About Hepatitis

Pain Relievers and Hepatitis C

2007-05-19T23:37:00.000-07:00

Chronic or recurring pain plagues nearly one out of every two Americans. In addition to common and everyday body aches that many people experience, Hepatitis C patients also suffer from the virus's discomforting symptoms, such as headaches, liver pain and joint pain. While there are a variety of over-the-counter pain medications available, including Tylenol, Anacin 3, Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, Bayer, Anacin and Excedrin, individuals with HCV are still limited in their pain relief options. Since chronic Hepatitis C patients are susceptible to liver inflammation, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer, and the abovementioned pain relievers can possibly damage even a healthy liver, choosing one can be challenging.

The three chief components found in most over-the-counter painkillers, also known as analgesics, are acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin. While all three drugs work as fever reducers, both ibuprofen and aspirin also act as an anti-inflammatory. These analgesics all have the potential to negatively impact the liver, though damage will most likely occur when taken in excess. For example, ibuprofen increases one's risk for gastrointestinal bleeding.

Prior to attempting pain management on your own, it is imperative that you discuss your symptoms and available options with your doctor. A knowledgeable physician will be able to give sound advice in regard to which analgesic may be best for you. The manufacturer, as well as a doctor, can provide appropriate dosing recommendations.

Rather then self-treating pain with over-the-counter medications and possibly harming an already overexerted liver, many Hepatitis C patients instead turn to non-medication options. Massage therapy, heat packs, topical pain relievers, and gentle stretching are some safe alternatives for pain management. Getting enough sleep is yet another safe way to aid in pain reduction.

To read this entire article and learn detailed precautions related to over-the-counter pain relievers, as well as more suggestions to safely alleviate pain, click here
http://www.hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2007/05/is_there_pain_r.html

About the author :

This article was prepared for Hepatitis-Central.com. Visit us to learn more about liver health.

Enlarged Liver: Silent Danger To Your Health

2007-04-10T12:18:00.000-07:00

The liver is one of the largest organs in the human body, second only to the skin. The liver is also one of the most multi-functional organs, performing dozens of tasks that are necessary to human health. The liver aids in the absorption of food. The liver also removes a number of toxic substances from the body.

Usually, an adult liver is approximately the size of a small football. Sometimes, however, the liver becomes enlarged. This is known as hepatomegaly.

An enlarged liver is not a disease. It's a sign of an underlying problem. When an enlarged liver is present, prompt medical attention is needed.

Treatment of an enlarged liver depends on the cause--and the causes can be many. In fact, there are more than 90 known causes of an enlarged liver. The most common include:
Alcoholic liver cirrhosis
Chronic hepatitis B
Fatty liver (see Liver symptoms)
Hepatitis
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
Liver cirrhosis
Liver cysts
Liver infection
Polycystic liver disease
Viral hepatitis

Certain forms of cancer, notably leukemia, and some common infections such as malaria and mononucleosis can also cause an enlarged liver.

There are usually no symptoms associated with a slightly enlarged liver, but a grossly enlarged liver causes a feeling of discomfort that some people describe as "feeling too full." Someone with an enlarged liver may also suffer jaundice, ascites (fluid in the abdomen), cholestasis (failure of bile to flow from the liver through the bile ducts), and portal hypertension (High blood pressure in the portal venous system that carries blood from the intestine, spleen and pancreas to the liver).

Various diagnostic tests can help determine the cause of enlarged liver:
Blood tests of liver function
Computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen
Liver biopsy
Ultrasound of the liver
X-ray of the abdomen

Treatment of an enlarged liver depends on the cause. If the enlarged liver is alcohol-related, it's essential to stop drinking. If alcohol is not a factor, then exercise and weight control are critical. It's also important to keep a close watch on cholesterol levels.

As with most health problems, prevention is easier than treatment. To avoid getting an enlarged liver:

Drink alcohol in moderation, or not at all. alcohol can lead to fat accumulation, inflammation and scarring in the liver. If drinking continues, liver damage may be fatal.

Don't mix alcohol with other drugs.

Be careful when taking multiple medications, and be especially careful to take only the recommended doses. Talk to your doctor before mixing herbal supplements with prescription or nonprescription medications. Be cautious with supplements. Some supplements can damage the liver, including kava, comfrey, chaparral and pennyroyal. Avoid high doses of vitamins A, D, E and K.

Limit contact with toxins. Use aerosol cleaners, insecticides and other toxic chemicals only in places that are well ventilated. When using chemicals of any sort, wear appropriate protective clothing, including a mask if needed.

Finally, be smart about your diet and exercise regularly. Eating healthy foods and getting some exercise can help you control your weight, which helps your liver function at it's maximum efficiency.

About the author :

For more information on the topics covered in this article, click here :
http://www.myliver.biz/enlarged_liver.html . George McKenzie is a retired TV anchor, reporter and radio talk show host.

How to Win Your Hepatitis Disability Case

2007-04-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

Contrary to what many people suffering from Hepatitis believe, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is very familiar with the disease. In fact, SSA considers Hepatitis to be such a potentially serious medical condition that federal law provides that if their hepatitis is advanced, a person can be found disabled based on laboratory test results alone!

Use this article as the cornerstone to developing and winning your social security disability claim.

Step 1 Having a Liver Transplant is not a prerequisite to Winning your Disability Claim

While your hepatitis or liver disease must be at a relatively advanced stage, you can win your disability case even if you have not had a liver transplant.

Step 2 Find a compassionate, supportive Gastroenterologist

This may not come as a surprise for you to learn that gastroenterologists are often not overly compassionate with regard to their patients who have hepatitis. In my practice, I talk weekly with doctors of all medical specialties regarding their patients disability claims. Without trying to stereotype, I must confess that I have talked with many gastroenterologists who appeared to lack bedside manner and patient empathy. This is important, because if your gastroenterologist is not compassionate, he or she will likely also be reluctant to support your disability case.

A supportive gastroenterologist is important for two reasons. First, they are the doctors SSA views as the specialists trained to diagnose and treat hepatitis. Second, SSA gives the most weight to the disability opinions are rendered by a claimant’s treating physician. Furthermore, SSA gives even more weight to the disability opinions rendered by a specialist such as a gastroenterologist.

Step 3 You must Undergo the Battery of Tests to Confirm the Hepatitis diagnosis and to Determine the Severity of the Disease

One key to winning your Hepatitis case is good laboratory testing. However, laboratory testing alone is not enough to win your case; once the testing is done, the issue will then be how advanced it the disease is.

The information SSA uses to approve a claim based solely on laboratory testing is contained at Listing 5.05 (Specifically 5.05(F)) of the Administration’s criteria for Digestive disorders.

F. Confirmation of chronic liver disease by liver biopsy and one of the following:

1. Ascites not attributable to other causes, recurrent or persisting for at least 3 months, demonstrated by abdominal paracentesis or associated with persistent hypoalbuminemia of 3.0 gm per deciliter (100 ml.) or less; or

2. Serum bilirubin of 2.5 mg. per deciliter (100 mg.) or greater on repeated examinations for at least 3 months; or

3. Hepatic cell necrosis or inflammation, persisting for at least 3 months, documented by repeated abnormalities of prothrombin time and enzymes indicative of hepatic dysfunction.

In my experience, many people win their disability case based on meeting the criteria in #3. The reason is that necrosis or inflammation can be confirmed by liver biopsy, and prothrombin time and liver enzyme abnormalities can be measured by a simple blood panel.

In my opinion, in order to have any chance of winning your hepatitis disability case, you should have a relatively recent liver biopsy performed and have blood work dating back for at least 6 months prior to the date you allege you became disabled.

One benefit many hepatitis claimants have is they usually have undergone all the required medical testing prior to or during the time their disability claim with SSA is pending. Thus, if your Hepatitis is at an advanced and serious stage, winning your claim may be as simple as obtaining (or having SSA obtain) your relevant medical records and submitting them to SSA for review to see if it meets the criteria.

Step 4 If your Hepatitis is not advanced enough to meet the SSA Criteria, you can still win your Disability Claim (i.e. Don’t Quit!)

It is important to understand that if your Hepatitis does not meet the criteria set forth above, you can still win your disability case. How? By proving that you are unable to work full-time in an unskilled sedentary (sit down) job.

Alternatively, if you have other medical and/or psychological disorders in addition to Hepatitis, SSA will consider the combined effects of your symptoms and limitations from all your medical diagnoses. It is common for many Hepatitis patients to also have a depressive or anxiety disorder. It is possible for the combination of the Hepatitis and psychological problems to equal in severity the criteria listed above. If SSA deems this to be the case, your claim would likely be approved.

It is also possible for you to be unable to work due to severe side effects from taking medications to treat the Hepatitis. Many people are unable to work during the time and for a significant time thereafter they have received interferon treatment. The side effect of overwhelming fatigue from medication can also help you to equal in severity the criteria listed above.

Step 5 Be Free from any Alcohol or Illegal Substance Abuse

As of 1996, a person cannot be approved for disability benefits based on alcoholism and/or substance abuse. In fact, your claim will be denied by SSA if alcoholism or substance abuse is a material factor in your inability to work. You can be sure SSA will likely scrutinize your disability claim because Hepatitis can be contracted through alcoholism or substance abuse. If either of these conditions is a part of your past, to have your best shot at winning, you should be prepared to show that it is not a material factor in your inability to work.

Remember, one key to winning your disability case is to never quit and keep fighting for the benefits you deserve!

About the author :

Scott E. Davis is a social security and long-term disability insurance attorney in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mr. Davis represents social security disability clients throughout Nevada. Although Mr. Davis has experience representing clients with a broad spectrum of physical and/or psychological disorders, the majority of his disability practice is devoted to representing individuals with chronic pain and chronic fatigue disorders. In almost every case, a fee is charged only if his client obtains benefits. Mr. Davis invites your questions and inquiries regarding representation via telephone (602) 482-4300, or email: info@scottdavispc.com. http://www.nvdisability.com/

Ten Questions and Answers About BDSM and STDs

2007-04-10T12:14:00.000-07:00

1. What is a sexually transmitted disease or STD?

Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) is the politically correct term for what used to be called "veneral disease (VD)". These are diseases that are transmitted through or as the result of sexual activity (not just sexual intercourse).

There are no BDSM specific sexually transmitted diseases but like any other sexual activity BDSM activity CAN spread STDs.

Heterosexuals are a lot less STD aware than the homosexual world is, but they should be just as educated on the subject. As a result, the current risk groups for any STD are heterosexual women.

There are many different sexually transmitted diseases and certainly not all are directly related to the genital organs.

General information is freely and widely available from doctors, hospitals, first aid centers, pharmacies and of course on the Internet.

2. How does one get STD infected?

Some sexually transmitted diseases are viruses, others are caused by bacteria, some by plain and simple dirt. As a result, there are different ways, in which people can get STD infected. An important form of STD infection is the contact between bodily fluids (most importantly blood, sperm, vaginal fluids and mother milk). This is especially true the most lethal ones in the Western world: such as Hepatitis (around in different varieties) and HIV (Aids). As a result, contact with bodily fluids should be avoided by anyone who has more than one partner (even if that is only incidental) and partners who have not been solely together for MANY years (not months). Incubation time (the "lead" time before the actual infection shows itself), in the case of HIV for example may be as much as five to seven years.

Another well known cause of STD infection is lack of hygiene. In the BDSM world especially quite a lot of personal hygiene is neglected. Toys that have been on the floor or in a toy bag should not be used unless cleaned and - when brought into contact with the genital area - protected. One should wear latex gloves during penetration, especially when in a (more) public environment.

3. What do I do when I (think I) am STD infected?

There is only one answer: visit your doctor as soon as possible. Bear in mind that your doctor is not there to judge you, but to cure you. And yes, doctors have seen it all before and many times. If you feel troubled by having to go to your doctor, turn to a first aid center or a specific STD center if there is one in your area.

Every STD spreads like wildfire! They are among the most contagous diseases. In most cases if you are infected, you do not only have a responsibility to yourself, but also to your partner(s) and to an extent to you entire environment.

4. Can an STD be cured?

Some can, and some cannot. There are no cures yet for HIV, hepatitis C and various forms of herpes, for example. HIV and hepatitis C are potentially lethal. So is syphylus, but there is a good cure for this disease.

5. Does an STD only effect me?

Every STD will effect you but most will also effect your partner and maybe others (such as unborn children) if not properly taken care of. Sometimes an STD can be the cause of dead babies or incurable medical problems. Some will not really effect the bearer, but will badly effect the partner and - for example - cause infertility (in males especially).

6. How do I protect myself against STD infection?

Your first line of defense is strict personal hygiene. Wear latex gloves and use condoms, also on penetrating toys, such as dildos and vibrators. Regularly clean equipment and - for example - wash bondage ropes.

