World Hepatitis Day- Some Major Symptoms And Causes Of Hepatitis

World Hepatitis Day is observed each year on 28 July to raise awareness of viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that causes severe liver disease and hepatocellular cancer. Hepatitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis in some cases can progress to severe liver damage and liver cancer. Though alcohol abuse, certain medications, autoimmune diseases can lead to hepatitis, a viral infection is the most common cause. Viral hepatitis is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide.

What Are the Symptoms of Hepatitis?

Many patients with hepatitis infection do not experience symptoms. Symptoms of acute hepatitis include:

- Abdominal pain

- Loss of appetite

- Fatigue

- Nausea and Vomiting

- Weight loss

- Yellowing of skin and eyes

- Itching

- Joint pain

- Swelling in ankles and legs

- Easy bruising and bleeding

- Dark urine

- Pale stool

What Are the Causes of Non-Viral Hepatitis?

- Alcoholic hepatitis: Excessive intake of alcohol may result in liver inflammation. The disease may progress to cause severe damage to the liver tissues causing cirrhosis or liver cancer.

- Exposure to chemicals: Exposure to various toxins, including industrial chemicals, and certain medicines may cause hepatitis.

- Autoimmune disease: The immune system of the body attacks healthy liver cells and causes inflammation in the liver. This condition is known as autoimmune hepatitis.

- Genetic hepatitis: Various genetic diseases such as hemochromatosis, alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, and Wilson's disease results in liver inflammation.

- Ischemic hepatitis: Reduction or blockage in blood flow to the liver lead to liver inflammation. Venous insufficiency, shock, and heart failure may result in ischemic hepatitis.