A Simple Guide to Hepatitis A
-----------------------------------
What is Hepatitis A?
-------------------------
Hepatitis A is a acute inflammatory infection of the liver which is caused by the hepatitis A virus(HAV).
How is Hepatitis A virus spread?
--------------------------------------
The virus is excreted in faeces and transmitted through contaminated food and water. Eating shellfish, cockle shells, prawns or crabs taken from sewage-contaminated water is a common means of contracting hepatitis A.
It can also be acquired by close contact with individuals infected with the virus.
HAV causes the liver to become enlarged, inflamed and tender resulting in all the symptoms of hepatitis.
There is no chronic (long-term) infection.
What are the Symptoms of Hepatitis A?
----------------------------------------------
A person is infectious for 2-3 weeks before he or she experiences symptoms:
1.fever and joint pains
2.jaundice
3.fatigue
4.loss of appetite
5.nausea and vomiting
6.abdominal pain
7.pale coloured stools and dark urine
8.itchy skin due to irritation by the bilirubin.
During the first week of the illness he feels very sick and weak.
As the condition improves, the patient generally feels better after the first week but may requires to rest at home for 6 weeks to avoid damage to the liver.
How is the diagnosis of Hepatitis A made?
-------------------------------------------------
A blood test is the best way to diagnose hepatitis A.
His hepatitis antigens are raised at the early stage but as his condition improves the antibodies become positive.
His liver function tests are also done to assess the damage to the liver.
Usually the serum bilirubin is high, liver enzymes or tramsaminase, alkaline phosphatase are raised in the acute stage of illness.
As the condition improves, these tests gradually returned to normal.
What is the Treatment of Hepatitis A?
---------------------------------------------
There are no medicines for treatment of Hepatitis A except for symptomatic treatment of symptoms.
1.Rest in bed
2.multivitamins especially vitamin B to improve the function of the liver
3.Lots of fluids
4.carbohydrate diet
5.Anti-itch creams and lotions to stop itch
Recovery is usual with very rare cases going on to cirrhosis of the liver.
What is the Prevention of Hepatitis A?
---------------------------------------------
Hepatitis A vaccination is the best protection.
It is usually given in 2 doses within 1 year.
Immune globulin can be given for short-term protection.
It is given before and within 2 weeks after coming in contact with hepatitis A virus.
The vaccine is recommended for travellers travelling to developing countries and people with chronic liver disease.
Always practice good food hygiene.
Avoid food like seafood which may be contaminated by unhygienic water.
Always wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet, before preparing and eating food.
Recovery is usual within 6 weeks.
What is the difference between Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hepatitis A is spread through eating food contaminated with the HAV virus.
Examples include partially cooked shellfish (oysters, clams) or in situations where there is poor hygiene (food/drink/utensils contaminated with an infected person's faeces).
Most people suffer an acute episode and upon recovery have immunity to Hepatitis A.
Hepatitis B is spread by contact with blood or body/fluids of an infected person (including a carrier) or from a carrier mother to her newborn during childbirth.
Hepatitis B infection can lead to hepatitis carrier stage or chronic hepatitis which can results in liver cirrhosis or cancer.
Showing posts with label loss of appetite. Show all posts
Showing posts with label loss of appetite. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
A Simple Guide to Hepatitis B
A Simple Guide to Hepatitis B
------------------------------------
What is Hepatitis B?-
-------------------------
Hepatitis B is a serious chronic inflammatory liver disease caused by a virus which is called hepatitis B virus (HBV).
What are the Symptoms of Hepatitis B?
----------------------------------------------
Most of the time a person with HBV infection has no symptoms at all.
Older people are more likely to have symptoms.
If you have symptoms, they might include :
1.jaundice (yellowing of the skin and white of eye)
2.dark coloured urine
3.pale stools
4.prolonged tiredness
5.nausea and vomiting.
6.loss of appetite
7.abdominal pain
8.fever and joint pains
How is the diagnosis of Hepatitis made?
-----------------------------------------------
A blood test is the only way to diagnose hepatitis B.
You may be infected with HBV and may even spread it to others without knowing it.
HBV can be spread from an infected mother to her infant during birth.
To prevent spread of HBV from infected mothers to their infants, every woman should have her blood tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) during each pregnancy.
What is the treatment of Hepatitis B?
-------------------------------------------
There are no medications available for recently acquired (acute) HBV infection. There are antiviral drugs eg interferon which may be able to treat chronic HBV infection.
