Hepatitis

Title: Hepatitis: symptoms, causes and treatment

Hepatitis is a group of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases of the liver, which are characterized by necrosis of its cells. Hepatitis can be caused by a variety of causes, including infectious agents, toxic substances, and drugs. In this article we will look at the causes of hepatitis, its symptoms and treatment methods.

Etiology of hepatitis

Hepatitis can be caused by infectious agents such as hepatitis viruses, cytomegalovirus, infectious mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr) viruses, yellow fever, rubella, measles, herpes simplex, Coxsackie, echoviruses, leptospira, mycoplasma, rickettsia. Toxic hepatitis can be caused by alcohol and some other chemicals, such as carbon tetrachloride, toadstool toxins, morels (muscarine, afalotoxin, etc.). Drug-induced hepatitis can be caused by the use of drugs such as isoniazid, methyldopa, MAO inhibitors, indomethacin and others.

Pathogenesis of hepatitis

The pathogenesis of acute hepatitis consists either in the direct action of a damaging factor on the liver parenchyma, or in immunological disorders that occur in response to primary liver damage, followed by cytolysis of affected and intact hepatocytes. In some cases, impaired microcirculation in the liver and intrahepatic cholestasis are of additional importance.

Symptoms of hepatitis

In mild cases, acute hepatitis can be practically asymptomatic and detected only during a random examination, for example, at work among people in contact with hepatotropic poisons. In more severe cases, clinical symptoms of the disease appear, which develop quickly, often in combination with signs of general intoxication and toxic damage to other organs and systems.

At the height of the disease, icteric discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes, whitish-clay-colored stools, deep dark (“beer-colored”) urine, and hemorrhagic phenomena are characteristic. The color of the skin is orange or saffron. In mild cases, jaundice is visible only in daylight; a yellow shadow appears most early on the whites of the eyes, then on the skin, starting with the face and neck, and then spreading throughout the body.

Other symptoms of acute hepatitis may include an enlarged liver and spleen, pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, fatigue, increased body temperature, fever, and trembling.

Chronic hepatitis can occur without obvious symptoms for a long time, which can lead to the development of cirrhosis and other complications.

Hepatitis treatment

Treatment for hepatitis depends on its cause and severity. In the case of acute hepatitis caused by the hepatitis virus, hospitalization in an infectious diseases hospital may be required for special therapy aimed at combating the virus and maintaining liver function.

In the case of toxic hepatitis, it is necessary to stop using toxic substances and conduct detoxification therapy. In the case of drug-induced hepatitis, discontinuation of the medications that caused the disease and maintenance therapy may be required.

Chronic hepatitis may require long-term therapy aimed at reducing inflammation and maintaining liver function. In some cases, a liver transplant may be required.

In general, hepatitis prevention involves maintaining hygiene measures, vaccination against hepatitis viruses, avoiding the use of toxic substances and following doctor's recommendations when using medications.

Hepatitis is an inflammatory disease of the liver that can be caused by various reasons. One of the most common causes is a viral infection, which can lead to the development of acute or chronic hepatitis. In this article we will look at the main causes of hepatitis, its symptoms and treatment.

Causes of hepatitis

Viral infection is the main cause of hepatitis. Some of the viruses that can cause hepatitis include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and hepatitis E.

In addition, hepatitis can be caused by other viruses, such as hepatitis D and hepatitis G, as well as bacterial infections such as salmonellosis and shigellosis. Also, some medications and toxins can cause hepatitis.

Symptoms of hepatitis

Hepatitis usually begins with weakness, fatigue and abdominal pain. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, and other symptoms such as dark urine and discolored stool may also occur.

Some people