World Hepatitis Day or WHD takes place every year on 28 July and it is designed to raise awareness about viral hepatitis and to influence real change. WHD, endorsed by the World Health Organization, unites patient organisations, governments, medical professionals, and civil society, as well as the public, to boost prevention measures for fighting viral hepatitis like vaccination.

In the simple terms, hepatitis means injury to your liver due to inflammation. There are five main types of hepatitis and the type that you are suffering from is determined by a laboratory test. All the five main types of hepatitis are caused by viruses. Out of the five, Hepatitis C and B are quite big. Globally, around 250 million people are affected by hepatitis C and 300 million people are estimated to be hepatitis B carriers.

Fact sheet on hepatitis

Hepatitis A & E is caused by consuming contaminated water.
Hepatitis B, C and D is transmitted through infected blood to blood contact.
Hepatitis C is usually spread via direct contact with the blood of an infected person.
The initial symptoms of hepatitis are the same as those of flu.
Hepatitis can heal on its own causing no significant liver damage; however, if it progresses, it can cause extensive liver scarring and extensive damage of your liver.
Most liver damage is caused by 3 hepatitis viruses, and these are hepatitis A, B and C. 

How do you safeguard yourself against infection from these three dangerous hepatitis viruses?

The most common cause of concer is that a lot of us who are infected with hepatitis, especially hepatitis B don t know that we are. The biggest bulwark against hepatitis is periodic testing and vaccination. Vaccination is available for most hepatitis viruses including A and B, which tend to be extra virulent.

So, do take care and go for periodic testing. We are reiterating this because if you are infected with hepatitis B and are not treated you can develop serious problems of the liver, including liver cancer. In fact, nearly 1 in 4 people living with hepatitis B develop serious liver problems including liver cancer. Hepatitis B related liver cancer is a leading cause of fatality and getting tested for hepatitis can help you access life-saving treatments that can prevent serious liver damage.

Other ways to prevent hepatitis are
Hepatitis A

Wash your hands with soap after using the toilet
Only consume freshly-cooked food
Only drink bottled or boiled water
Only eat fruits that can be peeled. Don t eat fruit that has been cut and kept
Avoid eating raw vegetables
Vaccinate yourself against hepatitis A if you travel a lot.
Hepatitis B

Practice safe sex by using condoms
Only use new syringes for injections
Do not share toothbrushes, razors, or manicure instruments with others
Vaccinate yourself against hepatitis B
Take care while getting tattooed. Only use brand new tattoo needles. Also, ask for new needles during acupuncture treatments.
Hepatitis C

Avoid sharing toothbrushes, razors, and manicure equipment
Cover open wounds if you are infected
Don t share needles. Always ask for fresh needles.
Use only well-sterilized equipment for acupuncture, piercing, and tattooing etc.
Cut down on alcohol
Do not share drug needles

World Hepatitis Day - Tips To Help You Prevent Yourself!

Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease of the liver that attacks a person when their immune system turns against their liver cells. This condition leads to a dysfunctional liver, which may cause disorders related to the organ. It is not known as to what causes this disease but specific genes are believed to be the reason behind autoimmune hepatitis. Autoimmune hepatitis manifests in the form of necrosis (death of living cells of the liver), hepatocellular inflammation, and later on also culminates in cirrhosis (scarring of the liver). 

A number of women than men are affected by autoimmune hepatitis. The signs and symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis include weakness, weight loss, fever, belly pain, diarrhea, skin rashes, edema, and yellowing of skin or eyes. There is no permanent cure for autoimmune hepatitis and it can be only managed with medicines. There are allopathic medicines to keep the disease under control but they have been found to have side effects. These side effects are not gentle on the body and if one wants to avoid them then Ayurvedic remedies come forward as the ideal option.