The second important line of defense is to educate yourself. Again, know what the risks are and avoid them.

7. Does an STD spread quicker, because of BDSM activity?

The BDSM community is very open. It is not unusual to temporarily exchange partners, people switch partners frequently and such things as BDSM parties open an easy risk for infection. Besides, BDSM activity implies much more physical contact than most other forms of sexual behavior and there is the frequent use of toys and equipment. So, there indeed are more opportunities for infection, compared to a standard vanilla relationship. As a result - although no real research has been done in this area - there should be a higher risk of spreading an STD.

8. What BDSM activities are likely to spread an STD?

All forms of penetration, genital or by means of toys, fingers, fists or the mouth are activities that can transmit an STD. In terms of BDSM there are also other activities. Whipping may occasionally cause small superficial skin wounds and any breakage of the skin is a serious crack in the bodies main line of defense against diseases, including many STDs. Bondage ropes, used in the genital area, are a well known vehicle for sexually transmitted diseases and so are internal toys (vibrators, dildos, Ben Wah balls, vibrating eggs, etcetera). Nipple clamps may also cause small skin wounds. In general, BDSM activity is much more physically intens and physically demanding than most other forms of sexual activity. As a result, you should be more careful.

9. Why do governmental and health organisation hardly ever mention BDSM-acitivity in their STD information?

Most forms of what is generally known as "alternative sexuality" (such as BDSM) are overlooked by governmental and health organisations, when it comes to information and education about STD risks. The reason for this is largely in the fact that such organisations simply will not believe there are that many practitioners and that such organisations have no clue about BDSM. "Alternative sexuality" in the entire education of health care professionals usually takes up as much space (and attention) as ONE PAGE IN ONE BOOK! That is, if alternative sexuality is being mentioned at all!

10. How can I help to inform people about STD risks?

If you happen to be active in a local BDSM community, or for example have a personal website about BDSM, try and devote some time and space to sexually transmitted diseases occasionally. For example, next to workshops about flogging, bondage or needle play, a workshop about STD prevention will be very helpful. But, since this is not a popular subject you may also want to settle for having leaflets available, writing something in your magazine or newsletter if you have one and putting information on websites.

About the author :

By Hans Meijer Hans Meijer, a Dutch former journalist and government spokesmen, is the chairman for the Powerotics Foundation. This organisation is dedicated to provide quality information about alternative lifestyles.http://www.powerotics.com/hans.htm

Hepatitis Help- Coping with Hepatitis C

2007-04-10T12:12:00.000-07:00

Following a diagnosis of Hepatitis C, there are a lot of issues that need to be dealt with. The first will be to start a treatment program, which will be something that you will talk about with your health care provider. Just as significant as what drug therapy you will use, the level of your viral load, and whether you will need a liver biopsy, is how you are going to carry on with your life.

A patient must not let his or herself stop living because of such a diagnosis. After all, a serious liver disease may take twenty to thirty years to turn into a problem for from the time of diagnosis; but you must begin to face the future now.

A good place to start is with your mental health. No matter how you contracted the Hepatitis C virus there is no way to go back in time and redo it. Reproaching yourself will not make this better. Whether it happened as a result of something you did, like injecting recreational drugs, or things that were done to you, like blood a transfusion containing tainted blood, you need to focus on getting on with your life in the most positive way you can.

A few ways to go about doing this would include confiding in people you feel secure will be supportive. A close circle of the friends and family who can be there for you through this will benefit you. If you consider yourself religious, then you may find support through your religious leader. Look for support groups or chats rooms so you can talk to others who will know exactly what you are going through.

Hepatitis C can make you quite tired, and if you are going through drug therapy treatment, this will also tire you. That is why sleeping and eating well is important. If you need a nap, go ahead and take one; it does not have to be a long one to do its job. Eating a nourishing diet is so important, even if you don’t feel particularly hungry, you should make certain to eat regularly.

This means having well balanced meals which include lots of fresh vegetables and fruits. Drinking lots of water is important to help your system hydrated, as well. You shouldn’t take any type of vitamin supplements without consulting your health care provider, as they interfere with your other medications. Too much of a good thing can be harmful as well. The way you eat can improve your liver by encouraging the production of new liver cells.

It may seem obvious, but keep away from consuming alcohol in any form. You are suffering from a liver disease, and alcohol causes liver disease. This should tell you something; namely, that it is not good for your present condition. It could also increase the possibility of liver disease leading to liver cancer. Another obvious one, but do not smoke or use illegal drugs at this time either.

You will find that making these lifestyles changes is not really that difficult, and overall will make you feel better. You quickly will see that you are doing the right thing, when you follow these simple rules. You really can have a full and constructive life with only the most basic of changes.

About the author :

By Antoinette Boulay Visit http://www.Medopedia.com to learn about the different hepatitis virus types and hepatitis c treatment options.

Hepatitis C, Piercings, and Tattoos

2007-04-10T12:11:00.000-07:00

Expressing oneself can be a valid part of the maturation process. Not only teens need to find ways to let the world know who and what they are, but as an adult searching for ways to show how you feel is important as well. There are numerous ways to do this self-expression, some write or draw.

Others feel tattoos and body piercing are a viable method of self-expression. Piercing has certainly changed in the last twenty years, a time when it was only common for a woman to have her ears pierced. Nowadays piercing just about any place on your body, once or many times, is not uncommon, and instead of having a woman’s ears pierced with one hole in each ear, women, and men, may have multiple piercings on a single ear.

In the not so distant past, tattoos were something only the rough crowd had. Ex-cons showed off their prison tattoos with pride. But now anyone you pass on the street could have a tattoo. From a simple tiny rose on a spot always hidden beneath a woman’s clothing, to armbands, full sleeves or on some people, most of their bodies, you will see it all.

Whether you’re talking about tattoos or body piercings, there is one thing they have in common other than self-expression. That is that they put you at higher risk of contracting the Hepatitis C virus. It is how they are done that really makes the difference between risk levels. For example, it’s not a good idea to do them on your own or have a friend do them.

Prisons are probably one of the worst situations in which a tattoo or piercing can be done. That is because the Hepatitis C virus is spread by the passing of blood to blood and if the needles used for piercing or tattooing have been used before, and remain unsterile, they can pass this very infectious disease. In fact, the incidence of Hepatitis C virus infection in prisons in general is higher than the general population.

If you want a tattoo or body piercing, pick a reputable shop that looks clean, and check them out before you get the work done. Make certain that they use sterile needles from an unopened package.

You will also want the tattoo artist or piercer to wear gloves while they are working on you. This is just added protection for fear that they have open cuts that could spread any disease. When getting a tattoo you will also want clean inkpots to be used. Anything that can be done to protect you from the risk of the Hepatitis C infection is more than worth your while.

About the author :

By Antoinette Boulay Visit http://www.medopedia.com to learn more about hepatitis C transmission.

18 Little Known Facts About Liver Disease

2007-04-10T12:05:00.000-07:00

Did you know that 10% of Americans are, or have been affected by a liver, biliary or gallbladder disease? A vast number of the millions of people suffering from liver disease are unaware of the extent to which it truly affects our society. The disease can remain undetected for years without pronounced symptoms. When symptoms do present themselves, they typically include nausea, jaundice, fatigue, depression, reduced libido, muscle aches, and more.

There are numerous misconceptions about the liver. Unbeknownst to some, the liver is the only organ that can regenerate itself, and is responsible for removing toxins from our bodies. Another largely unknown fact is that, even though they may not be alcoholics, social drinkers also run the risk developing alcoholic hepatitis.

Also cause for some confusion is chronic Hepatitis C infection, one of the leading causes of cirrhosis in the United States. Hepatitis C can be a deadly disease but is not necessarily fatal to all of its carriers, due in large part to the multitude of variables affecting the virus's path.

Incorporating liver wellness into our daily routines can help prevent liver disease and lead to longer, healthier lives. For example, getting enough sleep and reducing stress can both be instrumental in the healthy upkeep of your liver, as these two factors help strengthen your immune system. Eliminating the consumption of foods that are fried or processed can also impact liver wellness, because both types of food create excessive strain to the liver. Additionally, the antioxidant milk thistle has been clinically proven to dramatically affect the protection of liver cells.

www.liversupport.com/wordpress/2007/03/18-little-known-facts-about-liver-disease to read this article in its entirety and learn about the magnitude of liver disease, as well as many more interesting facts about your liver, Hepatitis C, and additional suggestions to help maintain your body's most vital organ.

About the author :

By Nicole Cutler This article was prepared for LiverSupport.com. Visit us to learn more about liver health and liver support products.

How Your Immune System Can Help Defeat Hepatitis C

2007-04-10T12:01:00.000-07:00

With Hepatitis C affecting millions of people in the United States, many people find themselves wondering just how the virus is able to get past the body's immune system and develop into a chronic illness. The immune system is supposed to be the body's line of defense against disease, fighting until the virus or bacteria is diminished. So how does the immune system succumb to the Hepatitis C virus so easily? Scientific research has uncovered the virus' ability to change its form when confronted by immune cells, thus being able to sneak past and establish itself in the body. At this point, chronic liver disease is imminent.

The Hepatitis C virus is smart and knows exactly how to maneuver its way past the immune system. Think of it in terms of a battle: the immune system is working hard to defend its territory (the body), which the HCV is trying to invade. Part of the virus is keeping the immune system occupied, while another part gets through, settling in the body. The immune systems of some people may be strong and healthy enough to keep the virus at bay. For others, their immune systems simply are no match for HCV, offering minimal protection against the disease.

This may sound like a no-win situation, but the more we learn about the evolution of the virus, the closer we are to finding a vaccine or a cure for it. As research continues, there are some simple behaviors you can adopt to help strengthen your immune system. Getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, and avoiding alcohol and any other toxic substances that pose a threat to the health of your liver, are all ways to help prevent liver disease from progressing into a chronic illness.

Now that researchers have been able to pinpoint exactly how the Hepatitis C virus escapes the immune system, there is increased hope for its defeat. www.hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2007/03/post_2.html to read this article in its entirety and learn more about how HCV is able to distract the immune system long enough for it to turn into a chronic disease, and what preventive steps you can take to stop this from happening.

About the author :

By Nicole Cutler This article was prepared for Hepatitis-Central.com. Visit us to learn more about liver health.

Common STD Symptoms and Treatment for Chlamydia, Herpes and Hepatitis

2007-03-25T06:18:00.000-07:00

Disease like Chlamydia, Herpes and Hepatitis are a growing problem in the United States. High risk behaviors and lack of disease information and resources have had a profound effect on the spread of such diseases. Some of these diseases have little to no symptoms yet can be extremely harmful if not treated and can spread without knowing so. Getting proper education in dealing with such diseases can help you as an individual protect yourself from infection.

Chlamydia - Chlamydia is one of the most common STD’s today. Chlamydia is easily spread through sexual activities hence they are a sexually transmitted disease. Clamidia treatment is usually pretty easy and uncomplicated. Chlamydia can cause sterility in both men and women. At least three million individuals are infected with Chlamydia each year. Common symptoms of clamidia include: discharge from lower regions, painful urination, painful intercourse, abdominal pain, nausea, fever, swelling and bleeding from lower regions (specific symptoms for men or women). Symptoms usually occur with in 21 days of infection. Treatment of Chlamydia is usually taken care of with an antibiotic, usually doxycycline, taken for a week.

Herpes – Herpes is also an extremely common sexually transmitted disease. Most adults have some version of the disease. Many do not know they even have the herpies virus. Herpes is often associated with sores on the mouth (cold sores) and genitals (genital herpes). There is no cure for herpes however herpies symptoms and breakouts can be treated with medication prescribed by your doctor. Someone using these medications can lead break-out free lives. Generally, herpes is usually the most problematic during the first breakout and lessons with age.

Hepatitis – There are many versions of hepatitis. Hepatitus B for example can be prevented with a vaccination, other versions of hepatitis cannot. Hepatitis can be spread via sexual activity or by eating food handled improperly as a Food-Bourne illness. Hepatitis is a serious illness that affects the Liver and may cause jaundice. All symptoms associated with hepatitis should be directed to a medical professional for immediate treatment. Hepatitus can be very serious and it is important to get the facts and resources immediately for treatment. Other symptoms of hepatitis can include : extreme fatigue, headache, fever and hives. Hepatitus may be invisible during its most contagious stages.

Proper knowledge and safe practices can help you extremely reduce the risks of getting infected with a sexually transmitted disease. For more information on sexually transmitted diseases visit your local health department, your primary physician or a pregnancy resource center near you.

About the author :

Gage Killian - writer, web-publisher
http://www.herpiesfacts.com
http://www.hepatituscfacts.info

Hepatitis Primer

2007-03-25T06:16:00.000-07:00

Hepatitis is a disease whose main symptom is inflammation of the liver. Several different viruses cause hepatitis. They are named the hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses. The viruses cause acute, or short-term, viral hepatitis. The hepatitis B, C, and D viruses can also cause chronic hepatitis, in which the infection is prolonged, sometimes lifelong.

