Hepatitis B - Symptom, Treatment And Causes

The invention of biological vaccines has proven beneficial to mankind. Vaccination has helped save millions of lives in the last century and continue to form an effective barrier against a host of debilitating diseases. We may state that vaccines represent a miracle of modern science, but citizens need to follow a schedule devised by experts. The Indian Academy of Pediatrics indicates global trends in vaccination and analyzes their efficacy in fending off pathogens by strengthening bodily immunity in human beings. The association creates a list of recommended vaccines and changes in immunization schedules.

What is an immunization schedule?
First of all, it is important to understand what immunization is. It is a procedure that protects human beings and animals from specific diseases. The vaccine is a scientifically developed product which helps defend animal bodies from a range of conditions. This protection can be achieved in two ways; either the person naturally contracts and recovers from the disease or is injected with ‘shots’ for an artificially formulated and manufactured vaccine.

Immunization has played major role in controling infectious diseases. Small pox,a killer disease, has been wiped out. Immunization has changed health and practice of medicine for the better.

Here is the immunization schedule specified by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics for the prevention of diseases.

1. BCG or Bacillus Calmette-Guerin: This vaccine offers protection from fatal diseases such as tuberculosis, and it is administered to newborn babies. In case the child has missed a dose, the vaccine may be administered till the child attains one year of age.
2. DPT or Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus Toxoid: As the name suggests, this vaccine offers protection from diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus. There are five doses of the disease; the three primary treatments are given during the 6th, 10th, and 14th week of a newborn’s life. The first booster dosage is administered later at the age of 16 months and 24 months, while the second booster dose is given at the age of 5 years to 6 years.
3. Hepatitis B: This immunization offers protection from Hepatitis B. A child is required to take four doses of this vaccination. The first dose needs to be taken at birth, and the subsequent doses follow in the 6th, 10th, and 14th week.
4. Measles- Lyophilized: This protects newborns from measles. An individual needs to take two doses. The first dose must be taken between the ages of 9 months and 12 months. The second one is given at the age of 16 months to 24 months.
5. Tetanus toxoid: It is important to take two doses of tetanus toxoid for protection against tetanus. A woman has to take this immunization during her pregnancy.
6. Japanese Encephalitis: This vaccination provides relief from Japanese Encephalitis or brain fever. This virus is active in almost all parts of Asia. Two doses of this vaccine are administered, wherein the first one needs to be taken between 9 months and 12 months of age. The second dosage must be taken between 16 months and 24 months.

Thus, following the immunization schedule devised by your child’s pediatrician is crucial, and must be followed diligently. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

We live in an age where every single individual, more or less, is exposed to the risk of cancer. It is probably an unfavorable lifestyle we lead that deprives us of good health. This might alarm many but considerable changes in lifestyle can help you realize cancer as a preventable disease. Cancer does not only make you undergo severe suffering but it also affects your friends and family. The pallor of misery spreads wider than you think.

• Abstain from tobacco: Consuming raw tobacco or smoking tobacco can be equally detrimental to your health. Tobacco increases your chances of contracting the disease. As is known, passive smoking can also affect your health adversely. Tobacco can be the potential cause behind cancer of the mouth, throat, larynx, lungs, oral cavity and even the pancreas. It might harm your kidneys and cervix. It is upon you to quit tobacco at the earliest possible. One should also try and persuade friends and relatives to give up smoking.
• Drink alcohol in moderation: Complete abstinence from alcohol might not be possible if you have already been ushered into your work- life. The society might require you to be an occasional drinker. It is important to drink in moderation. Crossing the limit can propel consequences as serious as cancer of the stomach, pancreas, liver and the heart.
• A balanced and nutritious diet: Deciding on a plant- based diet or a Mediterranean diet can aid your fight against the risk of cancer. A Mediterranean diet will involve green leafy vegetables, lots of fresh fruits, whole grains, mixed nuts, legumes and also the use of extra- virgin olive oil. Fish can be a safe bet but red meat should be avoided. One must also try to avoid processed meat as they tend to make you prone to the risk of cancer.
• Immunization: Hepatitis B and HPV or Human papilloma virus vaccines are extremely necessary to protect you against the sexually transmitted types of cancer.
• Sun protection: Caring for your skin doesn't arise from vanity. Skin cancer is one of the most prevalent kinds of cancer; the chances of this disease can be restricted by remaining in shade especially during midday, by wearing covered clothes and by using a good sunscreen lotion repeatedly while outside.
• Exercise diligently: Did you think it was okay to have weaker muscles and bulging layers of fat? If yes, you probably have grown numb to the inadequacies you face in result. Unchecked fat can lead to obesity which further complicates health conditions. Metabolic activity differs from person to person. Regular exercising can help regulate metabolism according to the needs of your body. Physical exercise protects you against the risk of breast and colon cancer. Moderate or vigorous physical activity for 150 to 75 minutes a week respectively can reduce the risk of cancer. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a oncologist.