Swedana: A natural detoxification treatment, swedana refers to sweat generation therapy. In this therapy, the patient is made to sit in a closed steam chamber and is warmed with the help of steam that carries the aroma of several Ayurvedic herbs. These herbs induce sweating in the patient, thereby, removing the toxins sitting inside the body. Later, the patient is given a gentle massage to relax the body.
Apple cider vinegar: This gives relief in the case of autoimmune hepatitis by reducing the ammonia levels in the blood. High ammonia in blood is believed to cause an imbalance in the body and this imbalance disturbs the immune system, causing it to turn against the body.
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum): Milk thistle has properties that strengthen the immunity of the body. It also contains a flavonoid called silymarin that protects the liver from toxins. It has antioxidant properties that keep the liver damage in check and the anti-inflammatory agents that bring relief in swelling.
Giloy: This is a very potent herb that boosts the immune system of the body by increasing the fighting power of a particular type of white blood cells. It also balances the pH level of the body. It is a natural diuretic and thus, increases secretion of urine, helping to flush out the toxins from the body. Being anti-inflammatory and analgesic in nature, giloy controls swelling and also gives relief from pain.
Haldi (Turmeric): Turmeric is a natural immunity booster that is known to carry a compound called curcumin. This compound is a cleanser and a purifier. It removes the toxins and impurities from the body and the blood. This relaxes the liver and also restores its normal functions.
Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease that can be managed with Ayurvedic remedies but one also needs to make lifestyle changes to keep body s immunity in good shape. Abstinence from alcohol, smoking, and spicy foods are beneficial and so is regular exercise and plenty of water intake. These steps automatically increase the immunity of the body and thus, keeps the disease in check.

Ayurvedic Remedies For Autoimmune Hepatitis!

HepatitisThe problem of hepatitis is related to an inflammatory condition of liver. It occurs mainly due to infection caused by virus but there are other possible causes as well. Hepatitis can be temporary or viral. Temporary hepatitis, which is acute in nature, gets resolved on its own. Viral hepatitis can be of five types, A, B, C, D and E.

Now, let us discuss about the causes behind each type of hepatitis, which results in liver problem.

Causes

The fact that we have identified five types of Hepatitis, A, B, C, D and E, let s take a look at the causes behind the occurrence of all these types:

Hepatitis A: The most common way through which this type of virus gets transmitted, is through consuming food or water contaminated by wastes from a person infected with hepatitis A.
Hepatitis B: One can suffer from Hepatitis B, if one comes in contact with infectious body fluids like blood, secretions from vagina, semen, taking drugs through injections, containing the virus of Hepatitis B.
Hepatitis C: This is also transmitted when someone comes in direct contact with fluids of an infected person, through injection drugs and sexual contact. As per the reports of Union Health Ministry, about 1.2 crore people of India are suffering from Hepatitis C, with the worst affected region being North India.
Hepatitis D: It is a rare form of hepatitis, also known as delta hepatitis, occurs as a result of coming into direct contact with infected blood. Hepatitis D is rare because it only takes place in conjunction with hepatitis B infection.
Hepatitis E: This virus is mainly caused in areas of poor sanitation.  It is a waterborne disease, resulting from ingesting faecal matter that contaminates water supply. Cases of Hepatitis E have been mainly reported in Middle East, Asia, Central America and Africa.
Symptoms Of Hepatitis

Hepatitis, in its initial phase is called the acute phase. The following symptoms along with mild flu are visible:

Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Joint pains
Pain in the abdomen
Nausea
Weight loss
Jaundice
Though this phase is not really dangerous but for some patients, it can result in liver failure leading to death. 

Treatment for Hepatitis

Treatment options for different types of hepatitis are:

Hepatitis A: This doesn t require treatment as it is short-term in nature. In case the symptoms cause a lot of discomfort, then bed rest is recommended. Vaccine is available to prevent this infection.
Hepatitis B: Acute Hepatitis B doesn t require treatment either. Its chronic form can be treated with antiviral medications. This can be prevented with vaccination.
Hepatitis C: This type of hepatitis, both in its acute and chronic forms, is treated through antiviral medications.
Hepatitis D: According to a study in 2013, a drug known as alpha interferon is used to treat this type of hepatitis but unfortunately this only comes to the rescue of 25-30% people.
Hepatitis E: This acute form of hepatitis gets resolved on its own. Adequate rest, drinking sufficient amount of water and taking enough nutrients in their food are some of the ways to get healed from this disease.