Hepatitis A (HAV)

HAV is the virus that causes inflammation of the liver. It does not lead to chronic disease. The incubation period is 2-7 weeks. The viris is transmitted by fecal/oral (anal/oral sex), close person to person contact, or ingestion of contaminated food and water. Children do not usually have symptoms. Adults have light stools, dark urine, fatigue, fever, nausea, vomitting, abdominal pain, and jaundice. A vaccine is available for anyoe over one year of age. Immune globulin injections are recommended within 2 weeks of exposure.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

HBV can cause liver cell damage leading to cirrhosis and cancer. The incubation period is 6 to 23 weeks. It is spread through contact with infected blood, seminal fluid, vaginal secretions, contaminated needles, including tattoo and body-piecing needles. Also, infected mothers can pass it on to newborns, human bite, and sexual contact. Many people have no symptoms. Some experience mild flu-like symptoms, dark urine, light stools, jaundice, fatigue, and fever. Treatment includes Interferon or adefovir dipivoxil.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

HCV causes inflammation of the liver. Like HBV it can cause cell damage leading to cirrhosis and cancer. The incubation period is 2 to 25 weeks. It is spread through contact with infected blood, contaminated IV needles, razors, and tattoo and body-piercing needles. Infected mothers can pass it to newborns. It is not easily spread through sex. There may be no symptoms. Some have mild flu-like symptoms, dark urine, light stools, jaundice, fatigue, and fever. HCV is treated with Interferon with ribavirin. Success can vary.

Hepatitis D (HDV)

HDV is the virus that causes inflammation of the liver. It only infects those with HBV. The incubation period is 2-8 weeks. It is spread through contact with contaminated needles or sexual contact with a HDV-infected person. The symptoms are the same as in HBV. It is treated with Inferferon with varying success. The HBV vaccine prevents HDV infection.

Hepatitis E (HEV)

HEV causes inflammation of the liver. It is not common in the United States. The incubation period is 2-9 weeks. It is transmitted through the fecal/oral route. Outbreaks are usually associated with contaminated water. The symptoms are the same as in HAV. There is no applicable treatment or vaccine. Travelers to developing countries and pregnant women are at risk.

As many forms of hepatitis are transmitted via the fecal/oral route, a good precaution is to always wash your hands with hot water and soap after using the toilet. If you suspect you may have contracted hepatitis, get tested as soon as possible and begin a course of medication.

About the author :

The Rapid Progression and Spreading Of Hepatitis C

2007-03-25T06:14:00.000-07:00

It was only in 1989 that Hepatitis C was given its official name. Prior to that, scientists were unsure whether it was in any way different from other forms of Hepatitis, and so for a long time it was referred to only as non-A or non-B Hepatitis. Hepatitis C is a serious infection that is transmitted via blood-to-blood contact, and at current estimates it's believed around 4 million people in the United States alone have Hepatitis C, with around 170 million people around the world infected.

It's certainly an unusual disease, because many people who have it don't experience any symptoms. As many as seventy percent of sufferers fall into this category, which means it's extremely difficult to diagnose. The first six months are known as the acute stage, and it's estimated that around twenty five percent of infected people actually recover spontaneously during this period, for no apparent reason. This is called spontaneous viral clearance.

The fact that many people don't have symptoms and also recover spontaneously actually makes it very difficult to get an accurate estimate of the number of people who've contracted Hepatitis C. It could in fact be much higher. Still, it's believed that of the people who contract Hepatitis C virus, seventy five percent don't recover, and for them the condition becomes chronic. Without testing the whole population on the off chance of finding evidence of Hepatitis C, it's impossible to be more accurate.

In the past, many doctors recommended having no treatment at all for Hepatitis C during the early, acute stage. More recent studies, however, have shown that just hoping that Hepatitis C will disappear spontaneously isn't the best option. In fact, with treatment, recovery success rates of up to ninety percent have been achieved. Also, recovery time is often halved.

Once the acute period has passed, if the Hepatitis C virus is still present it's considered to have become a chronic infection. Around 30 percent of the sufferers of chronic Hepatitis C will develop cirrhosis of the liver in around twenty years time. Another third will take as long as thirty years, and the remainder will usually die of other causes before any cirrhosis is present.

Around 150,000 new cases of Hepatitis C are diagnosed each year in the United States. It's extremely common in people who also have HIV, probably because they are both transmitted in a similar manner. Approximately 70 percent of intravenous drug users also have Hepatitis C.

For now, research is continuing to find a way of controlling this chronic infection. There is not vaccine currently available, unlike for Hepatitis A and B. Recently there have been some positive results coming from the research, leading to clinical trials of a vaccine with human subjects. The success rates have been good, so there may be hope for the future. Until then, the research will continue.

About the author :

By Tim Gorman For more information and Hepatitis C facts please visit www.coping-with-hepatitus-c.com where you will quickly and easily find a variety of tips, advice and resources on Hepatitis C to include Hepatitis C treatment options.

Hepatitis C Virus

2007-03-25T06:11:00.000-07:00

Hepatitis C is one of the seven types of hepatitis, a disease that takes on many forms and features inflammation of the liver. Although this type does not reveal many signs or symptoms, there are various treatments that can be used to cure this disease, one of which is a combination of interferon alfa injections and ribavirin capsules. But for mild hepatitis C, doctors will recommend bed rest, a healthy diet, and some medications after diagnosis.

Hepatitis C is diagnosed through a blood test to determine the severity of the disease. In the case of chronic hepatitis, the illness can be assessed through a tissue sample from the liver. Aside from this, there are many other tests for liver function that can be conducted to determine to what extent the liver is affected by the hepatitis C virus.

In 1989, investigators at Chiron, Inc., discovered the hepatitis C virus, better known as HCV. This is an enveloped, single-stranded, positive sense RNA virus of the Hepacivirus genus and Flaviviridae family. This virus binds to receptors, the CD81 and Scavenger Receptor class b1, on liver tissue when circulating in the bloodstream. Based on genetic differences, HCV is classified into six genotypes that can be transmitted by blood contact. Unlike hepatitis A and B, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C. But there are available treatments that may vary depending on the HCV genotype.

In spite of the discovery of HCV, much experimentation should still be done in order to come up with drugs to better treat this disease. Even with the development of excellent diagnostic methods, the production of specific drugs that work against HCV is yet to come. But with the advancement in science and technology, they soon will be discovered.

About the author :

By Kent Pinkerton Hepatitis C provides detailed information on Hepatitis C, Hepatitis C Symptoms, Hepatitis C Treatments, Hepatitis C Virus and more. Hepatitis C is affiliated with Herpes Cure. http://www.herpes-web.com/

Hepatitis A - How to Prevent It

2007-03-25T06:08:00.000-07:00

Hepatitis A is a very highly contagious infection of a person's liver and it is caused by a virus. It isn't considered as dangerous as other viral types of Hepatitis, but it does cause severe pain and inflammation that affects the human liver's abilities to function properly.

The most likely way of contracting Hepatitis A is through food or water that has been in close contact with someone who has already been infected. People that are infected may appear to be normal while not knowing that they are already sick from the virus. It is said that some people don't even develop any signs or symptoms, while others may feel like they have a severe case of the 'flu.

Some symptoms of Hepatitis A are fatigue, nausea, dark urine, muscle pains and itching. Some people even experience their skin changing to a yellowish color, also know as "jaundice". It is said that you can have the virus for a month or more before you even start noticing any types of symptoms. But, when they do appear, they come suddenly, which makes people feel like they are coming down with a case of the 'flu.

Some of the likeliest ways of contracting Hepatitis A are traveling to or working in places that are at high risk, from involvement with sexually active gay men or using drugs, whether injected or non-injected . Blood transfusions can also present a risk and have been widely blamed for some cases. Some people have been known to contract the virus from working in a research type setting with the virus present.

Practicing good hygiene is one of the best ways to protect yourself, together with avoidance of high risk situations. However, the safest way to avoid contracting the virus is to get a vaccine shot, or immune globulin. Immune globulin is said to only protect you for a short time, while the actual vaccine can protect you for up to twenty years or more. Another type of vaccine known as Twinrix is specifically designed for people who are eighteen years or older. Twinrix is said to be just as effective as the regular vaccines HAV and HAB. But it is noted that some side effects are included with this shot. Soreness around the injection area, headaches and fatigue often follow after the shot although such side effects are usually gone with a 48 hour time frame. Following all safety precautions when traveling to a foreign region is also a must, remembering to always peel and wash any fruit or vegetables before eating and avoiding uncooked food.

There is really no specific treatment for Hepatitis A. People are advised to receive adequate nutrition, so they can avoid any type of permanent liver damage. When nausea is a problem, they are advised to eat small snacks throughout the period instead of large meals which could make them sick. Easily digested foods are the safest bet. It is said that people who are infected usually tolerate food better in the morning than later in the day. Doctors generally advise their patients to avoid drinking alcohol at all costs during the main phases of the virus. Even after full recovery, they are told not to mix alcohol with any type of medication, mainly Tylenol, because this can cause major damage to the liver.

Experts say that sufferers should regain their energy after the signs and symptoms disappear. The liver should also heal within one or two months. It is noted that some people experience relapses over six to nine month periods.

About the author :

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Hepatitis http://hepatitus-treatments.com/

Hepatitis C and Colloidal Silver

2007-03-25T06:07:00.001-07:00

Hepatitis C is one of the most common forms of hepatitis, that is infectious and blood-borne disease in nature. Hepatotropic virus is considered as the main factor that causes hepatitis C. Though inflammation caused by hepatotropic virus is asymptomatic during early infection stage, it could lead to serious complications like liver cancer and cirrhosis.

Early stage of Hepatitis C is characterized by symptoms like loss of appetite, other symptoms (similar to that of flu symptoms), abdominal pain and fatigue. One may experience symptoms like joint pain, muscle pain, itching, depression, sleep disturbances, low fever, nausea, headaches, dyspepsia, mood swings, cognitive changes etc (apart from the symptoms observed in initial stage) in advanced stage of hepatitis C infection.

It is evident from the above that viral infection of the disease is main cause behind occurrence of hepatitis C. Once the diagnosis of hepatitis C is ascertained through blood tests, your health care provider will determine a line of treatment best suitable for you.

Liquid dietary supplement like colloidal silver is recommended by many physicians as complementary therapy in treatment of hepatitis C. Silver is in use since ancient times for treating various infections diseases, especially diseases caused by bacteria, virus and other microorganisms. Colloidal silver is known for its anti-virus proprietary.

Let me tell you that colloidal silver is not a medication for hepatitis C infection and other diseases. However, use of colloidal silver can help you in regulating hormonal imbalances and restrict the growth/affects of viruses that can cause hepatitis C infection. Like other topical creams and anti-biotic creams (who boast of eliminating bacteria totally) can not remove the viruses totally.

Colloidal silver supplement contains microscopic silver particles electrically charged in distilled water. There are no known side effects produced by colloidal silver as it does not contain any harmful chemicals and is prepared through non-chemical method.

Silver particles in colloidal silver products inhibit the cell metabolism and destroy the viruses responsible for hepatitis C. Silver particles not only destroy the viruses but also curtail reproduction of viruses and prevent the infection.

Some researches proved that colloidal silver is helpful in enhancing body immune system and regulating hormonal levels. These properties, accompanied with ‘virus killing’ property, makes colloidal silver one of the best complementary therapies as part of hepatitis C treatment.

About the author :

Peter Salazar's source for quality supplements is http://www.utopiasilver.com

Managing hepatitis the herbal way

2007-03-25T06:02:00.000-07:00

Question : I HAVE a sibling with Hepatitis B and am looking for natural and safe remedies for him. Kindly advise.

Answer : HEPATITIS is an inflammation of the liver commonly due to five hepatitis viruses - A, B, C, D or E. In its early stages, the disease may be mistaken for flu, with fever, fatigue, nausea, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, muscle and joint aches. These are followed by the characteristic jaundice or yellowing of the eyes and skin due to a build-up of bile in the blood. Excessive bile can also cause severe itchiness and a darkening of urine.

Hepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food prepared by infected food handlers. Many types of food can also be infected by sewage containing hepatitis A virus. Raw shellfish such as cockles are sometimes responsible.

Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood, semen, saliva and other body fluids. It is spread by blood transfusion, sharing of needles, sexual contact and other exposure to bodily fluids.

Hepatitis C is mostly transmitted through blood transfusion. For unknown reasons, people with alcoholic liver disease often have hepatitis C as well.

Hepatitis D & E occur only in people who already have infection with hepatitis B virus and it makes the hepatitis B infection more severe.

