Hepatitis is a condition that affects the functioning of the liver. Located in the right upper area of the abdomen, the liver is one of the most important organs in the human body. The liver performs various important functions like bile production, toxin filtration, and protein breakdown, among many others. When the liver gets inflamed, the condition is known as hepatitis. The most common cause of this disease is a viral infection. However, there can be many other possible causes of hepatitis.

About Hepatitis
The five types of viral hepatitis are A, B, C, D, and E. A distinct and different virus causes each of these types of hepatitis. While hepatitis A is considered to be an acute condition, B, C, and D are considered to be chronic. Hepatitis E is harmful, especially for pregnant women.

Factors that cause noninfectious hepatitis are consumption of alcohol, overconsumption of certain medicines or chemically treated illegal substances, and autoimmune responses.

As per reports, nearly 4.4 million citizens in the country are diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B and C. Moreover, there are individuals who are unaware of the condition they are suffering from. This happens due to the gradual progression of the symptoms of hepatitis.

Symptoms of Hepatitis
If you suffer from the disease, which is chronic in nature, like types B and C, you may not experience any signs or symptoms in the initial stages. The symptoms of hepatitis may be experienced in the first or the second week.

The common symptoms of hepatitis are given below. Since chronic hepatitis develops slowly, these symptoms and signs may be too subtle to notice:

• Fatigue including constant physical tiredness and mental exhaustion
• Flu-like symptoms including a high temperature and weakness
• Dark urine and pale stools, which are a sign of natural chemical imbalance in the body
• Abdominal pain which may be felt both while sitting or standing
• Loss of appetite which prevents the patient from taking in the necessary amount of nutrition
• Unexplained weight loss
• Yellow skin and eyes which may be an indication of jaundice

It is imperative that you be alert and keep a watch for such symptoms of hepatitis. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the above signs for immediate treatment. Best ways to prevent this condition from arising are to maintain proper hygiene and ensure that all vaccines for this disease are taken.