Liver diseases are rapidly becoming a major public health issue worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), liver disease occurs for more than 2 million deaths annually, with liver disease related to viral hepatitis and alcohol. Motionless lifestyle, dietary patterns, increase in alcohol consumption, and increase in contact with infectious agents have contributed to an increase in all liver related diseases. The most common conditions are viral hepatitis and intoxicating liver disease (ALD), both can cause irreversible liver damage when not addressed early.

What is viral hepatitis?

Viral hepatitis is caused by liver infection by one of many viruses: hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Each type has a different mode of transmission and disease progression.

“Hepatitis A and E are usually spread through contaminated food or water, while hepatitis B, C, and D are transmitted through blood or body fluids – such as unsafe sex, needle sharing, or from mother to child during baby child,” Dr. Rajesh Padan, Clinical Director, Department of Gastroterology and Hepatology, is reported at Marngo Azia Hospital.

Hepatitis A and E are usually intense infections that often resolve on their own. However, hepatitis B and C can remain in the form of chronic infections, over time can harm the liver and increase the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.

What is an alcoholic liver disease?

Unlike viral hepatitis, intoxicating liver disease is not contagious. This is the direct result of excessive and prolonged alcohol intake. The liver plays a major role in breaking alcohol, but the chronic consumption leads to inflammation and scar of the liver.

Dr. Rajesh Padan says, “ALD progresses in steps – from fatty liver (steetosis) to alcoholic hepatitis and finally cirrhosis continues if the use of alcohol continues,” Dr. Rajesh says Padan. “This damage is perfectly preventive and lifestyle is contained in options, especially alcohol consumption.”

Biological factors also play a role. Women are more susceptible to ALD how alcohol is metabolized in their body. In addition, the disease can increase from genetic tendency, poor nutrition and pre -existing liver conditions.

How do symptoms vary?

In the early stages of both conditions, there may be no symptoms. However, as the liver is rapidly damaged, the symptoms often overlap.

“In viral hepatitis, especially in its intense form, symptoms may have a sudden onset of fever, dark urine, yellow stool, muscle pain and jaundice,” Dr. Share the footsteps. “With ALD, symptoms develop slowly and may include loss of blood vessels like appetite, weight loss, stomach problems, red palms and skin on the skin, especially in advanced stages such as cirrhosis.”

Diagnosis and treatment

Both diseases require extensive clinical approaches, including liver function tests, imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scan, and sometimes liver biopsy.

“In viral hepatitis, specific blood markers help to identify the virus,” Dr. It is called Padan. “For ALD, we assess the level of liver enzyme and take a detailed history of alcohol use.”

Treatment vary greatly. While hepatitis A and Es usually solve without medication, chronic hepatitis B and C are treated with antiviral drugs. Hepatitis A and B can also be prevented through vaccination.

“For ALD, the cornerstone of treatment is the total restraint from alcohol,” Dr. Starts promoting. “Depending on severity, nutritional therapy, helpful care with liver-protective drugs, and in extreme cases, a liver implant may be necessary.”

Prevention and awareness

Preventive strategies vary but are equally important for both conditions. “Viral hepatitis can be prevented from maintaining hygiene, practicing safe sex, using sterilized medical devices and vaccination,” Dr. Plants recommend. “For ALD, prevention is purely lifestyle-operated. Eliminating or eliminating the intake of liquid can lead to a long way.”

Viral hepatitis and ALD are both critical conditions that demand timely diagnosis and intervention. Understanding differences not only helps in proper treatment, but also empowers individuals to take preventive steps to protect their liver health.

“Awareness is important,” Dr. Rajesh says Padan. “Liver damage is often silent until it is too late. Regular health check -up, responsible lifestyle options, and initial medical intervention can save life.”

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