Hepatitis A is Preventable

Hepatitis A is an enterovirus that is transmitted by a orofecal route. A root such as contaminated food is an easy way for Hep A to be transmitted. The virus causes an acute form of hepatitis and as a result does not contain a permanent stage. Once a person is infected their bodies immune system will make antibodies against the virus that confer immunity against future Hepatitus A infection. Currently a vaccine is available that can prevent infection from hepatitis A for life.

Three out of four people with Hep A will show the symptoms. Below is a list of some of the most common symtoms:

• Fever
  


• Dark urine
  


• Jaundice
  


• Nausea
  


• Tiredness
  


• Loss of appetite
  


• Stomach ache
  


• Vomiting

Currently There is no specific treatment for Hepatitis A [http://www.hepatitis-a-spot.com]. With that said rest is always recommended during the severe phases of the disease when the symptoms are most at large. Hepatitis A can easily be prevented by keeping good hygiene and sanitation. Like earlier mentioned a vaccination is also available. This vaccination is recommended in areas of the world where the likelihood of hepatitis A is large.

Here is a quick and no-nonsense list of ways to prevent Hepatitus A:

• Only Drink water from approved sources
  


• Always use a dental dam or sheet of plastic wrap during rimming
  


• Always Cook shellfish thoroughly before eating
  


• Always Keep bathrooms clean and disinfected after every use
  


• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before preparing or eating food, and after sexual activity.

Hepatitis Part II - Types of Hepatitis

As we mentioned in previous articles, hepatitis is characterized by the destruction of a number of liver cells and the presence of inflammatory cells in the liver tissue caused by excessive alcohol drinking, disorders of the gall bladder or pancreas, including medication side effects, and infections. There are many other infective agents that can cause inflammation of the liver, or hepatitis. However, the term is unfortunately commonly used to refer to a particular group of viruses such as Hepatitis A, B, and C.

In this article we will discuss types of hepatitis, there are 5:

1. Hepatitis A (HAV)

Hepatitis A causes swelling and inflammation in the liver and is very common in underdeveloped countries, resulting in drinking water or eating food that is infected by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It can also be transmitted through sexual intercourse. This type of hepatitis usually has slow onset and most people fully recover. Hepatitis A can be discovered by blood testing.

2. Hepatitis B (HBV)

Hepatitis B virus is most often contracted via blood contact such as blood, semen, body fluids, IV drug abusers sharing needles or someone using tainted needles. It can also be transmitted through sexual contact and from mother to baby during childbirth. Hepatitis B causes inflammation of the liver leading to a serious infection that can cause liver damage, which may result in cancer.

3. Hepatitis C (HCV)

Hepatitis C, like hepatitis B is spread via blood and body-fluid contact such as blood, semen, body fluid, IV drug abusers sharing needles or someone using tainted needles. Hepatitis C used to be the most common type of hepatitis acquired through blood transfusions until a test for it became available in the 1980s. Hepatitis C causes inflammation of the liver resulting in liver damage that can lead to cancer. It also commonly leads to chronic liver inflammation and slowly damagesthe liver over a long period of time before leading to cirrhosis of the liver, that means scar tissue replacing normal, healthy tissue in result of blocking the flow of blood through the liver and preventing it from from working as it should.

4. Hepatitis D (HDV)

Hepatitis D is caused by the virus HDV. You can only get hepatitis D if you are already infected with hepatitis B. Hepatitis D also causes inflammation of liver and is transmitted through infected blood, needles and sexual contact with with a person infected with HDV.

5. Hepatitis E (HEV)

Similar to hepatitis A, hepatitis E is also caused by drinking water or eating food that os infected by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It can also be transmitted through sexual intercourse causing temporary swelling of the liver and no long term damage to it.

I hope this information will help. If you need more information of the above subject, please visit my home page at:

Hepatitis C and Drug Addiction - Learn What Most Drug Addicts Are Unaware Of

Hepatitis C is inflammation of the liver caused by a virus called the Hepatitis C Virus. It is a blood-borne disease and is the most common cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer in the United States.

