Hepatitis & Cirrhosis

Hepatitis Overview

The liver is a very important part of the human body. Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver. There are seven defined strains of Hepatitis, labeled A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. Six of the seven strains attack the liver. There are also two strains that are the result of the alcohol abuse and the abuse of prescription medications.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Hepatitis include the following: jaundice or yellowing of the skin, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low grade fever, and headache.

Cause

The ways in which Hepatitis is transmitted varies depending on the strain. Transmission ranged from inherited to sexual intercourse, to drinking water, to blood contact.

Effects on the Body

Hepatitis A is the least dangerous form of Hepatitis because it does not attack the liver.

Hepatitis B is the most widespread strain of Hepatitis.

Hepatitis D is the rarest and most dangerous of the stains.

Cirrhosis Overview

Cirrhosis is another condition that affects the liver. Cirrhosis is caused by fibrosis. Fibrosis is the development of scar tissue, which replaces normal tissue that is not scarred. Once scar tissue is formed it cannot be replaced. Thus affecting the functionality of the liver.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Cirrhosis may include edema, yellowing of the skin or jaundice, frequent infection

Cause

The two most common ways in which one develops cirrhosis are through alcohol abuse, and the through viral hepatitis.

Effects on the Body

Cirrhosis may lead to other complication that effect the body. Portal hypertension is one such disorder. With portal hypertension the blood flow pressure is increased causing more blood to flow through the veins. Gallstones may also develop; gallstones are the development of cholesterol deposits in the gallbladder. Liver cancer is also a possible complication of cirrhosis.

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