Anything in excess is bad for the body. The same goes with iron, which is believed to be essential for various functions.

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HHC) is a hereditary condition where the way the body absorbs and stores iron are affected, leading to excessive iron deposits in various internal organs and leading to multiple complications. Read on to know more about this condition.

Causes: HHC is caused by the mutation (alteration) of a gene that controls the amount of iron absorbed into the body. A hormone called hepcidin is secreted by the liver and controls iron absorption and storage. In HHC, the role of hepcidin is altered, leading to excess amounts of iron absorption and storage in various major organs, especially the liver. Over time, this excess iron can cause conditions like diabetes, cirrhosis, and heart failure.

Risk Factors: The condition runs in families, and if you have a family member with known HHC, the chances of having HHC are quite high. Though the disease develops right at birth, symptoms manifest only later in life, at about 50-plus years of age. Men who carry two copies of the mutated gene and hail from Northern Europeans are more prone to develop HHC.

Symptoms: There are no specific symptoms pointing to HHC in the early stages, and these include joint pains, abdominal pain, fatigue, and weakness. Over a period of time, these can lead to associated symptoms of conditions like cirrhosis, heart failure, impotence, diabetes, etc.

Diagnosis: Blood tests are done to diagnose the amount of iron in the system. Fasting transferrin saturation and serum ferritin are two important tests, and increased transferrin saturation is very indicative of HHC. In addition, liver function tests are done to check the extent of liver damage. MRI examination also will help identify the areas of iron overload and extent of liver damage (if any). Liver biopsy can help identify iron overload and liver damage. Gene mutation tests are also useful in confirming the condition.

Treatment-

1. Depending on the excessive amount of iron deposited, phlebotomy which requires removal of iron is advised. About 400 to 500 mL of blood can be removed once a week or in two weeks.

2. From a prevention point of view, hepatitis A and B vaccines should be given.

3. In very severe cases, liver transplantation could be considered.

4. Monitor for other symptoms like diabetes, cirrhosis and liver failure.

In addition, once the diagnosis is confirmed and phlebotomy initiated, iron levels should be monitored periodically to ensure it is not exceeding the desired levels. This can help in the prevention of complications, which are more causes for concern than the actual HHC condition per se. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a pediatrician.

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver, which may often progress to dangerous complications. There are many types of Hepatitis and each has its own particular set of causes, symptoms, mode of contraction and treatment procedures. Here are the main types of Hepatitis as well as some of the factors which may cause Hepatitis:

Types

1. Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A virus infection causes this condition. The Hepatitis A virus comes from food or water contaminated with the feces of someone contaminated with Hepatitis A. This is not a chronic form of Hepatitis.
2. Hepatitis B: This is a chronic form of Hepatitis. It is spread through body fluid, such as blood, saliva and semen. The possible causes of Hepatitis B include use of drugs through injections, having sex with an infected partner and sharing razors or other intimate articles with someone who is infected.
3. Hepatitis C: This is also a chronic form of Hepatitis.The most common causes of Hepatitis C are injection drug use or having sex.
4. Hepatitis D: This is a not a chronic form of Hepatitis and is also very uncommon. It is usually contracted along with Hepatitis B. It is usually caused due to puncture wounds or contact with infected blood.
5. Hepatitis E: This is the most uncommon form of Hepatitis. It is due to poor sanitation and ingesting fecal matter. It is usually found in developing countries.

Causes

1. Virus: This is the usual way of contracting Hepatitis. The virus attacks the liver and causes inflammation leading to the breakdown of a number of body systems.
2. Alcohol and other toxins: Alcohol and certain prescribed medications cause the liver to swell and that is why this form of Hepatitis is known as alcoholic Hepatitis.
3. Autoimmune disease: This is the rarest cause of Hepatitis. The immune system malfunctions and begins destroying its own tissues. It attacks the liver because it perceives the liver to be a foreign object.

Related Tip: "What Are The 5 Types Of Viral Hepatitis And How Can You Prevent It?"

Many infections can be caused due to high-risk sexual behavior. These are known as'sexually transmitted infection (STI). These can be bacterial viral parasitic commonly.
Among many infections, only two are preventable by use of vaccines, HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) and Hepatitis B Virus. It is best to take them before the onset of sexual activity. However, something is better than nothing. So even after the start of sexual life, one can get these. Both vaccines have three injections in the first 6 months.