan-2023, Manuscript No. JLR-23-21044(R); Published: 02-Feb-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2167-0889.23.12.162

Description

Hepatitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the liver such as viral infections, alcohol consumption, medications, toxins, or autoimmune diseases. It can affect the people of all ages and backgrounds, and it can have serious consequences for the health and well-being of those who suffer from it. The diagnosis of hepatitis depends on the type and cause of the condition. Some common tests that may be used to diagnose hepatitis include blood test can measure the levels of liver enzymes, bilirubin, and antibodies to detect liver damage, inflammation, and infection by different hepatitis viruses. Liver function test can assess how well the liver is performing its vital functions, such as producing bile, filtering toxins, and making proteins. Liver biopsy is a procedure that involves taking a small sample of liver tissue and examining it under a microscope to determine the extent and cause of liver damage. Imaging test can include ultrasound, Computed Tomography (CT) scan, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to visualize the liver and check for any abnormalities, such as tumours or cysts.

The treatment of hepatitis depends on the type and cause of the condition. Some common treatments that may be used to treat hepatitis include Antiviral medications which can help fight against viral infections that cause hepatitis, such as hepatitis B and C. They can reduce the viral load, prevent or slow down liver damage, and lower the risk of complications. Antiviral medications are usually taken orally for several weeks or months, depending on the type and severity of the infection. Some examples of antiviral medications are tenofovir, entecavir, pegylated interferon, ribavirin, sofosbuvir, and daclatasvir.

Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs that can help suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation in autoimmune hepatitis. They can also help improve liver function and prevent further damage. Corticosteroids are usually taken orally for several months or years, depending on the response and side effects. Some examples of corticosteroids are prednisone and budesonide. Immunosuppressants are the drugs that help to modulate the immune system and prevent it from attacking the liver cells in autoimmune hepatitis. They can also help reduce inflammation and improve liver function. Immunosuppressant is usually taken orally for several months or years, depending on the response and side effects. Some examples of immunosuppressant are azathioprine, cyclosporine, and mycophenolate.

Supportive care includes rest, hydration, nutrition, pain relief, and management of symptoms and complications. Supportive care can help ease the discomfort and improve the quality of life of people with hepatitis. Supportive care may also include avoiding alcohol, drugs, toxins, and other substances that can harm the liver or interfere with its function. Liver transplant is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged or diseased liver with a healthy one from a donor. A liver transplant may be an option for people with severe or end-stage liver disease due to chronic hepatitis B or C, alcoholic hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, or toxic hepatitis. A liver transplant can improve survival and quality of life for people with liver failure or liver cancer.

Conclusion

It is a common and serious condition that affects the liver and can have various causes and consequences. It can be caused by viral infections, alcohol consumption, medications, toxins, or autoimmune diseases. It can cause symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and dark urine. It can be diagnosed by blood tests, liver function tests, liver biopsy, or imaging tests. It can be treated by antiviral medications, corticosteroids, immune suppressants, supportive care, or liver transplant. It can be prevented by using the vaccination, safe injection practices, and avoiding liver damage. Hepatitis is a global health problem that requires awareness, prevention, and treatment to reduce its burden and improve the lives of those affected by it.