I was infected with (HCV) in my drug addiction. When I found out I had the disease I was frightened. I didn't know how I could have been infected because I did not use intravenous drugs. This prompted me to start studying about the virus and how I contracted it. I would like to tell you about what I discovered that most addicts are unaware of.

Most drug addicts think that if you don't use needles then you are safe from contracting HCV. However, while studying about the virus I learned that you could contract HVC from sharing a type of instrument to snort drugs with, as well as sharing needles. Small blood vessels in the nose may break open when you snort the drugs and get onto what ever instrument you put in your nose. Most of the time, the amount of blood that gets onto the instrument is so small that it is undetectable. When you share an instrument to snort the drugs, the Hepatitis C virus can transfer from one person to another. HVC is very common among drug addicts.

I know a lot of people in recovery who have the HCV, including myself. Some have already been treated for the virus and some have not. The percentage of addicts who have the virus is very high.

It is also a fact that most people who have HCV do not even know that they have it. Some people who have the virus have absolutely no symptoms at all. Even in advanced stages. I know a few people who did not know that they had the virus until it was too late.

I have one friend who has had a liver transplant. Some are suffering from cirrhosis of the liver and it is very painful. I also know a few people who have lost their lives to the disease. That is why I strongly encourage all addicts, to go to the doctor, get tested for the Hepatitis C Virus. Even if it was twenty years ago when you put yourself at risk, and you have no symptoms, it could save your life.

I was very lucky that I quit using drugs and alcohol before my Hepatitis C reached an advanced stage. Drugs and alcohol will speed up the damage to your liver. I feel that understanding Hepatitis C is the key. I have learned how important diet, nutrition, and exercise is for the liver for someone who has the virus. We can slow down the process of the disease just by stopping the abuse we do to our liver in our addiction. I want to help, I think one of the most important tools in helping others is by helping to educate and raise awareness.

Autoimmune Disease - Cryoglobulinemia

What is Cryoglobulinemia?

Cryoglobulinemia is a disorder in which cryoglobulins are found within a person's bloodstream. Cryoglobulins are a type of protein that tend to be precipitated when you are exposed to cold temperatures, generally around 36 degrees F. Typically cryoglobulins are found in those that possess other types of illnesses or disorders such as specific types of autoimmune diseases or leukemia, pneumonia and myleoma. Additionally Cryoglobulinemia has been found to have a direct link with some viral infections and diseases such as the hepatitis C infection.

What are the symptoms of Cryoglobulinemia?

Typically, a person who is affected with Cryoglobulinemia generally experiences some sensitivity when it comes to cold weather and typically cannot handle severe cold. When outside, people will generally begin to feel some numbness or pain within their toes and fingers, during colder weather. Because the disorder causes the blood to thicken in an abnormal way, the risk of creating blood clots increases within the heart, eyes, and brain. This means those experiencing Cryoglobulinemia are at a greater risk for heart problems and stroke. Furthermore, this disorder causes the blood vessels to become inflamed, also known as vasculitis; this causes an increased risk of artery blockage.

One type of cryoglobulinemia is called EMC (Essential Mixed Cryoglobulinemia). This condition is when the cryoglobulins are mixed with a variety of antibodies that mix for reasons that are unknown. Typically, a person with this condition will experience joint pains, arthritis, spleen enlargement, kidney, heart, or nerve disease.

What are the classifications of Cryoglobulinemia?

There are three classification groups of Cryoglobulinemia, they are Types I, II, and III. Type 1 Cryoglobulinemia is of the single type and anywhere from 10 to 15% of people who are affected with the disorder is affected with Type 1. Type 1 Cryoglobulinemia is typically found in those who have disorders such as lymphoproliferative disorders.

Type II and III are both of mixed types and both of these are the most common types. Type II will affect anywhere between 50-60% of those affected with the disorder and Type III affects 30-40%.

Treatments for Cryoglobulinemia

Typically, a physician will treat cryoglobulinemia with different types of medication. These medications are often used to treat instances of inflammation, as well as suppression of ones immune system. In extreme cases, a physician will require that the serum within the blood be replaced with a solution made up of salt water, also referred to as saline.