Follow a diet that is low in animal fats, oily fried foods and refined carbohydrates but high in dietary fibre like fruits and vegetables. The preferred methods of cooking are steaming, boiling, occasional stir-frying and grilling. All water should be boiled before drinking and if you are travelling, stick to bottled water.

Eat home-cooked food where you can be assured of hygiene and avoid hawker stalls. Have a separate set of eating and drinking utensils and these should be boiled before being used again.

Alcohol and medications that are potentially toxic to the liver must be avoided. You may check with your doctor before taking any medications, including non-prescription drugs.

Lecithin, being exceptionally rich in a compound called phosphatidylcholine, is excellent for optimum liver function. Regular intake of high phosphatidylcholine (35 per cent) has been shown to accelerate liver regeneration in the treatment of chronic liver disease resulting from viral infection, drug poisoning or excessive alcohol consumption.

Nutritional anti-free radicals such as beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, and minerals zinc and selenium are essential in protecting the liver from free radical damage. The B group vitamins are also important for liver health and have been known to shorten recovery time moderately. Milk Thistle and Dandelion have been traditionally recognised in restoring and maintaining liver health.

About the Author :

www.medical-explorer.com

Liver Transplantation for Hepatitis C Patients

2007-03-25T05:53:00.000-07:00

When Hepatitis C sufferers have exhausted all traditional and alternative forms of treatment, a liver transplant is typically the only remaining option. Transplant recipients are filled with a sense of hopefulness and usually become more optimistic about fighting liver disease. The promise of a healthy liver encourages them to persevere through treatment and therapy.

However, recent studies have now introduced that a new liver doesn't necessarily equal a fresh start. Since Hepatitis C is a reoccurring virus that may emerge even in the new, healthy liver, many researchers suggest early therapy to aid in the prevention of re-infection. Studies have been conducted documenting the fluctuation of viral load in transplant recipients, as well as the rate of re-infection in post transplant patients. They've found that in most cases, post-transplant patients are prone to rapid reproduction of the virus.

While traditional Western medicine can provide much needed liver support, supplementing those treatments with alternative therapies greatly increases the degree of protection. In addition to antiviral therapy, scientific studies have demonstrated milk thistle's ability to protect liver cells from damage and actually help to regenerate healthy liver cells.

About the author :

By Nicole Cutler This article was prepared for LiverSupport.com. Visit us to learn more about liver health.

Common Forms of Treatment for Hepatitis C

2007-03-25T05:49:00.000-07:00

Hepatitis C is an infectious disease caused by infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV). This type of virus has been recently identified to cause a wide range of liver diseases such as cirrhosis (liver cancer). Without the aid of treatment, persons with hepatitis C can over time develop serious complications that involve the liver, including cancerous activity at the level of the organ. In order to minimize the risks of complications and to control the effects of hepatitis C, doctors often prescribe a course of specific medications right after they identify the presence of HCV in patients. As in the case of other similar infectious diseases, hepatitis C treatments are most efficient when prescribed in the early stages of the infection. Otherwise, hepatitis C can eventually become chronic, rendering existing treatments unable to completely cure the infection.

Hepatitis C treatments commonly involve the administration of interferon, a medication that was initially designed to treat patients diagnosed with leukemia. Interferon is actually a natural body protein produced when viral infectious agents intrude inside the human body. Although the body produces interferon in small quantities, this protein is very effective in fighting against viral infections. However, the benefic effects of interferon can nowadays be enhanced by modifying the protein in the laboratory. The majority of patients with mild, uncomplicated forms of hepatitis C generally respond well to treatments with interferon, completely recovering from disease after completing longer courses with this type of medication. At the opposite pole, patients with chronic or more advanced forms of hepatitis C are often confronted with relapse soon after they stop receiving such treatments.

The main problem with interferon-based treatments is that they are inappropriate for patients with chronic forms of hepatitis C. In addition, long-term treatments with interferon can produce severe side-effects and thus they aren't usually administered for more than 6 months. For patients with chronic hepatitis C and patients who fail to respond to treatments with interferon, combination treatments are generally the best option available. Commonly used combination treatments consist of peginterferon (chemically altered alpha interferon) and strong antiviral medications. A very extensively used antiviral medication is ribavirin. This efficient antiviral agent is often administered along with peginterferon in order to obtain the best results. Administered in the right doses and over longer periods of time, combination treatments with peginterferon and ribavirin can successfully cure patients with acute hepatitis C, as well as patients with chronic, recidivating forms of the disease.

While these previously mentioned forms of treatment are efficient among patients with uncomplicated forms of hepatitis C, they are often useless when administered to patients with advanced hepatitis. For patients with severe hepatitis C, liver transplant is the only available option in present.

About the author :

If you want to find out more resources about hepatitis c transmission or even about hepatitis c symptoms you should visit this website http://www.hepatitis-guide.com

The Implications of Alcohol Use among Patients with Hepatitis C

2007-03-25T05:48:00.000-07:00

Despite the fact that long-term alcohol use is a known cause of liver diseases such as liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, a series of recent studies upon this matter have identified additional aspects regarding the impact of alcohol consumption among patients with hepatitis C. The main purpose of the recently conducted studies was to reveal the way alcohol use interferes in the treatment of hepatitis C. Another aim of the studies was to identify other effects of alcohol abuse on the health of patients diagnosed with liver disease.

The most conclusive study upon the implications of alcohol abuse on hepatitis C treatments and therapies has revealed various interesting facts. The study involved the participation of 4061 subjects diagnosed with hepatitis C and confronted with drinking problems. Among the total number of 4061 study participants, around 700 had just started to receive the treatment of hepatitis C at the date of the study. The participants were asked to respond to several questions structured in questionnaires. The questions covered many different aspects regarding the drinking habits of the respondents: the frequency of alcohol use and the quantities consumed, the existence of any drinking problems in the past or present, the period of time over which the subjects had been confronted with drinking problems, when the subjects had first started to use alcohol, recent / past unpleasant experiences with alcohol consumption, etc.

First of all, the study results have revealed the fact that alcohol use (in the past or over the period of the last 12 months) among patients with hepatitis C greatly reduced the chances of becoming eligible candidates for receiving hepatitis C medical treatments. Persons confronted with drinking problems (alcohol addicts) have always been considered inappropriate candidates for hepatitis C specific therapies and treatments due to the following reasons: frequent alcohol use is known to decrease the efficiency of hepatitis C treatments; persons who have suffered from alcohol dependency in the past may have developed a range of conditions that render them unable to tolerate hepatitis C treatments and therapies.

According to the study's findings, consumption of alcohol in the past didn't influence the efficacy of the hepatitis C treatments received by the subjects or their treatment interruption rate. However, recent alcohol use was correlated with considerably higher treatment interruption rates. The team of researchers has concluded that the eligibility for hepatitis C therapies and treatments was considerably reduced among both categories of past and recent drinkers. Furthermore, recent use of alcohol was correlated with higher treatment interruption rates. The most surprising finding of the recently performed study consists in the equal response to hepatitis C treatments of both categories of recent drinkers and nondrinkers. This interesting result suggests the fact that the efficacy of hepatitis C treatments is not strongly influenced by alcohol consumption.

About the author :

If you want to find out more resources about hepatitis or even about hepatitis c information you should visit this website http://www.hepatitis-guide.com

The Unspecific Character of Hepatitis C Symptoms

2007-03-25T05:45:00.000-07:00

Due to the unspecific character of most symptoms produced by hepatitis C, the process of establishing the accurate diagnosis is very complicated and time consuming for doctors. It is virtually impossible for doctors to diagnose hepatitis C relying solely on patients' reports of symptoms and clinical examinations. In order to reveal conclusive evidence of HCV (hepatitis C virus) infection, doctors need to perform a series of laboratory tests. Careful blood analyses are considered to be the most reliable method of tracing clear signs of hepatitis C in patients with suspected hepatitis. Liver biopsy is another useful medical procedure that can indicate the presence of infection with HCV and that can also provide doctors with additional information regarding the progression of the disease.

In early stages of infection with HCV, most persons experience no symptoms at all. Other persons may experience very diffuse, hardly perceivable generalized symptoms such as fatigue and nausea. At first, the symptoms produced by hepatitis C are generally mild and resemble those produced by cold or flu: muscular weakness and tenderness; joint stiffness and pain; loss of appetite. Mild or moderate fever can also occur in patients with hepatitis C in the early phases of the disease. A more relevant symptom consists in recurrent pain and pronounced discomfort in the liver area, often suggesting infection and inflammation of the organ.

In the later stages of infection with HCV, the symptoms produced by the disease gradually increase in intensity and duration, pointing to potential complications. In advanced phases of hepatitis C, the most common symptoms are: yellowish appearance of the skin and mucosal membranes (mouth and nasal mucosal lining), yellowish appearance of the eyes (often indicating the development of jaundice or icterus), light-colored feces and dark-colored urine. Patients diagnosed with complicated forms of hepatitis C can suffer from enlargement and inflammation of the liver and spleen, severe weight loss, severe body weakness, nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting. Patients with complicated hepatitis C often develop intolerance to alcoholic beverages. Pronounced intolerance to alcohol as well as to fatty food products can be an indicator of cirrhosis (liver cancer).

About the author :

If you want to find out more resources about hepatitis c symptoms or even about hepatitis c transmission you should visit this website http://www.hepatitis-guide.com

What Are Sexually Transmitted Diseases

2007-03-25T05:40:00.000-07:00

Contagious diseases that are spread from one partner to the other during sexual intercourse are called as sexually transmitted diseases, or by their very popular anagram, STDs. STDs can affect anybody within the sphere of sexual population; hence it can be said that all STDs are global problems. Some of the very common STDs that are affecting the world population today are syphilis, gonorrhea, genital herpes, Chlamydia infection, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and AIDS. STDs are mainly transmitted due to penetrative sexual intercourse, i.e. when the man inserts his penis into the vagina of the female. But most of the STDs can also pass on during other types of sexual activities like oral sex and anal sex. The microorganisms causing these diseases could be viruses, bacteria or fungi and they can generally live in most of the body fluids. The chances of sexually transmitted diseases are very high when a person has sex with many partners, or has sex with a person who has many partners. Most STDs can be prevented by using a condom during any kind of sexual contact with a person of unknown sexual history.

Since there are many STDs, there are also many symptoms. Syphilis, which is also known as the French disease is diagnosable by the presence of button-sized warts called chancres near the genital area. These chancres could also develop on the anus and in the throat region. Gonorrhea is commonly known as the clap or the drip disease. With a gonorrheal infection, a person will have continuous mucus-like discharge from the penis or from the vulva. In people with genital herpes, there are blister-like ulcers developed around the genitals. With almost all STDs, there are urinary problems.

Prevention of STDs is mostly through abstinence. Out of all the sexually transmitted diseases in humans, only two of them - hepatitis A and hepatitis B - are preventable by vaccination, but the others aren't. The best way of preventing them is then to limit the number of sexual partners, and to have sex only with people whose sexual history is properly known about. Using a condom is also a good option, but if the condom is used in the wrong way, then it may lead to an infection. Also, condoms are not guaranteed protection. Condoms can only prevent the penis from coming in touch with the skin of the other partner; but it cannot prevent the rest of the genital area from coming into contact. Syphilis sores which are present all around the genital area can be transmitted even after using a condom.

Once a person is sexually infected, it is very necessary that he/she stop all sexual activity. It is a moral responsibility of any person to check the further spread of the STD. Also the person must make it amply clear to his/her spouse that he/she is a victim of the infection. All STDs except AIDS are treatable and the treatment is much more effective if it is started at an early stage.

Treatment of STDs adopts several different ways depending on which is the cause of infection. In conditions like genital herpes, where there is no cure, the infection may last throughout the life of the person. Alarmingly, this disease is found among about half a million in the US alone. Chlamydia is another issue that requires constant screening to prevent from becoming an epidemic. Doctors surreptitiously check teens for such infections. Conditions like hepatitis A and hepatitis B are thought to be self-resolving with little medication.

One bigger concern with the sexually transmitted diseases is the large number of complications they can cause. Most of the STDs can cause impotence in men and infertility in women. Men could suffer from erectile dysfunctions, while both men and women can suffer from pain during urination and/or several abnormalities in the flow or urine. Add to that, there could be severe itching, pain, tenderness and blisters on the affected area. This could indeed make life miserable for the person as long as the STD lasts.

Hepatitis A and hepatitis B can cause severe liver problems in the long run. There could be cirrhosis of the liver, or liver cancer, both of which are fatal conditions. AIDS is the most dangerous of all sexual infections. It has no treatment yet, and the only option with this disease is death.

Sexually transmitted diseases are found more commonly among the sexually teen population of the developed countries. This population is generally ignorant about the repercussions of unsafe sex, and therefore indulges in it till it is too late. With age comes experience, and hence STDs are found to a lesser extent in the older population. Tourists are responsible for carrying STDs from one part of the globe to the other, and so also people who visit commercial sex workers are very much accountable.

