The hepatitis D virus is a well-known infection which causes the inflammation of the liver. The inflammation of your liver can result in liver problems and even liver cancer. This infection causes the liver of a man to function improperly and inefficiently.
The liver is known for the production of bile which is used for efficient digestion, breakdown of basic nutrients like fats and carbohydrates, activations of basic body enzymes, and synthesis of albumin. This condition occurs as a result of the hepatitis D virus.
There are particular areas of the world in which it is most rampant like Russia, the Mediterranean, Central Asia, South America, the Pacific Islands, and West Africa. It is, however, not rampant in the United States. The hepatitis D virus is a type of numerous hepatitis viruses.
The various types of hepatitis virus include:
Hepatitis A
This is the type of hepatitis virus which is contracted through the contamination of substances by faeces or the straight connection with faeces.
Hepatitis B
This particular type of hepatitis is transmitted by the contact with the body fluids of an infected person such as the blood, semen or saliva of such person.
Hepatitis C
This type of hepatitis virus is contracted through contact with infected needles or the blood of an infected person.
Hepatitis E
This particular type of hepatitis is similar to that of hepatitis A. However, it differs in a way because it changes in time.
The hepatitis D virus is very different as compared to the other types of hepatitis virus because it can only be contracted when an individual already has the hepatitis B virus. There are two forms of the hepatitis D virus which are the acute and chronic stage.
The acute stage of the hepatitis D virus usually occurs with various types of signs and symptoms and is most at times, abrupt. It usually fades away by itself with time. However, the acute form of the hepatitis D virus stays for six months. It is then known to be the chronic hepatitis D virus.
This chronic hepatitis D virus develops slowly as time progresses. Symptoms do not usually occur immediately as an individual is infected; it might take a few months before it shows. If this virus progresses, individuals who are infected tend to develop chronic health problems like liver damages or cirrhosis.
Currently, there is no known cure for the hepatitis D virus. However, some measures Can be taken to ensure that individuals with the hepatitis B virus do not contract the hepatitis D infection.
If a person is diagnosed with this virus on time, there can be measures taken to ensure that an individual does not develop liver problems or issues.
Symptoms of the Hepatitis D virus
Although there are not numerous symptoms associated with the hepatitis D diseases, there are some basic symptoms which are detected to be possible indications of the hepatitis D virus.
These symptoms include:
- Nausea and regular vomiting
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Dark-coloured urine
- Loss of appetite
- Jaundice
- Aches in muscles and joints
- Abdominal ache or pain
The symptom, which indicates that an individual has contracted the hepatitis D virus is similar to the symptoms which occur when a person has developed the hepatitis B infection. Most at times, the hepatitis D infection can cause the signs of the hepatitis B virus to worsen.
How is Hepatitis D contracted?
There are various means in which hepatitis D can be spread. It is well-known to be occurring by the hepatitis D virus. It is a very infectious disease which can be easily contracted through various means like blood, urine, semen, vaginal fluids and birth.
This infectious disease can be easily transmitted from an infected person to an uninfected person even if symptoms have not begun to show. It is quite common for individuals to develop both hepatitis B and hepatitis D concurrently.
Who is likely to contract Hepatitis D?
Some particular individuals in a society are at a larger risk of contracting the hepatitis D virus than others.
These persons include people who are diagnosed of having hepatitis B, individuals who make use of injectable drugs like heroin, men who engage in sexual activities with the same gender, and men who receive a transfusion of blood regularly.
How is Hepatitis D diagnosed?
Once you begin to notice symptoms of the hepatitis D virus, you must visit your doctor or therapist immediately. It is best if you diagnosed the hepatitis D virus on time so that you can be treated efficiently and prevent the further occurrence of health problems or complications.
If you experience a variety of symptoms of the hepatitis D, without experiencing jaundice, your therapist can diagnose that you have developed the hepatitis D infection.
To be certain of your health level, your therapist is most likely to carry out a series of blood tests to detect if your body has developed anti-hepatitis D antibodies. This is done because if you have developed these anti-hepatitis D antibodies, you have also contracted the hepatitis D virus.
You might also undergo a liver test to detect if your liver is functioning properly or has suffered some damages. It works by testing your level of liver enzymes and your levels of protein with the amount of bilirubin present in your body also.
The results which emerge from your liver test would be the major determinant to whether you have hepatitis D or not.
How is Hepatitis D treated?
Up to date, there is no known cure for the hepatitis D virus both the acute and chronic stage of the infection. Unlike the other types of hepatitis infections, antiviral drugs are not efficient when it comes to the treatment of the hepatitis D virus.
This is the major reason why you should prevent the contraction of this infection. Even after varieties of medications, you can still be tested positive for the hepatitis D virus. You must study your body regularly for the signs of the symptoms.
Most times, an individual who has contracted the hepatitis D virus and has suffered liver damages usually undergoes a liver transplant. This procedure is known as the replacement of a damaged liver with that of a new and healthy liver from a willing donor.
Most people who engaged in this transplant have lived for six years and longer.
The long-term outlook for people with Hepatitis D
The hepatitis D virus is an incurable disease which can later result in severe and chronic liver damages or issues. Once you suspect that you have developed hepatitis D virus, you must visit your doctor right away.
If you develop this infection and it does not get treated with time, you can develop liver problems, cancer of the liver and cirrhosis.
Men who have developed the chronic stage of the hepatitis D virus are more likely to have severe complications than men who develop the acute form of this infection.
How can Hepatitis D be prevented?
The best-known way to prevent the contraction of the hepatitis D virus is by avoiding the contraction of the hepatitis B virus.
There are basic measures in which you can employ to prevent the contraction of the hepatitis B infection like:
- To get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to prevent the contraction of the hepatitis B virus. This virus is suitable for children of all ages and gender. Adults who have a high chance of contracting this infection are also advised to get vaccinated. This vaccination usually comes in an injectable form and is administered for six months.
- Make use of protection. This is another proven way to prevent the contraction of the hepatitis D virus. You must make use of protection while having sex with any person. You should engage in safe sex unless you are certain that your partner does not have the hepatitis D infection or any other type of infection.
- Avoid the use of medications which are administered in injectable forms like cocaine or heroin. If the use of these drugs is necessary, it is important that you properly sterilize your equipment before you make use of them.
- Always be cautious of the places you get piercings or tattoos and the equipment used for this procedure. Make sure you get tattoos from places which sterilize their equipment properly.
Conclusion
Hepatitis D is a well-known infection which is caused by the hepatitis D virus. It is most rampant among individuals who are already diagnosed with the hepatitis B virus.
The symptoms which a person suffering from hepatitis D recognizes is similar to the symptom of the hepatitis B. symptoms which indicate that you have developed hepatitis D include tiredness, loss of appetite, fatigue, pains and aching.
One can contract this infection through body fluids like the urine and blood of an infected person. There is no known cure for the treatment of the hepatitis D virus.
However, it is best advisable to prevent the transmission of this infection through numerous ways of which engaging in safe sex is inclusive.
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