Because cryoglobulinemia can be a "side effect" of another disease present within the body, the physician will need to test for any other disease and treat them accordingly. Sometimes cryoglobulins are found with no other symptoms exist for the patient and the physician will need to conduct further testing to determine if any other diseases exist.

Maintaining a strong and balanced immune system

One of the best ways to combat and prevent cryoglobulinemia or other autoimmune disease is to maintain a strong and balanced immune system. There is a variety of products available all over the internet that is specifically made to help you obtain and maintain a balanced immune system. By having a strong immune system you will create a combative method of fighting off a variety of ailments and diseases.

What Is A Liver Infection?

A liver infection is a liver problem that can destroy liver tissue and compromise metabolic function to a significant degree. If a liver infection goes undetected or untreated, it can eventually result in cirrhosis, which can ultimately be life-threatening.

When you have a liver infection, your liver becomes inflamed due to a number of possible causes. The most common of these is hepatitis, which occurs in a variety of forms. Hepatitis is a word that comes from Greek and it literally means "liver inflammation."

Hepatitis can result from dangerous threats like a viral infection, fungi and parasites, a transfusion of impure blood, or toxins in the bloodstream. But hepatitis can also be caused by seemingly helpful medications, vitamins and supplements which are overused or abused. Finally, there can be dangers from physical diseases and disorders, including liver cysts, abscesses or swelling near the liver from bile duct obstructions or gallstones.

Liver infection symptoms usually don't present themselves when the infection is mild or just starting. But acute hepatitis, or chronic hepatitis that has advanced to a certain stage, will cause certain symptoms to appear. The most prominent of these is a condition called jaundice. Jaundice occurs when you have too much of a pigment called bilirubin in your blood. The excess bilirubin causes your skin and the whites of the eyes to look yellow. Jaundice is a classic symptom of liver trouble.

Other symptoms of hepatitis include abdominal pain and swelling and changes in bowel movements. Liver problems often produce light or slate-colored stools, along with diarrhea or constipation. Changes in urine color will be noticeable too - urine will become darker of cloudy in appearance.

People with a liver infection often experience a decreased appetite. There is usually an unexplained weight loss, which may be caused in part by occasional nausea and vomiting. A fever is also common in those who have an infected liver. Fatigue, weakness, depression and lack of libido are likely too.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause, of course. Treatment is not required for some forms of hepatitis, but medications and antiviral agents including ribivirin and corticosteroids are commonly prescribed for others.

Lifestyle changes may be necessary to treat a liver infection, or to prevent occurrences in the future. A healthy, low-fat diet is also important because a lot of rich fatty foods make it more difficult for the liver and gallbladder to function.

Anyone with a liver infection must stop drinking all forms of alcohol. Alcohol is toxic to the liver, and even small amounts can greatly exacerbate any liver problems you have. Furthermore, consult with your physician before taking any kind of pain medications or drugs. This doesn't just mean prescription drugs. It means medications and pain-relievers that are available over the counter. Never assume all vitamins and supplements are safe. Taken alone or in safe combination's, they may be harmless and even beneficial to your health. But certain vitamins or supplement combination's can be dangerous to your liver. Always check with your doctor first.

Types of Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a disease taking on many forms which feature inflammation of the liver. The cause is depended on the prognosis and on the symptoms shown. Certain forms of hepatitis are unable to reveal many signs or symptoms and are only noticeable when the longstanding inflammation has led to the replacement of liver cells by connective tissue. General symptoms of hepatitis are noticed by fever, enlarged liver, abdominal pain, and jaundice (icterus).

Viral infections are the cause of most acute Hepatitis [http://www.hepatitisattack.com]. Hepatitis comes in 7 not so delicious flavours: Hepatitis A, B, C, D - Agent (which requires the presence of the hepatitis B virus to form), Hepatitis E, F, and G. None of these are very yummy, and should be avoided at all costs.

The most common of the 7 is Hepatitis A. It is transmitted through the orofecal route, or in other words, contaminated food. This one is the easiest to contract, but it does not reach a chronic stage, so the body is able to build up an immunity against it by creating antibodies. An excellent preventative measure is to get a Hepatitis A vaccination. This will prevent infection of the virus.