Only proper education can control the problem of STDs. Governments of various nations are taking serious steps in eradicating the problem. School syllabi contain references of such diseases, and condoms are being freely distributed by charitable institutions to vulnerable populations.

About the author :

Dr John Anne Read more about the Sexually Transmitted Diseases and other Secret Sexual Issues at http://www.mysecrethealth.com

Why Antioxidants are Important for Hepatitis C Patients

2007-03-25T05:35:00.000-07:00

For anyone living with Hepatitis C, supporting your liver in every way possible with the intent to slow the progression of the disease is vital. A healthy diet rich in antioxidants is one easy and effective way you can achieve this goal.

A biproduct of the cellular oxidation witnessed when a substance is broken down, free radicals are negatively charged electrons that are no longer attached to atoms. This creates a chemical instability capable of damaging the walls of cells as well the genetic materials contained within them. Antioxidants combat this process by reducing the damage caused by free radicals.

Studies have shown that oxidation plays a large role in the advancement of liver disease, alternately, various studies showed the far-ranging benefits of antioxidants, making them vitally important to halting the progression of liver disease. From reducing inflammation of the liver as well as the oxidative stress of Hepatitis C to slowing the progression of cirrhosis, antioxidants have proven to be a highly effective addition to the health regimen of anyone with a compromised liver. In fact, evidence suggests that antioxidants impair HCV replication, improve liver enzyme levels and help to protect against liver cell damage. All of these benefits help make the most common medical treatment, interferon anti-viral therapy more effective.

Antioxidants are also easily accessible, found in many brightly colored vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, kale and spinach as well as some of our favorite fruits like strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, melons, mangos and apricots. You'll also find them in the form of easy to take supplements, however they are most easily absorbed from food sources.

The research showing the tremendous benefit that can be garnered by simply incorporating antioxidants into your diet should not be ignored. Learn more about how antioxidants can help those suffering with Hepatitis C by reading the full article here.

About the author :

This article was prepared for Hepatitis-Central.com. Visit us to learn more about liver health.

Hepatitis C: Early Detection Means Better Health

2007-03-25T00:56:00.000-07:00

This makes EFA's an important part of your diet. Other sources of these fats are fish and nuts. Most of the fat in my diet comes from a combination of nuts and flax seed oil.

Flax Seed Oil is also known as Linseed Oil. FlaxSeed is a blue flowering plant that is grown on the Western Canadian Prairies for its oil rich seeds. FlaxSeed oil is highly recommended for the general well being, whole body nutrition and helps in restoring body's natural balance of good and bad prostaglandins. But now let¡¯s talk about the nutritional values of flax seed. They are the best source for Omega 3 fatty acids, which is great for the brain and concentration. Adding flax seeds to your diet can increase your ability to concentrate better and think faster.

Another study has found that omega-3 fatty acids, and by extension, flaxseed, can reduce the risk of macular degeneration, which is an eye disease that destroys vision by damaging nerve cells in the eye.

Studies of animals, too, suggest some anti-cancer benefit from flaxseed.

Hepatitis C: Early Detection Means Better Health

But that should come as no big surprise, since any highly unsaturated oil will do that, particularly if substituted for saturated fats.

Flax Hull Lignans are very beneficial for many health conditions. Studies have shown that SDG or lignan (secoisolariciresinol diglycoside, but for simplicity this substance will be referred to as lignans)

Flax seeds contain vitamin E and B. The seeds are also rich in zinc, iron, copper, magnesium, nickel, calcium and many other essential minerals. Like most vegetable oils, flaxseed oil contains linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid needed for survival. But unlike most oils, it also contains significant amounts of another essential fatty acid, alpha linolenic acid (ALA).

Researchers found low incidences of breast cancer and colon cancer in populations that have high amounts of Lignan in their diet.

Experts estimate that 240,000 people in Canada are currently infected with hepatitis C, of whom only 30% know they have the virus. The only way to find out for sure if you have hepatitis C is through a blood test. Your doctor can order one for you. By taking this action you'll be doing yourself a favour because hepatitis C can be treated only if it has been detected. Untreated hepatitis C can lead to severe conditions that require long-term, intensive care. Flaxseeds also contain omega-6 fatty acids in the form of linoleic acid; omega-6s are the same healthy fats found in vegetable oils.

Avoid or limit these oils. Omega-3, meanwhile, is typically found in flaxseed oil, walnut oil, and fish. However, flax seed oil is the best oil where Omega-3 and Omega-6 are balanced.

Flax Seed muffins pregents Cancer? How to do take Flax Seed? Find Flax Seed Recipe today! Omega-3 for health! Flax seed oil is rich in alpha- linolenic acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid that appears to be very helpful for heart inflammatory bowel disease, disease, arthritis and a variety of other health conditions.

Where to Get Omeaga 3 and Omega 6 Oil?

Whereas plant foods and vegetable oils lack EPA and DHA, some do contain varying amounts of the n-3 PUFA alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which has 18 carbon atoms and 3 double bonds.

Flax seed boasts a long history as a healing herb. First cultivated in Europe, the plant's brown seeds were regularly used to prepare balms for inflamed skin and healing slurries for constipation.

About the author :

By Tammy Smith Why is Flaxseed called the miracle food? Find out at http://www.flaxseedfitness.com

First Discoveries on Viral Hepatitis

2007-03-25T00:54:00.000-07:00

Viral hepatitis is a very common infectious disease responsible for causing more than 1.5 million annual deaths among afflicted patients. Despite the fact that extensive data reports on viral hepatitis have been first established at the beginning of the 20th century, the causes of the disease remained unknown until the 1940s, when the implication of a new virus in triggering the disease was first revealed. Performing additional research on hepatitis, virologists have later discovered two major distinctive types of hepatitis: hepatitis type A and hepatitis type B. Concerned by the increasing numbers of hepatitis cases due to blood transfusions, medical scientists have conducted a series of more elaborate medical investigations in order to identify conclusive facts regarding the occurrence and progression of hepatitis.

Intrigued by the fact that increasingly larger numbers of persons who received blood transfusions experienced symptoms such as high fever, chills and skin rashes, doctors decided to carefully analyze a series of immune reactions to foreign proteins in blood samples taken from such persons in order to reveal the exact sources of their symptoms. After comparing the immune reactions of the persons who had been administered blood transfusions with those of people in good health, medical scientists were able to reveal a type of protein that rarely reacted with antibodies produced by the immune system.

Due to the fact that the analyzed immune reaction was extremely rare, medical scientists concluded that it wasn’t caused by genetic particularities in the human blood, but by a certain type of infectious agent. The discovered infectious agent later received the name of antigen Aa. After continuing their research on blood proteins, doctors discovered a correlation between antigen Aa and hepatitis. Researchers later concluded that antigen Aa was actually a component part of the virus identified to cause hepatitis B.

The findings determined medical scientists to take additional measures in preventing the occurrence of hepatitis among the population. By testing blood transfusions for the presence of the causative virus, scientists hoped to reduce the risks of transmitting hepatitis from one individual to another. The method used to detect the presence of the virus in the blood was given the name of radioimmunoassay. In present, this technique is still used to test the integrity and safety of blood transfusions and other blood products. Appreciated for its efficiency and reliability, radioimmunoassay is the predecessor of today’s modern techniques used in blood screening.

Another breakthrough consisted in finding an effective vaccine against hepatitis. For the first time in history, the main curative agent used in creating the vaccine was actually a modified strain of the causative virus. By altering the virus in the laboratory and introducing it in a vaccine, virologists were able to stimulate an immune reaction to that particular virus in the human body. A few years later, the ongoing research conducted on hepatitis led to another crucial discovery: the HCV – hepatitis C virus. Short after, medical scientists came up with efficient vaccines for all existing hepatitis virus types: A, B and C.

Over a period of only a few decades, doctors discovered valuable facts on hepatitis, as well as efficient methods of preventing its transmission. Thanks to the remarkable findings of several pioneer virologists and biologists, medical science was revolutionized and the mystery around many different viral infectious diseases was finally unveiled.

About the author :

By: Groshan Fabiola If you want to find out more resources about hepatitis c information or even about hepatitis you should visit this website www.hepatitis-guide.com

Hepatitis C Overview

2007-03-25T00:50:00.000-07:00

Hepatitis C is a serious, possibly life-threatening disease of the liver. The disease occurs due to infection with HCV (hepatitis C virus) and it can be either acute or chronic. An estimated 170.000.000 people worldwide are diagnosed with hepatitis C and around 4.000.000 people in the United States alone are infected with hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis C is commonly acquired through contaminated intravenous injections and prior to 1992, when there were no reliable methods of identifying HCV in blood products, the main cause of infection was blood transfusion. After 1992, the risk of contracting hepatitis C virus has been considerably reduced, as new effective means of checking blood products for HCV became available.

Nowadays, the main cause of hepatitis C transmission is the use of inappropriately sterilized syringes or other medical instruments. Hepatitis C can also be sexually-acquired and rarely, the disease can be transmitted from mother to infant. Drug addicts are considered to be exposed to a high risk of contracting hepatitis C, as they commonly share needles and syringes. Sexual promiscuity and the lack of sexual protection are also considered to be causes of hepatitis C transmission, as the disease can be acquired by exchanging body secretions. Although there are very few cases of mother to infant infection, prenatal transmission of hepatitis C is also possible.

The majority of people who suffer from acute hepatitis C can in time develop chronic forms of the disease. Chronic hepatitis C has a pronounced recidivating character and it needs ongoing medical treatment in order to be effectively overcome. The physical symptoms presented by people with hepatitis C are various and it is difficult to diagnose the disease relying only on clinical examinations. In many cases, blood analyses and liver biopsy are required in establishing a correct diagnose. The evolution of hepatitis C is also considered to be very problematic. The progression of the disease is unpredictable and while some patients with acute hepatitis C have mild, almost unperceivable symptoms and don’t develop chronic forms of the disease, other patients experience a rapid aggravation of hepatitis C, developing cirrhosis and even end-stage liver disease.

Cirrhosis is a common complication that occurs in patients with hepatitis C, requiring liver transplant and intense post-surgery medical treatment. Furthermore, the majority people with cirrhosis can in time develop liver cancer, which accounts for an overwhelmingly large number of deaths each year.

It is very important to timely discover the presence of hepatitis C, as the disease tends to become chronic in the absence of appropriate medical treatment. If the disease is discovered in its incipient stages, hepatitis C can be successfully overcome with the medical treatments available today. However, if the patients have already developed complications by the time they are diagnosed with the disease, liver transplant may be the sole option available. Considering the fact that hepatitis C is a life-threatening disease, it is best to take steps in preventing its occurrence in the first place. In order to minimize the risk of infection with hepatitis C virus, be careful not to expose yourself to un-sterilized medical instruments or to blood products of doubtful origin.

About the author :

By: Groshan Fabiola If you want to find out more resources about hepatitis or even about hepatitis c information you should visit this website www.hepatitis-guide.com

How can hepatitis C be trasmitted?

2007-03-25T00:47:00.000-07:00

Hepatitis C is a disease that inflammates the liver and can cause a lot of damage to it. It can eventually lead to liver cancer if nothing is done to treat it. Once you get infected with the hepatitis C virus you enter a waiting period of aproximately 6 months. In this time the virus infection shows no signs and symptoms, so in most cases it's only discovered during a routine test. 20% of the people infected eliminate the virus from their bodies in these, first 6 months, but in 80% of the cases, it remains there and after the time passes it starts to "work". In the first 6 months, the disease is called acute hepatitis C. If you got the virus and you're lucky, the doctor discovers it while it's in the acute phase, and it can easily be treated. But, in the majority of cases it becomes active and acute hepatitis C turns into the dangerous chronic hepatitis C.

Chronic hepatitis C is hard to cure, and it can cause life threatening complications. Most of the patients with hepatitis C can't be cured, and their condition gets worse and worse as time passes. Chronic hepatitis C treatment can't cure it, it can only make it progress slower and reduce the pain and damage that it does to the liver.

So the best thing to do is to stay away from the hepatitis C virus. You should learn how hepatitis C is transmitted from one person to another and try to avoid getting infected with it. Knowing the symptoms well so you can consult a doctor as soon as you see any of them appear is also a good thing to do.

Hepatitis C can easily be transmitted by blood to blood contact. Most people get it by sharing the same needle in injections, but because you also get HIV this way, doctors try to prevent this as much as possible, so the number of infections caused by needle sharing is decreasing. Those who inject themselves drugs and use the same syringe on many people are at an enormous risk of getting hepatitis C, HIV, and many other infections. Hepatitis C transmission happens a lot among drug users and in prisons.