Who is at risk of getting Hepatitis B?
-------------------------------------------
For those who has never been immunised or do not have antibodies from having a previous Hepatitis B infection, you are at risk of Hepatitis B infection.
The Hepatitis B virus is is not spread through food or water, sharing eating utensils, breastfeeding, hugging, coughing, sneezing, or skin contact.
HBV is spread by exposure to infected blood from skin puncture or contact with mucous membranes.
It is spread by:
1.sexual contact with an infected person
2.an infected mother to her newborn during childbirth
3.a Hepatitis B infected person's blood during blood transfusion
4.sharing of injection needles among drug abusers
5.accidental cuts to the skin by a nail clipper, shaving blade or other instruments that are contaminated with a Hepatitis B infected person's blood
6.contact with an infected person's saliva or blood through cuts or sores in the mouth or skin. Kissing by itself do not spread HBV unless there is a cut in the lips.
7.during acupuncture, body or ear piercing and tattooing if the needles used are contaminated with Hepatitis B infected person's blood
8.have a job that involves contact with human blood or body fluids
What is the best prevention for Hepatitis B?
----------------------------------------------------
Hepatitis B vaccine is the best prevention against hepatitis B.
If you do not have antibodies from a previous infection and if you are not a Hepatitis B carrier, you can get vaccinated against Hepatitis B and protect yourself from its complications.
Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all infants, for children and adolescents who were not vaccinated as infants, and for all unvaccinated adults who are at risk for HBV infection as well as any adult who wants to be protected against HBV infection.
The vaccine is safe.
It is also extremely effective provided you complete all 3 doses:
1st dose - at the appointed date
2nd dose - 1 month after the 1st dose
3rd dose - 5 months after the 2nd dose
A booster vaccination may be necessary after 5 years if the blood test showed a drop in immunity.
Infants born to infected mothers need to get hepatitis B vaccine and another shot call HBIG (hepatitis B immune globulin) soon after birth to prevent infection.
Besides vaccination, other ways to prevent transmission of HBV are:
1.avoid multiple sexual partners; keep to one sexual partner
2.Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, may reduce the risk of sexually transmitted HBV transmission.
3.Do not inject illegal drugs. Never share needles, syringes or drugs.
4.Do not share personal items like razors, toothbrushes or any other instruments that may cause tears to the skin and hence spread of any blood borne infection.
5.seek reliable operators for ear or body piercing, tattooing or acupuncture.
What happens if I am a Hepatitis B carrier?
--------------------------------------------------
A simple blood test can tell if you are a carrier, are immune or need immunisation.
If you are found to be a carrier, then:
1.you will need to see your doctor every 6 months to a year for tests to check your liver function and blood alpha-foetoprotein which is a cancer marker for liver cancer
2.your immediate family members should go for blood tests.
They should get immunised if they are not immune.
If they are carriers too, they should go for regular follow up with the doctor.
3.you should take precautions to prevent the spread of hepatitis B to your family and loved ones
4.you should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol as they may further increase the risk of damage to your liver
5.inform your doctor and dentist that you are a carrier
6.do not donate blood, organs or sperm
7.know the symptoms and signs of the various complications and see your doctor at once if you experience any of them.
What are the Complications of Hepatitis B ?
---------------------------------------------------
Hepatitis B can lead to complications like:
1.acute hepatitis (episode of liver inflammation)
2.chronic hepatitis (permanent liver inflammation)
3.liver cirrhosis (permanent scarring and hardening of the liver)
4.liver failure (liver is unable to function,
resulting in toxins accumulating in body)
5.liver cancer
Those who recover completely from Hepatitis B infection become immune to the disease.
1 in 10 people who get infected with the virus become carriers who then carries the Hepatitis B virus permanently in his body.
Hepatitis B carriers seldom show any symptoms but they can:
1.spread the disease to others
2.develop serious liver complications such as those mentioned above.
About 15%-25% of people with chronic HBV infection die prematurely from these complications.
------------------------------------
What is Hepatitis B?-
-------------------------
Hepatitis B is a serious chronic inflammatory liver disease caused by a virus which is called hepatitis B virus (HBV).
What are the Symptoms of Hepatitis B?
----------------------------------------------
Most of the time a person with HBV infection has no symptoms at all.
Older people are more likely to have symptoms.
If you have symptoms, they might include :
1.jaundice (yellowing of the skin and white of eye)
2.dark coloured urine
3.pale stools
4.prolonged tiredness
5.nausea and vomiting.