Hepatitis has a close brother - Hepatitis B. This evil twin is also very easy to contract. you can get it through blood, tattoos, sexually, and you can even inherit it from your mother when you are born. Hep. B can be acute, however, some peoples' bodies are unable to produce antibodies against it, thus turning an acute virus into a chronic one.

The easiest way to avoid contracting Hepatitis is simple cleanliness and vaccinations. click the link to my website at the bottom for more information on all forms of Hepatitis.

Hepatitis Can Be A Life Threatening Illness

The liver is one of the most complex organs in the body. Besides the manufacture of cholesterol and certain proteins used by the body and storing glycogen (sugar), which is released into the bloodstream, as glucose is needed, the liver also has a main function to detoxify harmful substances that have been taken into the body. 

Hepatitis is a serious inflammation of the liver and is usually caused by certain types of viruses, however there are some types of bacteria that can also cause hepatitis. Hepatitis can be either acute or chronic. Acute is the rapid onset with severe symptoms and for a short time. Chronic is long standing and can come on slowly, with or without any symptoms and last for a long time.

There are many conditions that can cause an inflammation of the liver, most notably non-viral causes such as drugs, alcohol, chemicals, and autoimmune diseases and there are some viruses that can also cause inflammation the liver.

Most of the known viruses do not affect the liver. When doctors speak about hepatitis, they are usually referring to any of the five viruses identified that primarily attack the liver and are referred to as types A, B, C, D and E.

Each of these viruses can result in the sudden onset of symptoms (acute), which varies from several days to a few weeks and can include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and white part of the eyes), dark colored urine, feeling very fatigued, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. It can take several months to a year for you to experience normal health again.

Current advances in medicine now list five viruses that can cause hepatitis and each of the types are very serious and can cause extensive damage to your liver. Hepatitis A virus is spread through both water and food. The hepatitis A virus is also found in one' s fecal material. If by some means, this material contaminates either water or food, the virus can be spread very easily.

Hepatitis A symptoms are very similar to those of the flu. You can experience vomiting, nausea, fatigue, abdominal pain, dark urine and possibly jaundice. In you have any of these symptoms, you should see your a doctor right away. Your doctor will  order some tests to determine if have hepatitis A or not. If you are diagnosed with hepatitis, then your treatment will begin, mainly plenty of rest and avoiding sexual contact.

The effects of Hepatitis A can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. There are currently two vaccines that are available for hepatitis A. One of the vaccines is used for anyone that has already been exposed to the virus and the second vaccine is for preventing hepatitis A.

Hepatitis B is spread through the blood and by sexual contact. Hepatitis B causes almost identical symptoms as hepatitis A. You may also experience a loss of appetite. You may actually have hepatitis B, but have no symptoms.

Hepatitis C, like hepatitis B is also spread by contaminated blood.  You may experience similar symptoms of loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, and jaundice. There is currently no vaccine for Hepatitis C.

Hepatitis D is also spread through blood, like types B and C. Hepatitis D needs the Hepatitis B virus to replicate and develop, so in for you to develop Hepatitis D, you either have to be suffering from Hepatitis B or get infected with Hepatitis B at the same time.

Hepatitis E has no current treatment or vaccines for it.

Hepatitis may produce flu-like symptoms, in its primary stages and include: feeling of debility, mild fever, appetite loss, muscle or joint pains, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, Slight abdominal pain and fatigue. As the illness progresses, you may also experience jaundice, foul breath, dark or tea-colored urine and light colored stools. 

Although there is no current or specific remedy for Hepatitis A, in the majority of cases, it will resolve itself. The best course of treatment for Hepatitis is rest, combined with a high protein diet, which helps to repair the damaged liver cells and protect the liver.

Be advised that if you are ever in a situation where you administer CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation), specifically mouth-to-mouth, and the person vomits and you are unlucky enough to ingest it, you could easily become exposed to Hepatitis, if it turns out the person had it. I know this from personal experience, as it happened to me many years ago, while working as a Respiratory Therapist in a hospital and responded to a Code-Blue. Two weeks after this happened, blood tests revealed that I had become infected with Infectious Hepatitis and it was not a fun thing to go through.