Inflammation in the liver is hepatitis and is the most common cause of jaundice. The common causes of hepatitis are:
(a) Viral Hepatitis ( Hepatitis A, B, C, & E ):
This is the most common cause of jaundice in the community. In majority of patients the disease has got a self- limiting course. Very few patients have a fatal course and need for hospitalization. Hepatitis B & C are transmitted via infected blood and the liver completely recovers, However, some patients of HEPATITIS B & C GO INTO CHRONIC HEPATITIS AND CIRRHOSIS. How can Hepatitis B and C be prevented
HEPATITIS A & B can be prevented by VACCINATING the person against it. There is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C. Hepatitis B and C can be prevented by using SAFE AND SCREENED BLOOD, which is negative for these viruses.
(b) Alcoholic Hepatitis:
Alcoholic hepatitis is caused by EXCESS DRINKING of alcohol for a prolonged period of more than 10 years. This is a serious condition and can lead to complications which can be:
- Jaundice.
- Blood in vomitus.
- Black colured stools.
- Swelling of feet and abdomen.
- Coma.
This condition can be prevented by limiting the quantity of alcohol intake to 2-3 pegs/ day. Those who drink daily should refrain from drinking at least 2 days in a week. This gives time for the liver to recover from the toxic effects of alcohol.