6.loss of appetite
7.abdominal pain
8.fever and joint pains
How is the diagnosis of Hepatitis made?
-----------------------------------------------
A blood test is the only way to diagnose hepatitis B.
You may be infected with HBV and may even spread it to others without knowing it.
HBV can be spread from an infected mother to her infant during birth.
To prevent spread of HBV from infected mothers to their infants, every woman should have her blood tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) during each pregnancy.
What is the treatment of Hepatitis B?
-------------------------------------------
There are no medications available for recently acquired (acute) HBV infection. There are antiviral drugs eg interferon which may be able to treat chronic HBV infection.
Who is at risk of getting Hepatitis B?
-------------------------------------------
For those who has never been immunised or do not have antibodies from having a previous Hepatitis B infection, you are at risk of Hepatitis B infection.
The Hepatitis B virus is is not spread through food or water, sharing eating utensils, breastfeeding, hugging, coughing, sneezing, or skin contact.
HBV is spread by exposure to infected blood from skin puncture or contact with mucous membranes.
It is spread by:
1.sexual contact with an infected person
2.an infected mother to her newborn during childbirth
3.a Hepatitis B infected person's blood during blood transfusion
4.sharing of injection needles among drug abusers
5.accidental cuts to the skin by a nail clipper, shaving blade or other instruments that are contaminated with a Hepatitis B infected person's blood
6.contact with an infected person's saliva or blood through cuts or sores in the mouth or skin. Kissing by itself do not spread HBV unless there is a cut in the lips.
7.during acupuncture, body or ear piercing and tattooing if the needles used are contaminated with Hepatitis B infected person's blood
8.have a job that involves contact with human blood or body fluids
What is the best prevention for Hepatitis B?
----------------------------------------------------
Hepatitis B vaccine is the best prevention against hepatitis B.
If you do not have antibodies from a previous infection and if you are not a Hepatitis B carrier, you can get vaccinated against Hepatitis B and protect yourself from its complications.
Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all infants, for children and adolescents who were not vaccinated as infants, and for all unvaccinated adults who are at risk for HBV infection as well as any adult who wants to be protected against HBV infection.
The vaccine is safe.
It is also extremely effective provided you complete all 3 doses:
1st dose - at the appointed date
2nd dose - 1 month after the 1st dose
3rd dose - 5 months after the 2nd dose
A booster vaccination may be necessary after 5 years if the blood test showed a drop in immunity.
Infants born to infected mothers need to get hepatitis B vaccine and another shot call HBIG (hepatitis B immune globulin) soon after birth to prevent infection.
Besides vaccination, other ways to prevent transmission of HBV are:
1.avoid multiple sexual partners; keep to one sexual partner
2.Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, may reduce the risk of sexually transmitted HBV transmission.
3.Do not inject illegal drugs. Never share needles, syringes or drugs.
4.Do not share personal items like razors, toothbrushes or any other instruments that may cause tears to the skin and hence spread of any blood borne infection.
5.seek reliable operators for ear or body piercing, tattooing or acupuncture.
What happens if I am a Hepatitis B carrier?
--------------------------------------------------
A simple blood test can tell if you are a carrier, are immune or need immunisation.
If you are found to be a carrier, then:
1.you will need to see your doctor every 6 months to a year for tests to check your liver function and blood alpha-foetoprotein which is a cancer marker for liver cancer
2.your immediate family members should go for blood tests.
They should get immunised if they are not immune.
If they are carriers too, they should go for regular follow up with the doctor.
3.you should take precautions to prevent the spread of hepatitis B to your family and loved ones
4.you should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol as they may further increase the risk of damage to your liver
5.inform your doctor and dentist that you are a carrier
6.do not donate blood, organs or sperm
7.know the symptoms and signs of the various complications and see your doctor at once if you experience any of them.
What are the Complications of Hepatitis B ?
---------------------------------------------------
Hepatitis B can lead to complications like:
1.acute hepatitis (episode of liver inflammation)
2.chronic hepatitis (permanent liver inflammation)
3.liver cirrhosis (permanent scarring and hardening of the liver)
4.liver failure (liver is unable to function,
resulting in toxins accumulating in body)
5.liver cancer
Those who recover completely from Hepatitis B infection become immune to the disease.
1 in 10 people who get infected with the virus become carriers who then carries the Hepatitis B virus permanently in his body.
