Hepatitis E Virus-Signs and Symptoms.
Hepatitis E – Transmission: Ingestion of faecal matter, as in HAV
At the High Risk : Occurs most often in people in their 20s and thirties. So far, most cases have occurred in Asia and Africa
Hepatitis E – Symptoms : The symptoms of viral hepatitis E are the same regardless of type: the earliest symptoms are nausea and vomiting. The nausea may me so severs, that an alcoholic may not like to have an alcoholic drink, and a confirmed smoker may refuse to smoke. Other symptoms include a mild fever, that doesn’t go away muscle aches, fatigue, loss of appetite and diarrhea, pain in the joints and upper abdomen. In acute hepatitis (the more serious stage of illness), the disease produces dark urine, pale faces, abdominal pain, yellowness in the whites of the eyes and then in the skin – the complex of symptoms known as “jaundice”.
One of the dreaded complications of viral hepatitis is hepatic coma, characterized by mental changes, disordered consciousness, and tremors, a peculiar mouth odor, raised levels of ammonia in the blood, and an abnormal electroencephalogram (ECG).
Hepatitis E – Severity: Causes moderate to severe acute hepatitis. Up to 20 percent of pregnant women infected with HWV die of the disease.
Hepatitis E – Treatment: Scientist have few effective treatments for chronic hepatitis. Corticosteroids are avoided by most physicians because there is a danger of vomiting blood.
The most essential part of treatment is supplying high-carbohydrate foods such as bread, jam, wheat, biscuits, rice, vegetables and potatoes. Fat may me stopped if the stools are pale white in color, which suggests obstructive jaundice. Otherwise it will help recovery if moderate (40-50G) fat is allowed. Alcohol has a toxic effect on the liver, while powerful chemicals in contraceptive pills could damage the liver further in chronic hepatitis.
Prevention : Maintain good hygiene, avoid eating uncooked food or drinking water from roadside eateries. Use caution in eating and drinking in countries with high rates of infection.
