Hepatitis is simply defined as an inflammation of the liver, and it may be caused by drugs, excessive use of alcohol, or certain medical conditions. However, the most common culprit behind the condition is a virus. This viral condition is commonly classified into three key forms: A, B, and C.
If you fear for even a moment you might have a type of hepatitis in Bethlehem, PA, you should take the time to learn which symptoms are most common and visit a professional right away. If you put it off, you could potentially put your life in danger, and no one should be put in such a position if treatments exist.
Symptoms
In some cases, there are no symptoms, but professionals such as Gastroenterology Associates can help you discover hepatitis even if you feel just fine. You can visit the website to learn about getting tested for the virus and how treatment could save your life. Symptoms can appear over time, which may include fatigue, nausea, pain in the stomach, lack of appetite, fever, or jaundice. If the B and C strains become chronic, you may not experience symptoms for years, which may mean liver damage over time.
Type A is highly contagious and can be passed from person to person in a number of different situations. Most symptoms mimic that of a mild cold, and many who are infected never even realize they were infected in the first place. This lack of severe symptoms is one of the reasons type A can spread quite far before detection, but the good news is that it does not cause long-term liver damage.
B and C
With type B, a percentage of the infected will carry it long-term, and 90 percent of infected infants will remain carriers for life. Over time, it can result in liver damage, failure, and even cancer. Type C is defeated after a short period that affects about 25 percent of those infected, but the rest carry the virus for years, leading to severe liver failure and cancer. Fortunately, there are many effective treatments for type C. Click here for more details.