Hepatitis - Know The Types & Their Signs!

Autoimmune hepatitis is a liver disease that causes damage to the liver cells because the immune system of the individual turns against the body. The attack of the immune system on the liver causes it to become inflamed and the inflammation impairs the functions of the liver. The patient suffering from autoimmune hepatitis experiences symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, weakness, weight loss, and edema.



Anyone experiencing these symptoms should become cautious about their condition and get it diagnosed because if left untreated, it can lead to liver cirrhosis and liver failure.

Ayurvedic treatment concept of autoimmune hepatitis: Autoimmune hepatitis is caused when the immune system of the body turns against itself and Ayurveda believes that this happens when there is an imbalance between the three physical energies   vata, pitta, and kapha. In case of autoimmune hepatitis, the pitta becomes vitiated causing the kapha to evaporate, which is a prime component of the immune system. This disrupts the immunity and causes problems in the liver. So, Ayurveda seeks to correct this vitiation and it does so with the help of medicines and cleansing techniques that would strengthen the liver and boosts its functions.

Immunity boosting Ayurveda treatment: The Ayurvedic treatment for autoimmune hepatitis focuses on medicines that have immunity-enhancing and liver-protecting properties. The idea is to increase the immunity of the body and to control and cure the damage done to the liver cells. Specific medicines such as curcumin and giloy have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which restore the liver muscles and give relief from swelling. They also possess detoxification properties which cleanse the toxins built up in the liver as a result of the vitiation of the pitta dosha. The external detox procedures such as swedana and virechana also work by flushing out the toxins so that the body is cleansed of the dosha and feels at ease.

Ayurveda treatment benefits in autoimmune hepatitis: Ayurveda treats autoimmune hepatitis in a comprehensive manner. The remedies work to correct all the causes, that is, the hostile immune system and the damaged liver cells. Unlike allopathic medicines that try to give temporary relief by suppressing the symptoms, Ayurveda aims to bring permanent relief by addressing the causes that have led to the symptoms. With Ayurveda, one can be sure of finding lasting relief and that too without any side effects. The medicines and treatments are conducive to the body and are prescribed after complete diagnosis of the condition by an Ayurveda expert.

This is why one should go to a credible Ayurvedic practitioner for the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis. Based on the patient s condition, a particular type of treatment is prescribed.  Ayurvedic medications work in all types of patients. All one needs is an expert to treat the disease. Last but not the least, Ayurveda places a huge emphasis on diet and lifestyle and the patient must adhere to the do's and don ts prescribed by their doctor.

Know How Ayurveda Can Work For Autoimmune Hepatitis

Exposure of hepatitis A virus can cause severe liver infection, which is usually lighter and resolves by itself. There is a considerable difference in the symptoms and duration of the disease, in which many people do not see any signs. Two of the symptoms associated with hepatitis A infections are fever and joint. If you drink water or food which has become contaminated with the stools of someone with the virus, then you can catch the disease. You may also be infected, if you:

1. Eat fruits, vegetables, or other foods that were contaminated during handling
2. Eat chopped raw shellfish with water that has a virus
3. Swallow the contaminated snow

If you have this infection, your liver may be swollen due to your virus. You do not always get symptoms, but when you do, you may have:

Jaundice
Pain in your stomach
loss of appetite
Nausea
Fever
Diarrhoea
Fatigue
Children generally have diseases with some symptoms. You can develop hepatitis A virus approximately 2 weeks before your symptoms appear and they appear during the first week, or even if you do not have any.

If you are prone to the disease:

Stay with someone who is infected
Visit the country where Hepatitis A is common
How is it detected?
Blood tests enable doctors to detect it.

