Hepatitis

Hepatitis: What It Is

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver (from the Greek hepar meaning liver and itis meaning inflammation), which can result from a wide variety of causes. There are currently five different known viral forms of Hepatitis, with strains identified by letter — Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. Hepatitis F and G have also been labeled, but they are rare, and it is unclear as to whether they are actually different strains or simply viral mutations. A few viruses in the Herpes family, Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Cytomegalovirus (CMV), can also result in hepatic injury.

Autoimmune hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that occurs when immune cells mistake normal liver cells for harmful invaders and attack them.

Many hepatitis cases are caused by toxic exposure by alcohol, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.

Hepatitis: Diagnosis

Hepatitis is diagnosed using blood tests. Blood tests help monitor the status of hepatitis cases. Ultrasounds, CT-scans (CT-scans have very high radiation, though they are working on safer technology), and transient elastography are all useful scans in evaluating liver condition. Biopsies are the gold standard that all other diagnostic methods are compared to.

Acute hepatitis is defined as that lasting less than six months, with over six months delineating chronic cases. Hepatitis A rarely leads to chronic infections. Approximately 85% of acute Hepatitis B cases are self-limiting as well. The body rids itself of the active infection and it does not lead to a chronic condition. Hepatitis C on the other hand tends to evade the immune system and has a 85% to 99% (depending on whose numbers you accept) rate of becoming chronic hepatitis.

Hepatitis: Alchemist Lab Remedies and Treatments

At Alchemist Lab, we use a natural approach to the treatment of Hepatitis.

This includes:

Prescribing an appropriate regimen of natural supplements and/or Chinese herbs.

Making suggestions about diet and lifestyle.

Monitoring blood tests at intervals appropriate to each patient.

It’s your choice how to work with Alchemist Lab, on your own, or in conjunction with your other health care professionals.