A large number of people get hepatitis C from tattooing. The needle used when doing a tattoo can pierce through the skin and cause a small bleeding incision. The same needle is then used on the next customer, and if one of the clients has hepatitis C and gets stung by the tattoo needle, anyone else who will get stung will get it.

The third cause of hepatitis C infections is sex. Many engage in unprotected sexual encounters with strangers, and if your partner has hepatitis C then you will get infected with it too. Although mass media is trying to promote the use of condoms and people are told what the risks of not using them are, still many realize that they have been infected after a sexual encounter with a stranger.

Other methods of hepatitis C transmission can be sharing the same razor when shaving, or brushing teeth with the same toothbrush. Toothbrushes can cause the gums to bleed, and so blood is shared.

Try to remember these basic facts about hepatitis C transmission, and you will be able to avoid getting infected with it. Also remember that chronic hepatitis C can only be totally cured in few cases before doing something foolish.

About the author :

By: Groshan Fabiola If you want to find out more resources about hepatitis c transmission or even about hepatitis c symptoms you should visit this website www.hepatitis-guide.com

The Benefits of Combined Hepatitis C Treatments

2007-03-25T00:43:00.000-07:00

Hepatitis C is a form of liver disease which occurs due to infection with HCV. Hepatitis C virus is also responsible for causing other liver disorders, such as cirrhosis. It is very important to timely discover the presence of hepatitis C virus in patients, in order to commence the administration of an appropriate hepatitis C treatment. It is best to administer hepatitis C treatment in the incipient stages of the disease. Otherwise, hepatitis C can become chronic, making the medical treatment more difficult. An estimated 150.000 people in the United States are diagnosed with hepatitis C each year, and many of them may have already developed chronic forms of the disease by the time they are selected for hepatitis C treatment.

A very effective form of hepatitis C treatment involves the use of interferon, initially used in the treatment for leukemia. Interferon is a protein produced in small amounts by the human body in response to infections of viral origin. Laboratory-altered interferon has proved to be an effective cure for hepatitis C and other infectious diseases. Most patients with mild, uncomplicated forms of hepatitis C respond very well to hepatitis C treatment with interferon, eventually recovering completely from the disease. However, people with chronic or complicated forms of the disease experience a symptomatic relapse after the hepatitis C treatment with interferon is interrupted.

Although most patients respond well to hepatitis C treatment with interferon, experiencing a regression of the disease as long as they receive medications, in many cases hepatitis C reoccurs within 6 months after the treatment has ended. Therefore, hepatitis C treatment that involves only the use of interferon is not appropriate for patients with chronic forms of the disease. Furthermore, long-term hepatitis C treatments with interferon can have pronounced side-effects and therefore they shouldn’t be prescribed for more than 6-8 months.

In many cases, patients with both acute and chronic hepatitis C are prescribed combined medical treatments. Most combined hepatitis C treatments include peginterferon (chemically modified alpha interferon) and antiviral medications.

A very effective antiviral agent is ribavirin, commonly prescribed in hepatitis C treatments as an adjutant for interferon. Ribavirin is able to increase the efficiency of interferon and it is now used in most combined hepatitis C treatments. Combined hepatitis C treatments minimize the risk of relapse and most patients with chronic hepatitis C fully recover from the disease after therapy with peginterferon and ribavirin, without experiencing a recurrence of its symptoms.

While most patients with uncomplicated forms of liver disease respond well to combined hepatitis C treatments, the prospects of patients with cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease are very uncertain. Most patients with complicated forms of hepatitis C require liver transplant, as the advanced stage of infection renders medical treatments inefficient. It is best to discover hepatitis C in its incipient stage, in order to maximize the effects of medical treatments. If they are administered in time, hepatitis C treatments with peginterferon and ribavirin are the best means of fully overcoming the disease.

About the author :

By: Groshan Fabiola If you want to find out more resources about hepatitis c treatment or even about causes of hepatitis c you should visit this website www.hepatitis-guide.com

The Cause of Hepatitis C and Risk Factors in Developing the Disease

2007-03-25T00:36:00.000-07:00

Although there are multiple risk factors involved in the development of hepatitis C, most of them are related to the transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C virus is the main cause of hepatitis C and many other forms of liver disease (hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma). Hepatitis C is a potentially life-threatening infectious disease, despite its slow-evolving character. In the absence of medical treatment, mild forms of hepatitis C don’t usually clear up on their own; in many cases the infection persists, leading to the development of chronic hepatitis C (characterized by frequent recurrence of its symptoms). Furthermore, undiscovered chronic hepatitis C can aggravate over the years, leading to complications such as cirrhosis and even end-stage liver disease.

Statistics indicate that around 170.000.000 people worldwide suffer from chronic liver diseases due to infection with hepatitis C virus. Research results reveal that hepatitis C affects about 150.000 people in the United States each year, many patients with the acute form of the disease developing chronic hepatitis C in time. Hepatitis C virus accounts for around 10.000 annual deaths in the United States alone and it is considered to be the leading cause of death in people with liver disease.

While many species seem to be immune to HCV, this type of virus is the major cause of hepatitis C in humans and certain primates. Hepatitis C virus is known to be the main cause of hepatitis C and several other liver diseases in humans and chimpanzees, triggering similar symptoms in both these species.

Hepatitis C virus can be transmitted through direct contact with contaminated blood or blood products. Also, HCV can be contracted through the use of inadequately sterilized medical utensils such as needles and syringes. Before 1992, the main cause of hepatitis C transmission was the use of contaminated blood transfusions, as there were no effective means of screening the donated blood for viruses at that time. The risk of contracting hepatitis C virus by using blood transfusions has considerably decreased since 1992, as new, improved methods of checking the donated blood for possible infectious agents became available to modern medicine.

Nowadays, potential causes of hepatitis C transmission are: intravenous drug use (sharing needles and syringes with infected people), long-term dialysis, frequent exposure to blood and blood products (health care workers are very exposed to contracting hepatitis C virus), sharing personal items (razors, toothbrushes or hairbrushes) with people infected with hepatitis C.

Less common causes of hepatitis C transmission are: mother to infant infection (prenatal hepatitis C transmission) and unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person. Although sexual transmission of HCV is rare, hepatitis C can sometimes be acquired through the exchange of body secretions. However, physical contact with an infected person’s saliva, sweat or tears can’t be considered a cause of hepatitis C transmission.

In many cases, the actual cause of hepatitis C transmission remains unknown. The cause of hepatitis C transmission remains uncertain in around 10 percent of people with acute forms of hepatitis C and in around 20 percent of people with chronic forms of hepatitis C.

About the author :

By: Groshan Fabiola If you want to find out more resources about causes of hepatitis c or even about hepatitis c treatment you should visit this website www.hepatitis-guide.com

Liver Care - Dietary And Ayurvedic Treatment, Home Remedies

2007-03-25T00:26:00.000-07:00

The liver is the master organ of the body, and most people consider the liver to be more important in the normal functioning of the body than even the brain and the heart. If there is any damage to the liver, then there could be serious complications, such as constipation, chronic gastritis, morning sickness, etc. Problems with the liver could be jaundice, hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatomegaly (enlargement of the liver), all of which are life-threatening conditions. Hence it is very important to take proper care of the liver.

Some symptoms which indicate something is wrong with the liver are:-

1 Loss of appetite

2 Diarrhea

3 Flatulence

4 Pain in the abdomen

5 Difficulty in breathing and coughing

Ayurveda places the liver at the center of the body. It is the house of all the five digestive agnis, or fires, and hence if anything goes wrong with the liver, digestion will be the first activity to come under peril. The liver is also responsible for converting plasma (Rasa dhaatu) to blood (Rakta dhaatu) in conjunction with the spleen. Thus, liver defects can cause serious blood ailments also.

This article deals with various Ayurvedic methods and home remedies to take proper care of the liver.

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Liver Care

1. Berberis (Berberis vulgaris)

Berberis is nicknamed as the jaundice berry for its beneficial effects on the treatment of jaundice. It is a bitter tonic which is made from the bark of the berberis tree. It is taken in amounts of quarter teaspoon when jaundice strikes.

2. Chicory (Chichorium intybus)

Chicory is one of the most useful herbs in treatment of liver problems. Almost all parts of the herb are important – flowers, seeds and roots. The juice of the chicory plant promotes the secretion of the bile. Hence it is used in different ways in treating liver problems such as bilary stasis, sluggishness of the liver, bile obstruction, jaundice and enlargement of the spleen.

3. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Dandelion stimulates the liver and the gall bladder for the proper utilization of fats within the body. It also helps in the detoxification of the liver. Its juice is used in treatment of most liver problems. Even for people with hepatitis, dandelion tea is very beneficial.

4. Gokulakanta (Hygrophila spinosa)

This herb is used for treatment of several liver problems including jaundice, hepatitis and derangement of the liver. Its root is prescribed in such conditions. A specially prepared decoction of the root (60 grams root powder mixed in half a liter of water and boiled for about half an hour) is given in doses of 30 to 60 milliliters twice or thrice daily.

5. Henna (Lawsonia inermis)

The cooling effect of the henna is also beneficial in the treatment of liver problems. Its bark is effective in the treatment of liver problems such as jaundice and enlargement of the liver.

6. Indian Aloe (Aloe barbadensis)

The Indian aloe stimulates the liver into carrying out its functions normally. It is used in the treatment of jaundice and enlargement of the liver.

7. Indian Sorrel (Oxalis corniculata)

Indian sorrel is used in the treatment of jaundice. It is taken in the form of fresh juice mixed with buttermilk made from cow’s milk. It is to be taken once daily during jaundice.

8. Picrorrhiza (Picrorrhiza kurroa)

Picrorrhiza is a very commonly prescribed herb in the treatment of jaundice.

9. Trailing Eclipta (Eclipta alba)

The trailing eclipta has beneficial results in several liver problems. It can be used for the treatment of catarrhal jaundice and liver enlargement. A decoction of the juice of the herb is prescribed in doses of one teaspoon twice a day. To make the juice more effective, it can be added with essences of cardamom and cinnamon. The herb is also beneficial if there is mucus discharge accompanied with the catarrhal jaundice. In that case the juice of a few leaves is mixed with crushed peppercorns and taken with curds early in the morning for seven successive days.

10. Turpeth (Operculina turpethum)

Treatment of jaundice is usually started in Ayurveda with the medication of turpeth. It is given in the form of a powder in quantities of one to two teaspoons in hot water twice a day.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Liver Care

When there is a liver problem, detoxification of the liver is necessary. This is done by fasting for a day. After that, no food that is difficult to digest must be consumed. Bitter vegetables must be given, such as bitter gourd and bitter drumstick. Goat’s or cow’s milk must be taken instead of buffalo’s milk. Instead of curds, buttermilk must be given. Garlic must be included in the diet.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatments for Liver Care

For jaundice and several other liver problems, Ayurvedic treatments begin with two herbs – kutki (picrorrhiza) and nisoth (turpeth). These herbs are taken in a mixed powder form in quantities of one or two teaspoons in hot water twice daily. Arogyavardhini is taken as a common medicine since it contains both kutki and nisoth.

Bhringaraja (trailing eclipta) is the drug of choice for almost all liver ailments. It can be even given to children suffering from liver problems. It is taken with honey as a vehicle because it is quite bitter in taste.

(4) Home Remedies for Liver Care

1. The juice of two raw oranges must be taken once a day for up to a week.

2. Add a little salt and some roasted cumin seeds to a glass of buttermilk. Have it early in the morning. This keeps the liver healthy and protects it from disorders.

3. Extract the juice of about ten papaya seeds. Mix it with a teaspoonful of lime juice. Have this juice once a day.

4. A mixture of carrot and spinach juice is also very beneficial for liver problems.

About the author :

By: tom alter Read more on Ayurvedic Treatments for liver at www.ayushveda.com

Fact sheet for hepatitis C

2007-03-25T00:17:00.000-07:00

Hepatitis C is one of the worst liver diseases, it affects more that 30.000 people each year, and millions are carrying the hepatitis C virus in their bodies. Unfortunately it also causes quite a large number of deaths.
There are 6 types of hepatitis viruses, and all of them affect the liver in one way or another. Hepatitis C is the most dangerous type.

The hepatitis C virus causes the liver to inflammate, and if it is not treated it can lead to liver cancer. It is transmitted by blood to blood contact with an infected person - if you share the same needle in an injection, have sex with a virus carrier, or if you were born from a mother that has the virus. You can't get the hepatitis C virus if you touch, hug or kiss someone that has it.

There are two main types of hepatitis C - acute and chronic.

The acute hepatitis C virus becomes active 6 months after the infection with it. It can be detected if a blood analysis is performed but surprisingly it has almost no signs and symptoms. Only a few patients with hepatitis C experience abdominal pain, fatigue and loss of appetite.
Aproximately a quarter of the acute hepatitis C patients naturally eliminate the virus from their bodies, but the remaining three quarters develop chronic hepatitis C. A few years ago doctors did nothing against acute hepatitis C and waited to see if the virus is eliminated, but recent research has shown that if it is treated the chances that the virus disappears increases.

