Chronic hepatitis: symptoms, causes and treatment
It goes without saying that the liver It is one of the most important organs of our body. This is where all the blood of the intestinal system arrives and then convert all nutrients, bacteria and toxins into chemical compounds that are much easier to assimilate or excrete by our body.
It is also here that the synthesis of the bile, a substance that is released through the duodenum and that is of utmost importance because it promotes an improved digestion of all the fats that we ingest.
Now that you have learned the importance of this body, let's talk about the issue that really matters. And it is none other than that of the hepatitis, a disease that consists basically of the inflammation of the liver and that can appear for numerous causes that we will shed through the following lines:
What are the causes of chronic hepatitis?
Hepatitis is no longer a mere inflammation of the liver caused by a virus, which can appear in this organism due to the malfunction of the organ, caused in turn by the following conditions:
- The liver is also responsible for producing glycogen, a component that transforms glucose to level blood sugar levels. However, when an alteration occurs in this process, what is called hypoglycemia may appear.
- Lower production of bile Without bile, it would be impossible to absorb fats that are so stored in our intestines. The hepatitis virus can alter the segregation of this important substance.
- Excessive consumption of alcohol and medications. We will not tell you anything new by saying that alcohol is one of the main causes of hepatitis and subsequent liver cancer. Both alcoholic beverages and the massive intake of any medication can cause alterations in the proper functioning of the liver.
- Fatty liver . The accumulation of fat in the liver is normal, but when that accumulation is excessive a pathology known medically with the name of hepatic steatosis. When steatosis occurs, an even more serious variation can occur, and in turn hepatomegaly, which consists of enlarged and inflamed liver accompanied by excessive accumulation of fats (steatohepatitis).
- Low defenses. Hepatitis can also be preceded by all kinds of viruses and infectious bacteria because our immune system does not work properly. This causes after this condition is transferred and deposited directly in the liver causing a clear case of chronic hepatitis.
What symptoms appear in the presence of chronic hepatitis?
The symptoms of acute hepatitis can be alleviated with the mere passing of time. However, if this process is becoming chronic little by little, it is very normal that other more serious symptoms appear.
First, the affected person suffers a general malaise accompanied by a strong fatigue and total lack of concentration. To this we must also add a high fever that can reach 39 degrees of temperature.
On the other hand, it is also common the appearance of muscle pains and in all types of joints together with a strong headache. Finally, it is possible that the patient loses his appetite and also suffers from diarrhea. It is also possible that with the passage of time he suffers from photophobia (phobia of light). Before the appearance of any of these symptoms, it is very important to go to the doctor in order to stop this condition as soon as possible.
What treatment exists for chronic hepatitis?
Here it depends a little on the type of hepatitis that the patient is suffering (A or B). But in general terms, the best thing to do is follow the following treatment, regardless of which one you have:
- Healthy and balanced diet. Diet is a very important factor when it comes to treating chronic hepatitis. Or at least to significantly reduce their symptoms. In this sense, it is very important to take all kinds of nutrients such as iron, calcium and all kinds of vitamins. Nor should you abuse the consumption of meat as its high fat content can then cause hepatitis.
- Reduce alcohol consumption We have already explained in other articles that the massive ingestion of alcoholic beverages can later derive in all types of liver diseases. Therefore, it is very important to remove alcohol from our daily diet. Surely our health will thank us.
- Very specific medications. There are increasingly more specific drugs for hepatitis that are usually given by cutaneous injection. Although for these cases it is best to contact a qualified doctor.
