Hepatitis

DEFINITION

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver. There are
many causes of Hepatitis but the most common cause is viral
infection. There are many known Hepatitis viruses including
hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D and hepatitis
E.

DESCRIPTION

Once a virus has infected the liver, several things
happen:

The virus may cause no symptoms or damage at all, but can leave
the body of its own accord without patients being aware that they
were infected. This is called a sub-clinical infection.
The virus may cause no liver damage, but can continue to live
quietly in the liver and blood (this is called being a healthy
carrier).
The virus can cause an acute (short lived) illness, with
jaundice (turning yellow), nausea and a general feeling of being
unwell. This is acute Hepatitis. Usually acute Hepatitis will get
better completely and the virus will leave the body. Sometimes the
liver can recover completely but the virus stays in the liver and
blood (“healthy carrier”).
Sometimes a virus may cause chronic Hepatitis. This involves
damage to the liver which usually does not get better by itself.
The symptoms are not always obvious, Sometimes tiredness, nausea or
abdominal discomfort are the only symptoms.
If chronic Hepatitis goes on for several years the liver may
repair itself without much damage or it may respond by making scar
tissue. This tissue stops the liver from working properly and this
condition is called cirrhosis.
Very occasionally chronic damage to the liver from a Hepatitis
viruses may cause liver cancer.

Each type of Hepatitis has its own list of symptoms or in some
cases no obvious symptoms at all. The virus may be present and
passed on in body fluids (semen, vaginal secretions, saliva, and
blood). Symptoms may include gastric discomfort, clay coloured
stools and dark urine.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

As with all conditions your Doctor should be consulted to
diagnose and treat this condition. Ask your Doctor about the latest
advice for this ailment.

DIET HINTS

Avoid fatty foods such as butter, meat, fried and creamy foods
and chocolate. Fats, particularly saturated and heated fats, are
detrimental to the liver.
Avoid drinking alcohol as this places a strain on the
liver.
Drink plenty of fluids e.g., filtered water, juice, herbal teas
and broths.
Adequate protein is needed to repair damaged liver
tissue.
Limit the intake of refined carbohydrates such as sugar, white
flour, sweetened fruit juices, cakes and pastries as these place
stress on the liver.
A high fibre diet has been shown to increase the function of
the gall bladder and liver. Psyllium, pectin, guar gum, slippery
elm, oats, fruits and vegetables are good sources.
Fresh juices such as artichoke, carrot, spinach, grape, tomato
and beetroot may detoxify the liver and support the body.

VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS

Milk thistle can protect the liver, promote liver cell
regeneration and help reduce liver enzyme count.
Liquorice may be effective in treating viral hepatitis,
particularly chronic active hepatitis. (CAUTION: avoid using
liquorice in the presence of high blood pressure.
Vitamin C may have a beneficial action in treating viral
hepatitis as has anti-viral properties and can also improve immune
function.
Vitamin E is important for protection against liver damage and
to support immune function.
Zinc can support immune function.
Tumeric has anti-inflammatory benefits for liver
infection.

NOTES

With Hepatitis B, the partners of the previous two weeks may
be helped by a special globulin injection (not the vaccine),
available from your Doctor. All partners in the previous six months
should be tested. For those people who remain infectious (a
carrier) it is important to have future partners vaccinated.

ORGANISATIONS & SUPPORT GROUPS

See the Hepatitis C Organisations topic on the
Healthpoint.

PHARMACIST’S ADVICE

Ask your Pharmacist for advice.

Follow the Diet Hints.
Avoid the risk factors for contracting Hepatitis viruses.
Your Pharmacist may recommend some nutritional supplements if
the diet is inadequate.
Hepatitis B is the only sexually transmitted disease which has
a preventive vaccine. This is useful to protect partners of people
who carry the virus.

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