Chronic hepatitis C appears if the virus is not eliminated in the first 6 months. It has almost no detectable symptoms and in most cases it is discovered accidentally during tests on the patient. But when the liver gets seriously damaged some symptoms do occur. The most common ones are fatigue, fever, abdominal pain, headache, nausea, low appetite, muscle and joint pain.

The next phase of hepatitis C is called cirrhosis, and its symptoms are related to the fact that the liver is not functioning properly anymore. Patients with cirrhosis are bruised and bleed easily, experience jaundice, bone pain, and other symptoms that vary from one patient to another.

It is very hard to cure hepatitis C. If it is discovered while it's in the acute phase then the chances increase, but in its chronic phase only few are cured.
The most common hepatitis C treatment is a number of injections with a drug called pegylated interferon alfa, which is combined with ribavirin pills. These two substances help the body clear the virus, but they are not always effective and they have several side effects among which you can find anemia and fatigue.

If the disease has advanced too much and its damage to the liver is irreversible then a liver transplant must be done. The bad thing about this is that it is pretty hard to find a liver that fits because a large number of people need this transplant and there are too few donors.

Since so little can be done against this terrible disease you should always beware getting infected with it. Under no circumstances share the same needle with anyone and stay away from sexual encounters with strangers. We can only hope that the future will come with a cure for hepatitisC.

About the author :

If you want to find out more resources about hepatitis or even about hepatitis c information you should visit this website www.hepatitis-guide.com

Hepatitis C’s "Other" Symptoms

2007-03-25T00:06:00.000-07:00

he painful effects of a skinned knee are instantaneous. It may turn red, bleed, sting or throb. Soon after, the injury most likely bruises or forms a scab. Unlike skinning a knee, when someone contracts the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) the effects are not immediate, nor are they always visible. Until the development of cirrhosis, many people with the virus do not demonstrate signs or symptoms of the infectious disease. Amazingly, it is possible for HCV to infect a patient for decades before being discovered.

While people may not display common signs or symptoms, such as fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, or muscle aches, they may have lesser-known conditions linked with Hepatitis C. You and your loved ones can benefit by knowing about these other conditions, potentially leading to earlier detection and treatment of HCV.

The liver isn’t the only organ affected by Hepatitis C. Rather, it is a systemic problem, and the virus can cause diseases to manifest (known as extrahepatic manifestations), in the kidneys, eyes, joints and immune systems of individuals. For example, cryoglobulinemia can develop as a result of liver disease. The condition causes inflammation of the vessels in tissues throughout the body, and is characterized by weakness, joint pain or swelling, and a raised, purple skin rash. Cryoglobulinemia is due to the presence of abnormal antibodies that come from HCV stimulation of white blood cells.

Diabetes mellitus is another common condition associated with liver disease. The accompaniment of Hepatitis C with diabetes is connected with advanced liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. Other related conditions include lichen planus, thyroid disease, arthritis, and neuropathy.

About the author :

By Nicole Cutler This article was prepared for Hepatitis-Central.com. Visit us to learn more about liver health

How Hepatitis C Can Affect a Patient's Sex Life

2007-03-25T00:03:00.000-07:00

Though a direct link has not yet been confirmed, living with Hepatitis C can negatively impact the sex lives of patients. Fatigue and depression, two side effects of chronic Hepatitis C, both play a role in decreasing an individual’s interest in sex. Antiviral medications used to treat the virus can also result in reduced libido and sexual dysfunction. In addition to a reduced sex drive, some people experience erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, and lack of sexual satisfaction.

Decreased sexual desire and erectile dysfunction in men can also be attributed to altering levels of hormones caused by advanced liver disease. Men with advanced liver disease may even experience testicular dysfunction, loss of body hair, and an enlargement of their breasts. Many of these ramifications of advanced liver disease occur because of the disease’s tendency to decrease the body’s level of testosterone while increasing its estrogen level. Testosterone levels can also be affected by the consumption of too much alcohol. Men with Hepatitis C and advanced liver disease who drink large quantities of alcoholic beverages are then highly susceptible to sexual dysfunction.

A waning interest in sex is not limited to men. Women with Hepatitis C who are on interferon and ribavirin therapy may experience vaginal dryness, potentially leading to a reduced desire for sexual activity. While topical estrogen and progesterone creams and oral estrogen supplements can ease the dryness, some risks are involved.

As you can see, sexual dysfunction affects both men and women. Whether caused by antiviral medications, advanced liver disease, fatigue or depression, Hepatitis C can severely impact a patient’s ability to have a normal and healthy functioning sex life. A sensitive topic for everyone, learning to open up and discuss sexual dysfunction with a physician can help improve a patient’s quality of life.

About the author :

By Nicole Cutler This article was prepared for Hepatitis-Central.com Visit us to learn more about liver health

Can Saliva Transmit Hepatitis C?

2007-03-24T23:53:00.000-07:00

Hepatitis C (HCV) is the most prevalent liver disease in the world. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 20-30% of people with chronic Hepatitis C will eventually face life-threatening symptoms. Astoundingly, unidentified sources of infection account for a large percentage of Hepatitis C cases. Most of these unidentified sources are believed to be the result of contact with contaminated blood, the virus’s primary mode of transmission. However, of those that are not attributed to blood to blood contact, some unknown cases may possibly be the consequence of salivary transmission. While other body fluids may rightfully raise some concern, such as urine, semen, and vaginal fluids, studies show that these substances must contain traces of infected blood for contamination to take place.

Although the virus’s physical measurements are tiny, its concentration is enormous. In fact, compared to HIV, the concentration of the Hepatitis C virus in one drop of infected blood is much higher. Unlike HIV and other viruses, direct or indirect contact with contaminated blood (such as a toothbrush) yields the Hepatitis C virus transmissible. As a precaution, individuals with HCV are asked not to share personal items where traces of their contaminated blood may reside.

Despite continued uncertainty, some researches have found evidence in support of HCV being transmitted via saliva. That is, if it’s under the right circumstances. For instance, recent research shows that Hepatitis C is only found in the saliva of individuals with high viral loads. It may be possible for individuals with high viral loads to transmit the Hepatitis C virus through kissing, but the exact risk involved has yet to be determined. Research shows that both people would need to have gum disease in order for transmission to occur.

About the author :

By Nicole Cutler This article was prepared for Hepatitis-Central.com. Visit us to learn more about liver health

Hepatitis B Vaccine

2007-03-24T23:41:00.000-07:00

The hepatitis B virus, also known as HBV, is a very serious disease. This article is going to tell you a little bit about the disease and vaccine. If you know little about hepatitis, this article should give you some insight on the hepatitis B virus and the vaccine.

How is hepatitis B spread or how does a person get it? Hepatitis B is spread through contact with bodily fluids and the blood of an infected individual. You can hepatitis B through sexual contact and sharing needles when a person injects themselves with illegal drugs. If you work in the medical field, you can get hepatitis B if you are accidentally stuck with a needle on the job. Pregnant mothers can also pass the virus to their unborn child while in the womb.

What are the long term affects of hepatitis B? Hepatitis B can cause chronic illnesses that usually turn into liver damage or cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer and/or death.

An estimated 1.25 million Americans in the United States get infected chronically with hepatitis B. The highest percentage of people who have hepatitis B are from the ages of 20 to 49 years of age. New infections of hepatitis B have declined since the 1980's due to the hepatitis B vaccine. New infections each year used to top 260,000 individuals, and has dropped to approximately 80,000 over the past 20 years. An estimated 4,000 to 5,000 people die from hepatitis each year.

Everyone under 18 years old should get the hepatitis vaccine, and those older than 18 years old should get the vaccine if they are at risk of getting the virus. If you have not had the hepatitis B vaccine, and you are at risk for getting hepatitis B, you should really consider getting the vaccine. You are at risk for getting hepatitis B if you have more than one sexual partner in a 6 month period. You are at risk for getting hepatitis B if you are a man that has sex with other men, or if you have sex with a man that had had sex with another man. You are at risk if you inject illegal drugs or have sexual encounters with infected people. You are also at risk if you work in a health care facility, if you work in public safety, or if are a hemodialysis patient.

The hepatitis B vaccine is usually given in 3 doses, however there are a few exceptions. Infants under six months of age should not be given the 3rd dose because it can reduce the long-term protection of the vaccine. Youth from the ages to 11 and 15 years of age may also only need two doses about 4-6 months apart.

There are some people who should not get the vaccine. You should not get the vaccine if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to baker's yeast, or if you have taken the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine and had a bad reaction to it. If you are even moderately ill, you should wait until you recover before you get the vaccine.

Are there any risks, and if so, what are they? Like any vaccine there is a risk of allergic reaction, but the risk of it causing serious harm or being fatal is almost unheard of. If you think about it, getting the hepatitis B vaccine is much safer than getting the hepatitis B virus. The majority of people who get the vaccine never have a problem with it. One out of eleven children and one out of 4 adults have soreness where the shot was actually given, which which only lasts a day or two. One out of fourteen children and one out of one hundred adults get a mild fever. Severe allergic reactions are extremely rare.

If you think you are having a reaction to the hepatitis vaccine, you should look for high fever and/or unusual behavior. If you were to have a serious reaction to the vaccine, it should happen within a few minutes to a few hours after getting the hepatitis B vaccine. Some other signs to look for are difficulty breathing, wheezing, hives, pale skin color, fast heart beat, dizziness and/or weakness. If you show any of these symptoms and think you are having a reaction to the vaccine, you should call your doctor and tell him that you have had the vaccine and think you are having a reaction to it.

Did you know there is a National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program? If you or your child are have a serious reaction to a vaccine, there is a federal program that will help you pay for medical care resulting from a vaccine. To contact the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, you can call 1-800-338-2382 or you can go to their website at www.hrsa.gov/osp/vicp .

About the author :

Laura Fleenor - owner and webmaster of Articles 4 Me And U.com and Particle Articles.com Laura is also webmaster of K.A.G.E.D. Band.com Laura holds an AAS in Computer Programming, an AS in Information Technology, and a Certificate of Program Completion in Web Page Design/Publishing.

Diabetes Medication: Can Your Treatment Cause Hepatitis?

2007-03-24T08:30:00.000-07:00

In 1997, the medical community was prescribing a new drug to treat type 2 diabetes. By March 2000, this drug was removed from the market because it was causing hepatitis and liver disease. Drugs in this family are still being prescribed to treat diabetes. Are there any risks?

Troglitazone was allegedly a miracle drug. It decreased incidence of type 2 diabetes by up to 75% compared with a control group. It helped relieve many complications that can come from insulin resistance, including certain ovarian diseases. It was prescribed to use with insulin, with other diabetes medications, and by itself for therapy. Only after 3 years did the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) realize that troglitazone caused severe liver damage. Troglitazone was available under the brand names Rezulin and Romozin.

Troglitazone is in the thiazolidinedione family of diabetes medications. The thiazolidinedione family includes pioglitazone and rosiglitazone. Pioglitazone is marketed as Actos by Takeda Pharmaceuticals; Rosiglitazone is marketed as Avandia by GlaxoSmithKline. Both of these medications are currently on the market.

Neither Avandia nor Actos have been associated with an increase in liver disease. However, both of these medications may cause an increase risk of heart attack and stroke. It is important that you discuss any concerns that you have with your doctor before undertaking any treatment.

Both Avandia and Actos can be used as monotherapies (by themselves) to help increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin. They can also be used with insulin treatment, for type 2 diabetics who are insulin dependent. Avandia and Actos can be used in combination with other diabetes medications, such as biguanides (such as metformin) and sulfonylureas. Avandia is available in pre-mixed combinations called Avandamet and Avandaryl.

In order to minimize your risk of side effects on diabetes medication from the thiazolidinedione family, such as Actos and Avandia, it is important to follow your doctor’s directions. This means that you will have to follow your diet and exercise regimen. It also means that you will have to limit your alcohol intake.

You will not be able to take a thiazolidinedione if you have a history of liver disease, or if you have a history of heart disease.

Doctors typically monitor patients’ livers when they are on Avandia, Actos, or other thiazolidinedione because of the previous scare with Rezulin. Your liver function can be monitored with regular blood tests, often each month or every other month. Be sure to visit your health care professional regularly to have your check ups.

The basic element of diabetes management, no matter your treatment, is keeping a healthy diet and exercise. This can often prevent you from having to take medications to treat your diabetes, or it can help you minimize the amount of medication that you need. Prevention is often the best medicine of all.

