Hepatitis is a generic term. It indicates inflammation and damage to liver cells. This damage can be caused by drugs, toxins, alcohol, inherited diseases, certain metabolic diseases, and viruses. Commonly, hepatitis refers to viral hepatitis. There are a wide variety of viruses that can cause hepatitis, but again most commonly the term refers to the viruses designated A, B, C, D, E, and G. Hepatitis C virus-positive patients face a number of difficulties due to the unfortunate stigma that is attached to this carrier status.
In most occupations this is not a risk and can be avoided by common sense. In situations where there is a risk of exposure due to trauma, due to use of needles or knives or other situations of this sort, it is probably best and most appropriate to let the employer know.
In most situations, including the health care field, this is not a reason to not employ the individuals. Local laws may vary and this needs to be checked locally. If one does inadvertently expose one to blood or bodily fluid, there would be a moral obligation to let the other individual know.
There are vaccines to prevent hepatitis A and B. Hepatitis B is a disease that could be completely eradicated with universal vaccination. It is now one part of the newborn vaccination series. Attempts are ongoing to vaccinate all children by the time they reach junior high age.
Adults who are in high-risk occupations such as the health care field or carry out high-risk activities, such as IV drug use and multiple sexual partners, should also be vaccinated. Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended in a number of child-care settings and should be discussed with your pediatrician. Adults or children traveling to areas of the world where hepatitis A is very common, including all underdeveloped or poorly developed countries, should be vaccinated before they go.
Any individual with underlying chronic liver disease that is not due to hepatitis B, particularly those with hepatitis C or cirrhosis, should be vaccinated against both hepatitis A and hepatitis B, unless they are already immune. The majority of patients with hepatitis C are found to have a risk factor such as needle exposure, blood exposure, tattooing, body piercing, or sexual exposure that would allow for an exchange of blood or bodily fluids.
Depending on the study, a small percentage of patients, ranging from 5 to 30 percent, have no identifiable risk factor. Presumably, they acquired the disease through inadvertent exposure.
Up to 50 percent of patients with hepatitis C have no symptoms. Once cirrhosis has finally developed, the only treatment option is a liver transplant. Liver disease is the third leading cause of death in the UK and over 40 people die of the disease every day. Prolonged and excess use of alcohol is what leads to liver damage. For a person with these characteristics, even drinking less than 14 units may cause liver damage, hence to prevent ARLD, one needs to avoid excess use of alcohol and adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Dr Ghazanfar Ali is a leading gastroenterologist with many years of experience in treating liver disease. He specialises in liver diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, reflux disorders and diarrhoea and constipation. He currently practices general gastroenterology with a special interest in hepatology.
Dr Ali qualified in in Pakistan, where he completed his initial training before arriving in the UK, where he was trained in both general internal medicine and gastroenterology By Dr Ghazanfar Ali Gastroenterology. He specialises in liver diseases , irritable bowel syndrome , dyspepsia , reflux disorders and diarrhoea and constipation.
Dr Ali qualified in in Pakistan, where he completed his initial training before arriving in the UK, where he was trained in both general internal medicine and gastroenterology. During his education, he worked in many hospitals across the Northwest and went on to specialise in gastroenterology at Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Wigan in Whilst being a consultant gastroenterologist, he also works as a tutor, teaching third-year medical students at the University of Manchester medical school and is also a qualified coach and mentor.
This year, Dr Ali was proudly awarded the Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland - an international benchmark of professional excellence. He has been the clinical governance lead for gastroenterology and has a strong interest in service improvements and enhancing patient care.
See all Gastroenterologists. For further information, read our Privacy Policy. Alcohol is a leading factor in liver damage. During moderate alcohol consumption, enzymes in your liver work to effectively break down alcohol. Alcohol and its byproducts can damage liver cells and lead to an increase in inflammation in your liver. Alcohol can also inhibit the breakdown of fats, leading to an accumulation of fat in your liver fatty liver.
Other potential causes of liver damage include:. The early stages of liver damage may not have any symptoms. When symptoms are present, they may include:. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to improve the health of your liver or to prevent liver damage from happening in the first place.
Excess alcohol consumption can stress your liver and lead to damage. You can help give your liver a rest by focusing on moderate alcohol consumption or not drinking alcohol at all. Moderate alcohol consumption is defined as two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.
For example, a standard drink is typically considered to be:. Fatty liver, the earliest type of alcohol-related liver disease ALRD , can potentially be reversed by abstaining from alcohol for 4 to 6 weeks. However, for some individuals with ALRD, this abstinence period may need to be longer or permanent. Prolonged abuse of alcohol can lead to continuing liver damage, which can eventually result in cirrhosis. Some types of medications and supplements can place an extra strain on your liver.
Some examples of these include:. If you do take them, carefully follow all dosing instructions and avoid taking them in combination with alcohol. Having obesity can increase your risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease NAFLD , a condition where excess fat builds up in your liver. Some of the best strategies for losing excess weight or maintaining a healthy weight include:.
This typically involves a gradual weight loss program along with dietary changes. Another way you can help give your liver a rest is by eating a liver-friendly diet. This includes:. Certain types of liver conditions may require more specific dietary adjustments. Be sure to discuss what these may be with your doctor. Viral hepatitis can cause inflammation of your liver, which in turn can lead to liver damage.
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