When an individual first develop hepatitis, it is called acute hepatitis. Hepatitis can also become a long-term disease known as chronic hepatitis. It gradually destroys the liver. Chronic hepatitis also appears to increase the risk of liver cancer.
The liver performs a wide range of functions, including:
* Detoxification (filters harmful substances form the blood, such as alcohol)
* Storage of vitamins A, D, K and B12 (also stores minerals)
* Syntheses of protein (makes certain amino acids)
* Production of biochemicals needed for digestion, such as bile
* Maintenance of proper levels of glucose in the blood
* Production of body's cholesterol (cholesterol is vital for our health)
* Storage of glycogen after conversion from glucose to glycogen
* Decomposition of red blood cells
* Syntheses of plasma protein
* Production of hormones
* Production of urea (the main substance of urine)
SYMPTOMS OF HEPATITIS
Though some people with the disease may not have any of these problems, but there are four common symptoms frequently seen with hepatitis.
* Jaundice
* Loss of Appetite
* Muscle and Joint Aches
* Fatigue
Hepatitis is categorized into 'acute' and 'chronic' phases.The initial phase of hepatitis is called the acute phase. The symptoms include: Diarrhea, Fatigue, Loss of appetite, Mild fever, Muscle or joint aches, Nausea, Slight abdominal pain, Vomiting and Weight loss.
As the patient gets worse, these symptoms may follow: Circulation problems, Dark urine, Dizziness, Drowsiness, Enlarged spleen, Headache, Hives, Itchy skin, Light colored feces (the feces may contain pus), Yellow skin, tongue and whites of eyes.
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