Chronic inflammation of the liver is a dangerous disease. Symptoms appear so late that the liver is often irreparably damaged. But you can protect yourself!
There are many causes of liver inflammation. Alcohol and an unhealthy diet can cause liver inflammation, as can certain drugs and viruses. In some people, their own immune system also turns against the liver. In this case it is an autoimmune disease.
Which viruses cause liver inflammation?
The most common causes of liver inflammation include infections with the hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D, or E. They can be broadly divided into those that are transmitted through food (A and E) and those that are transmitted through blood or sexual intercourse be (B, C and D).
While the first group usually triggers an acute inflammation and heals up again, the other forms can be chronic and put a permanent strain on the liver. Unrecognized, chronic liver inflammation can cause cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver failure.
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There is currently no effective vaccination against the hepatitis C virus. But there are effective drugs. However, they are quite expensive and are therefore rarely used in many countries.
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How to protect yourself against hepatitis C.
The most common form of liver inflammation is hepatitis C. It is transmitted through blood or unprotected sex. Many people who find out about hepatitis C infection after a blood test have no idea how they got infected and don’t even notice it. By doing this, they can easily help spread the disease. And that is exactly what is about to change now.
Regular test for hepatitis C from 35 years of age
For a few months now, a test for hepatitis C has been included in the preventive medical check-ups for all people aged 35 and over. In this way, the disease can be diagnosed, treated and, as a rule, cured at an early stage.
The only thing you have to do: go to your doctor’s examination – and make sure that your liver stays healthy. You are also helping to achieve the goal of the World Health Organization (WHO): eradicating hepatitis C by 2030!
How to protect yourself against hepatitis A and E.
Hepatitis A and E are transmitted through foods that contain the virus and that have not been heated sufficiently. There is a vaccination against hepatitis A. It is best to discuss with your doctor whether you should be vaccinated. Many people are infected with hepatitis A in countries where the hygiene in handling water and food is not as good as it is here. Therefore, you should only eat cooked or peeled food there and either buy the water in bottles or boil it.
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Liver inflammation can also be caused by alcohol abuse, environmental toxins and autoimmune diseases. However, hepatitis viruses also play an important role.
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The hepatitis E virus, which has been on the rise in Germany for some time, is mainly found in pork from domestic and wild boar and in mussels. Therefore, make sure to cook these foods through.
How to protect yourself against hepatitis B and D.
Hepatitis B and D are very rare diseases in Western Europe. The viruses are transmitted through sexual intercourse and blood. Since the hepatitis D virus can only occur in combination with hepatitis B, it is important to protect yourself against hepatitis B – and this works best with a vaccination. Again, you should discuss with your doctor whether you should be vaccinated.
In any case, it makes sense not to share any utensils with infected people through which blood can be transmitted. Since the smallest amounts of blood can be sufficient, this includes – in addition to drug instruments and tattooing instruments – toothbrushes and razors.
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Medicines are said to help with hepatitis C.
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DPA – Angelika Warmuth
Conclusion
You can protect yourself well against hepatitis caused by viruses. There is a vaccination against hepatitis A and B. In the future, every adult aged 35 and over will be tested for hepatitis C at regular medical check-ups and, if an infection is present, treated with very effective medication. The best way to protect yourself against hepatitis E is to cook all types of pork, including mussels, well.
Expert in the studio: Dr. Andreas Teufel, Professor of Hepatology at the Mannheim University Hospital
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