Is there a prolong effect?
Usually, the virus does not cause any long term issues or complexities. But as per the CDC, 10% to 15% people with Hepatitis A will have symptoms that last for long periods or come back in the 6- to 9 month s period. In rare cases, some people may suffer liver damage or require transplantation.

Is there a Hepatitis A Vaccine?
Yes, Vaccination is suggested:

Visitors to places of the world with an increase infection in hepatitis A.
Men who had stayed with an infected person.
People with blood clotting problems
Any person with prolong liver disease
What is the treatment?
There is no treatment to cure this disease. Your doctor can take such tests to check your liver function to make sure that your body is recovering.

Receiving vaccination is your best protection. If you come in exposure with someone with hepatitis A, you can get a particular drug called immune globulin within 2 weeks.
Good hygiene is also necessary. After using the bathroom, always wash your hands with soap and water, after changing the diapers, before and after managing the food.
If you have symptoms of Hepatitis A or infection then meet your doctor. Vaccination within two weeks of contact with Hepatitis A can help against the development of infection.
Patients with preexisting liver disease should be vaccinated as occurrence of hepatitis A can lead to risk to life.

Hepatitis A - Cases Where Vaccination Is Beneficial!

Hepatitis A is a viral infection caused by the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV). It infects the liver causing it to become inflamed and dysfunctional that causes discomfort to the individual. It is necessary to treat the infection on time because if it is taken lightly, it can become chronic. So, the symptoms such as fever, jaundice, weight loss, and nausea should not be ignored. It should be treated on time and Ayurveda offers to be a complete and side-effect free treatment procedure that can give one permanent cure.



Pitta imbalance in Hepatitis A
According to Ayurveda, any liver infection or disease is caused by the aggravation of pitta in the liver. It is believed that when the pitta becomes vitiated, the body experiences problems. Since the liver is governed by pitta, any aggravation in this life energy instantly affects the liver and makes it prone to infections and diseases. In case of hepatitis A too, the pitta becomes aggravated because of the viral infection and thus, the Ayurvedic remedies and therapies seek to correct this imbalance.

Toxin elimination in Hepatitis A
When the liver is infected by the HAV virus, it is weakened and cannot function to its full potential. It is not able to flush out the toxins properly, which causes the toxins to build up in the liver, causing pitta imbalance. Therefore, the elimination of these toxins also becomes a part of the hepatitis A treatment. The Ayurvedic medicines such as katuki, triphala, and bhumi amla come armed with strong detoxification action and thus, remove the toxins from the system. Even external therapies such as virechana work to cleanse the system of the patient and purify the blood, which relaxes the entire body.

Strengthening digestive system
In hepatitis A, the liver is affected by the infection and since the liver is directly related to metabolism, the infection takes a toll on the digestion too. So, Ayurveda tries to boost the digestive system too and it does so with the help of medicines and regulated diet. The medicines restore the health of the liver and the regulated diet makes sure that no strain is passed on the liver. Also, abstinence from alcohol and smoking further boosts the immunity and expedites healing.

Ayurvedic treatment effects
The impact of Ayurvedic treatment is highly beneficial for the liver. They relax the inflamed liver walls and repair the liver cells helping it revert to its normal state so that it can function properly. They also cure the symptoms like fever, jaundice, weight loss, stomach pain by boosting immunity. The digestion is taken care of too in ayurvedic treatment and thus, the healing happens at a faster rate.

Ayurveda is highly recommended in cases of hepatitis A as the medicines and remedies are not harsh on the body and there is no fear of side-effects. The recovery is comfortable for the patient, irrespective of age, and they can be sure of lasting relief. So, as soon as the infection is diagnosed, the treatment should be started as early treatment helps in quick recovery.

In case you have a concern or query, you can always consult an ayurvedic doctor for proper line of treatment.

Hepatitis A - Top Ayurvedic Remedies For It!

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