Hepatitis Early Warning Signs And Symptoms

The liver is one of the most important organs in the body. People cannot live without their liver, thus the name. There are numerous illnesses and conditions that can impact the liver. It is the job of the liver to remove toxins from the body. If the liver is not functioning properly, toxins will build up in the bloodstream, leading to serious illnesses. Therefore, it is critical for people to stop some of the early signs of liver damage. This includes hepatitis.

Hepatitis is a condition that leads to inflammation of the liver. Sometimes, people develop hepatitis due to an autoimmune condition. In other situations, people may develop an infection that leads to hepatitis. If the liver is inflamed, it is not functioning properly. Therefore, toxins could build up in the body. The sooner hepatitis is diagnosed, the faster it can be treated. This can improve someone’s overall prognosis. What are some of the most common signs and symptoms of hepatitis? Why is it important to diagnose this condition early?

The Importance of Diagnosing Hepatitis Early

It is critical to diagnose hepatitis as early as possible. There are some types of hepatitis that can be treated, or even cured, allowing individuals to make a full recovery. This could lead to a drastic improvement in someone’s overall quality of life.

The overall prognosis of hepatitis depends on the type. For example, some people who are diagnosed with Hepatitis A may never have to go to a hospital. This is not a condition that usually leads to long-term inflammation of the liver. Even though Hepatitis B can lead to severe symptoms, most individuals have a great chance of recovering completely. On the other hand, hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis. Cirrhosis of the liver can lead to permanent complications.

Clearly, these types of hepatitis vary widely in terms of their prognosis. Therefore, it is critical to diagnose hepatitis quickly so that the appropriate treatment process can begin. The only way this is going to happen is if people understand some of the early signs and symptoms of hepatitis. There are other types of hepatitis as well.

The Early Symptoms of Hepatitis

First, it is important to understand how people may develop hepatitis. For example, some people develop hepatitis as a sexually transmitted infection. Other people develop hepatitis after eating food that may not have been cooked properly. Some people develop hepatitis following exposure to an insect, such as a tick or mosquito.

Sometimes, it could take weeks, or even months, for symptoms of hepatitis to show up. That is why it is important for people to see a doctor on an annual basis for their physical exam. Sometimes, hepatitis will show up in blood work even though people may still feel okay.

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of hepatitis include:

• Some individuals develop pain underneath the right side of the rib cage, which is where the liver is located
• Some individuals will develop jaundice, which usually shows up in the eyes before it appears in the skin
• Individuals may also develop high, spiking fevers
• It is not unusual for people to experience changes in their bathroom habits
• Sometimes, individuals notice a shift and the color of their stool to a black or grey color
• Fatigue is also common with hepatitis
• Easy bruising or bleeding is also common in certain types of hepatitis
• Swelling of certain parts of the body, including the feet, ankles, and legs, is common

These are just a few of the most common signs and symptoms of hepatitis. These symptoms will worsen over time at the condition is not appropriately treated. Importantly, the symptoms of hepatitis can vary depending on how long someone has had hepatitis and the exact type of hepatitis that individual has.

How Is Hepatitis Diagnosed and Treated?

There are several ways that hepatitis can be diagnosed. First, individuals often present with the symptoms above. Then, a lot of doctors will perform blood work. In some situations, doctors may even want to do a biopsy of the liver to look for signs of cirrhosis.

The treatment of hepatitis will depend on its severity. For example, some people will be placed on antiviral medication if the doctor believes the hepatitis is due to an infection of some sort. Furthermore, individuals who have been diagnosed with hepatitis will have to abstain from drinking alcohol, as this would otherwise place a tremendous amount of stress on the liver. Doctors may also administer intravenous fluids if these are necessary to correct electrolytes. Medications will be used to reduce inflammation and give the liver a rest. The recovery process following hepatitis can be prolonged. Therefore, it is important for everyone to be patient and listen to the instructions of a doctor