Hepatitis B carriers seldom show any symptoms but they can:
1.spread the disease to others
2.develop serious liver complications such as those mentioned above.
About 15%-25% of people with chronic HBV infection die prematurely from these complications.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
A Simple Guide to Fever
A Simple Guide to Fever
-----------------------------
What is Fever?
-----------------
A person's normal body temperature is 37.0 degrees Celsius.
Once above this, it is classified as a fever.
Fever is a symptom not an illness.
What is the cause of Fever?
---------------------------------
A Person's body temperature can be influenced by factors such as
1. infection,
2. metabolic rate and
3.environmental temperature.
When any infection entered the body and localised in a part of the body such as the throat ,intestine, nose, urinary tract etc, it does not cause any fever, only symptoms such as sore throat, diarrhoea, nasal discharge or frequent passing of urine.
However once the germ(whether bacteria,virus or parasite) enter the blood stream from the infected area, the body responses immediately by raising the body temperature.
The raising of the body temperature is the body's way of trying to kill the germ by heating the environment which the germ is trying to survive.
High fevers (above 39 degrees Celsius) however can also damage the body especially the brain.
It can cause seizures in children below the age of five (febrile fits).
Toxins from bacteria and viruses released into the bloodstream can cause chills and shivering in between or sometimes during temperature spikes.
What are the Symptoms of Fever?
----------------------------------------
1. Headache
2. Bodyaches
3. Chills
4. Shivering
5. Giddiness
6. Loss of appetite
What is the Treatment of Fever?
--------------------------------------
Fever is the body's natural response to a infection, increase in the temperature of the environment and increased metabolic rate.
If the fever is mild (<37.5)and no other problems are present, no medical treatment is necessary.
Just drink more water and rest.
Sponging or bathing in a tub of tepid water can help to reduce the fever. Evaporation of the water cools the skin and thereby reduces body temperature.
Give the person a correct amount of paracetamol which helps to bring down the temperature.
You should see a doctor:
1.If a child of less than 6 months old has a fever.
2.If a fever of more than 39 Degree Celsius cannot be brought down by paracetamol and sponging.
3.If fever lasts for more than 5 days.
4.If there is associated stiff neck and vomiting
5.If there is drowsiness or loss of consciousness
Once the cause of the fever is found and eliminated, the body temperature will reduce spontaneously back to normal.
-----------------------------
What is Fever?
-----------------
A person's normal body temperature is 37.0 degrees Celsius.
Once above this, it is classified as a fever.
Fever is a symptom not an illness.
What is the cause of Fever?
---------------------------------
A Person's body temperature can be influenced by factors such as
1. infection,
2. metabolic rate and
3.environmental temperature.
When any infection entered the body and localised in a part of the body such as the throat ,intestine, nose, urinary tract etc, it does not cause any fever, only symptoms such as sore throat, diarrhoea, nasal discharge or frequent passing of urine.
However once the germ(whether bacteria,virus or parasite) enter the blood stream from the infected area, the body responses immediately by raising the body temperature.
The raising of the body temperature is the body's way of trying to kill the germ by heating the environment which the germ is trying to survive.
High fevers (above 39 degrees Celsius) however can also damage the body especially the brain.
It can cause seizures in children below the age of five (febrile fits).
Toxins from bacteria and viruses released into the bloodstream can cause chills and shivering in between or sometimes during temperature spikes.
What are the Symptoms of Fever?
----------------------------------------
1. Headache
2. Bodyaches
3. Chills
4. Shivering
5. Giddiness
6. Loss of appetite
What is the Treatment of Fever?
--------------------------------------
Fever is the body's natural response to a infection, increase in the temperature of the environment and increased metabolic rate.
If the fever is mild (<37.5)and no other problems are present, no medical treatment is necessary.
Just drink more water and rest.
Sponging or bathing in a tub of tepid water can help to reduce the fever. Evaporation of the water cools the skin and thereby reduces body temperature.
Give the person a correct amount of paracetamol which helps to bring down the temperature.
You should see a doctor:
1.If a child of less than 6 months old has a fever.
2.If a fever of more than 39 Degree Celsius cannot be brought down by paracetamol and sponging.
3.If fever lasts for more than 5 days.
4.If there is associated stiff neck and vomiting
5.If there is drowsiness or loss of consciousness
Once the cause of the fever is found and eliminated, the body temperature will reduce spontaneously back to normal.
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