Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammatory disease or disorder of the liver. There are five types of hepatitis but all are viral. Hepatitis type A can be transmitted through fecal-oral route, poor sanitation, contaminated food and water and direct contact to infected person. The incubation period is 15-50 days, this can occur with or without symptoms. Usual symptoms are body malaise, fatigue, anorexia, fever, headache, dark urine, jaundice and tender liver. Hepatitis type B can be transmitted through sexual contact with carriers, perinatal transmission, contaminated instruments like used syringes and parenteral transmission. The manifestations of hepatitis b is similar to type A, but there are additional symptoms like fever and respiratory problems. It is possible to have rashes and arthralgia; the incubation period is 25-160 days. Type c hepatitis can be transmitted through blood and blood products the incubation period is 15-160 days. This type of hepatitis is more viral and can cause chronic liver disease. Type D hepatitis transmission is the same with type b, the symptoms will usually appear at 21-140 days and the complication can lead to liver cirrhosis. Type E hepatitis is also the same with type A the first signs and symptoms will appear at 15-65 days and have a very severe complication to pregnant women.

In the assessment findings there are three stages of hepatitis this are the preicteric stage were the earliest symptoms appear. The icteric stage which occurs a few days to weeks after the preicteric stage the symptoms here is more fatal. The last stage is the posticteric stage, this is the most fatal and dangerous stage were the clients liver is targeting the necrosis or convalescent stage.

Laboratory findings and diagnostic studies is done to find out where to categorize a client. These are the liver function tests, prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time, antibody markers and bilirubin level. These results of all these tests will be elevated concluding to a diagnosis of hepatitis with the appropriate type.

There are preventive ways to not acquire hepatitis. The number best and very simple prevention is hand washing that is being proven by the world health organization. Having hepatitis vaccine is an artificial active immunization that protects a person from any type of hepatitis. Proper disposal of use syringes, needles and lancet. Observe proper food handling. Screening of blood donors is also a way to prevent from acquiring hepatitis.

With clients who have hepatitis, it is best to decrease activities and stay on bed to have an adequate rest. Proper nutrition is one of the aspects to energize the patient, by giving a high-calorie, low-fat diet in small and frequent feedings. Antacids and antiemetic are the drugs being given to hepatitis clients. Concerning the mechanism of the disease transmission it is still best to maintain a clean and proper environment.