Chronic hepatitis can be asymptomatic

Chronic hepatitis unites under a single name a whole group of liver diseases that have biochemical signs of impaired liver cell functions. This disease can have the following forms: inactive (persistent) and active (aggressive). There are a large number of classifications of this disease according to different criteria.

The causes of hepatitis are quite diverse. Often acute hepatitis of a viral nature, the course of which is prolonged or relapses occur, becomes chronic. In some cases, this disease occurs in patients suffering from the following chronic diseases: pancreatitis, gastritis, cholelithiasis and others. Chronic hepatitis can develop as a consequence of toxic or toxicoallergic liver damage that can occur when taking medication, alcoholism, exposure to lead compounds, chloroform, and aminazine. Sometimes the disease develops with radiation injuries.

Secondary chronic hepatitis can occur if there are pathogens of tuberculosis, syphilis, brucellosis, malaria in the human body. In children, he happens with hereditary or congenital diseases, among them: a violation of the exchange of copper (Wilson-Konovalov's disease), fatty degeneration of the liver - steatohepatitis, cystic fibrosis. In some cases, the immune system fails, and then antibodies are produced to the kidney and liver cells. As a result, the autoimmune form of hepatitis develops. Sometimes it is not possible to find out the etiology of the disease.

In typical cases, chronic hepatitis symptoms are subtle, especially this is characteristic for the onset of the disease. Sometimes it happens that there are no noticeable signs, even when there is cirrhosis of the liver or cancer. Most often, with the development of a chronic form of hepatitis, the following symptoms first appear: increased fatigue, weakness, poor appetite or lack of it, joint pain, abdominal discomfort, sleep disorders, depression. In addition, there may be hives, nausea, the color of urine and feces changes. Jaundice appears in the last turn, and in some cases even absent.

With such a disease as chronic hepatitis, there is necessarily an increase in the liver, which is often accompanied by a similar process in the spleen. Depending on the form of the disease, this symptom manifests itself in different ways. With a low-active form, the liver is enlarged slightly, the soreness is very weak, splenomegaly is not observed. The persistent hepatitis has not progressed for a long time. If the patient complies with all the doctor's prescriptions, including a diet, then it is quite real recovery.

For active chronic hepatitis is characterized by an increase in the spleen, as well as hemorrhagic manifestations, such as nosebleeds and gums, hemorrhages under the skin. With this form, the liver becomes more dense, painful and increases in size. Even slight deviations from the diet can cause a relapse. With an aggressive form of hepatitis, exacerbations occur quite often, which leads to changes in the liver of a morphological nature, and ultimately to an irreversible process like necrosis.

To make a correct diagnosis, serological, clinical and biochemical studies, ultrasound, and if necessary, a liver biopsy. Treatment of this disease is prescribed taking into account the following factors: the activity of the disease, the state of immunity, the effects of alcohol and drugs, the presence of pathologies in other organs and systems. In order for a patient with this serious illness to feel well for many years, he must follow the doctor's prescription, lead a healthy lifestyle, follow a diet, and avoid exposure to harmful substances.