About the author :

Vivian Brennan is the editor of The Guide To Diabetes. To learn more about diabetes medications, for both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, visit The Guide to Diabetes today. http://www.theguideto-diabetes.com

Hepatitis 101 what you need to know about

2007-03-21T13:22:00.000-07:00

Not many of us know about something that is common between Evil Kenivel and Naomi judd along with thousands of other lesser, known mortals. Well the answer is Hepatitis. Both stars have or had the virus, in particular the hepatitis c. there are basically three types that infect people every year. However in order to reduce the risk, it's important to understand the causes and effects of this virus n body.

It's a very easily spread virus which causes inflammation of the liver. The infection might be acute, with the body recovering in less then six months. Or it might be chronic, which means the virus lasts in the body for about six months or even more.

Different types of Hepatitis are caused by different types of viruses. All of these respond to medication and treatment differently. Although the infection is usually preventable and most who acquire usually recover, yet it is a major health concern. Mostly it's considered dangerous because of the damage it may cause to a persons liver tissue and the ease with which it spreads from one to another.

It may seriously affect the immunity of the body and damage the liver even causing liver failure, cancer and even death.

Most important is to realize that one form of hepatitis is different from another. While hepatitis A spreads by contaminated food or water, but on the other hand C is spread only through body fluids or during birth.

Just like the causes, their treatment is equally different. Although, all the forms of Hepatitis have different symptoms, differentiating one from the other, yet for the most part they have similar symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is advisable to seek immediate medical attention. To begin with get it tested, so that treatment may begin if required.

Although not all types have the same symptoms yet they do share some common symptoms like dark urine, yellow skin or eye whites, also referred to as jaundice, low grade fever, loss of appetite and feeling sick. Loss of nutrition might also be caused by the virus.

Other more unique symptoms are stomachaches for those with B and C only. Yellow or pale colored stool affects those with hepatitis a and c, aching joints is more common for the patients with hepatitis B.

Because of the similarity in symptoms, self-diagnosis of the type is not easy and hence medical tests are required. However knowing the symptoms helps, as Hepatitis a has no real treatment and has to be waited out and thus one must know the usual symptoms, deviation from which is a sign of a different infection.

Prognosis in case of Hepatitis is vitally important. Most people with infection do recover in six months or so, yet in some cases it may take a longer time.

Amongst the various things that a person with infection and wishing speedy recovery should do, is to avoid alcohol. Alcohol and drugs add excessive burden to the already weak liver, trying to heal itself from the virus.

Regular visits to the doctor, monitoring the functioning of liver are equally important. Patients have a vital role in recovery and hence an open relationship with the doctor is extremely important and any new symptoms should be immediately expressed.

About the author:

Mansi gupta writes about hepatitis.. Learn more at http://www.avoidhepatitis.com .

Coffee vs. Hepatitis C

2007-03-21T13:21:00.000-07:00

Many Hepatitis C patients experience extreme fatigue throughout the course of the disease. And many people in this world are addicted to caffeine. Therefore, most scientists are now telling doctors not to remove their patients from caffeine as is found in coffee. This addiction is relatively harmless in the eyes of most doctors. However, there is increasing evidence that trying to end this addiction "cold turkey", as has been recommended by most doctors for patients who have been afflicted with Hepatitis C, is harmful to a patient's blood pressure and overall health.

Instead, coffee should be limited to between two and four cups a day, consumed early in the morning. Most doctors believe that you should have no more than 600mg of caffeine each day, so the number of actual cups of coffee depends on the type of coffee you prefer to drink. The freshness of the coffee beans and the strength of the particular brew can also affect the amount of caffeine in the coffee.

In addition, many doctors feel that cutting caffeine from hepatitis c patients cold turkey can be extremely time-consuming. These patients can be so concerned with avoiding the caffeine that they don't concentrate as much on other, more harmful lifestyle issues. These issues, including smoking, doing illegal drugs, and drinking alcohol, should be ceased immediately and require more attention from the patient than the relatively harmless caffeine.

For most people, drinking coffee helps to keep them alert and awake. Many Hepatitis C patients experience extreme fatigue throughout the course of the disease. Some doctors are therefore recommending that their hepatitis c patients drink coffee in order to counteract this fatigue without the use of medications that can become harmfully addictive.

Recently, though, researchers have begun questioning the need to cease caffeine intake at all in Hepatitis C patients. In fact, studies are beginning to show that the caffeine found in coffee is actually beneficial to these patients. In Hepatitis C, high levels of the serum Alanine Aminotransferase can cause significant liver damage. Recent studies have shown that caffeine found in coffee is reducing the levels of this serum found in patients.

One such study was done by researchers at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. This large study showed that the risk of elevated serum levels decreased with each additional cup of coffee. Drinking at least two cups of coffee daily had the highest level of benefit. However, if patients drank no coffee or only decaffeinated coffee, they did not achieve the same results.

Why it is proving that coffee and caffeine block the production of this serum is unknown at this time. However, it has been speculated that the caffeine blocks a receptor found in both the brain and the liver. This may help the body become immune to some of the effects of Hepatitis C that cause the increase in this serum.

In conclusion, there is currently no scientific evidence that drinking coffee causes problems for people with C type Hepatitis. In fact, the possibility of drinking coffee in moderation being helpful for such patients seems to be increasing.

About the author :

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

Randy has more articles on coffee and coffee beans at Total Coffee Information such as Coffee Enemas. http://www.ultimate-coffees-info.com/

Hepatitis A is preventable

2007-03-21T13:20:00.000-07:00

Hepatitis A is an enterovirus that is transmitted by a orofecal route. A root such as contaminated food is an easy way for Hep A to be transmitted. The virus causes an acute form of hepatitis and as a result does not contain a permanent stage. Once a person is infected their bodies immune system will make antibodies against the virus that confer immunity against future Hepatitus A infection. Currently a vaccine is available that can prevent infection from hepatitis A for life.

Three out of four people with Hep A will show the symptoms. Below is a list of some of the most common symtoms:

* Fever
* Dark urine
* Jaundice
* Nausea
* Tiredness
* Loss of appetite
* Stomach ache
* Vomiting

Currently There is no specific treatment for Hepatitis A. With that said rest is always recommended during the severe phases of the disease when the symptoms are most at large. Hepatitis A can easily be prevented by keeping good hygiene and sanitation. Like earlier mentioned a vaccination is also available. This vaccination is recommended in areas of the world where the likelyhood of hepatitis A is large.

Here is a quick and no-nonsense list of ways to prevent Hepatitus A:

* Only Drink water from approved sources
* Always use a dental dam or sheet of plastic wrap during rimming
* Always Cook shellfish thoroughly before eating
* Always Keep bathrooms clean and disinfected after every use
* Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before preparing or eating food, and after sexual activity.

About the author :

Feel free to reprint this article as long as you keep the article, this caption and author biography in tact with all hyperlinks.

Ryan Fyfe is the owner and operator of Hepatitis A Spot - http://www.hepatitis-a-spot.com, which is the best site on the internet for all Hepatitis A related information.

The Hepatitis B virus

2007-03-21T13:19:00.000-07:00

Hepatitis B is what we used to originally known as just simply serum hepatitis. Hep B has been recognized as this new name since World War II. The virus is responsible for current epidemics in parts of Asia and Africa. Recognized as endemic in China and various other parts of Asia, the Hepatitis B virus has infected over one third of the world's current population.

Hepatitis B is in the Hepadnavirus family. Meaning that it consists of a proteinaceous core particle that has the viral genome inside of it in the form of double stranded DNA. It also has an outside lipid-based envelope that contains embedded proteins. These envelope proteins on the outside are involved in viral binding and release into susceptible cells. Where as the inner capsid refinds the DNA genome to a cell's nucleus where it transcribes viral mRNAs. Although HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and Hepatitus are not related they are both viruses that use reverse transcription process. This also include HTLV. Hepatitis B's genome is DNA, and reverse transcription is one of the latter steps of the entire process which results in making new viral particles. HIV on the other hand has an RNA genome and reverse transcription is one of the first steps in replication of the virus.

Hepatitis B is most commonly transmitted through direct exposure to bodily fluids that contain the virus. This is a wide category but in most cases includes: - Re-using contaminated needles and syringes - Uncleanly Blood transfusions - Unprotected sexual contact - Direct transmission from mother to child during childbirth

The dominant mode of transmission depends largely on the prevalence of the disease in a given area. For example if areas such as North America drug abuse and unprotected sex are the primary mode of infection. Where as in areas such as such as China where Hepatitis B is very prevalent, the vertical transmission(mother to child) is the most common. A mother who is positive for the Hepatitis B surface virus has a 20% risk of passing the infection to her offspring during birth. That percentage can rise to as high as 90% if the mother is also infected with the hepatitis B e antigen.

The older a person is at the time of infection, the greater the risk that their body will not clear the infection. Hepatitis B infection can lead to a permanent inflammation of the liver, the result of this inflammation leads cirrhosis. These affects largely increase the likelyhood of developing liver cancer.

About the author :

Feel free to reprint this article as long as you keep the article, this caption and author biography in tact with all hyperlinks.

Ryan Fyfe is the owner and operator of Hepatitis B Spot - http://www.hepatitis-b-spot.com, which is the best site on the internet for all Hepatitis B related information.

Types of Hepatitis

2007-03-21T13:18:00.000-07:00

Hepatitis is a disease taking on many forms which feature inflammation of the liver. The cause is depended on the prognosis and on the symptoms shown. Certain forms of hepatitis are unable to reveal many signs or symptoms and are only noticeable when the longstanding inflammation has led to the replacement of liver cells by connective tissue. General symptoms of hepatitis are noticed by fever, enlarged liver, abdominal pain, and jaundice (icterus).

Viral infections are the cause of most acute Hepatitis. Hepatitis comes in 7 not so delicious flavours: Hepatitis A, B, C, D - Agent (which requires the presence of the hepatitis B virus to form), Hepatitis E, F, and G. None of these are very yummy, and should be avoided at all costs.

The most common of the 7 is Hepatitis A. It is transmitted through the orofecal route, or in other words, contaminated food. This one is the easiest to contract, but it does not reach a chronic stage, so the body is able to build up an immunity against it by creating antibodies. An excellent preventative measure is to get a Hepatitis A vaccination. This will prevent infection of the virus.

Hepatitis has a close brother - Hepatitis B. This evil twin is also very easy to contract. you can get it through blood, tattoos, sexually, and you can even inherit it from your mother when you are born. Hep. B can be acute, however, some peoples' bodies are unable to produce antibodies against it, thus turning an acute virus into a chronic one.

The easiest way to avoid contracting Hepatitis is simple cleanliness and vaccinations. click the link to my website at the bottom for more information on all forms of Hepatitis.

About the author :

Feel free to reprint this article as long as you keep the article, this caption and author biography in tact with all hyperlinks.

Tyler Brooker is the owner and operator of Hepatitis Attack - http://www.hepatitisattack.com, which is the best site on the internet for all Hepatitis related information.

I am Hepatitis C

2007-03-21T13:17:00.000-07:00

I am Hepatitis C a form of hepatitis liver inflammation that is caused by a virus known on the street as HCV. Before HCV was discovered in 1989, they used to refer to me as a related name to my little brothers, "non-A-non-B hepatitus". A laughing stock of the virus world, but that all changed in 1989. Approximately 15 to 20 percent of people are able to deal with me and develop immunity. That doesn't speak for the rest, and also 15 to 20 percent of them that will show acute signs of the me, Hepatitus C.

It is known that for each 100 chronic Hepatitis C patients, 20 will develop liver cirrhosis. Liver cirrhosis is a nasty scarring of the liver, which can progress into Liver cancer. I have infected over 180 million people around the world, and am now responsible for the majority of liver transplants, Hepatocellular carcinoma and also the major cause of death among HIV co-infected patients.

Most times, people that are carrier me in the chronic state, chronic hepatitis C, will have no symptoms. This doesn't speak well for myself, but without further delay over time I can cause long term damage to the liver. This is due to my blood borne nature. I work slowly and severe liver damage may not develop until 10-40 years after my initial infection. Mixing things up, my symptoms vary based on each individual carrier. Often times they will resemble flu symptoms which include: - body aches - loss of appetite - headaches - diarrhea - fatigue - nausea - nightsweats - abdominal pain - upper right quadrant pain

Because, like I mentioned, these symptoms resemble the flue, most people are not aware that they have me until they visit a doctor and have a physical exam. Even then sometimes I can go unnoticed unless they have blood work done. Cases often exist, where a individuals will go to donate bllod or plasma, and will return positive results to a HCV test.

Needle sharing, drug sharing, and unprotected sex are just a few ways in which I can spread rampantly. It's as simple as blood-to-blood contact. Wherever that exists I also exist. Things like piercings and tattoo needles are some of my favorites.

About the author :

Feel free to reprint this article as long as you keep the article, this caption and author biography in tact with all hyperlinks.

Ryan Fyfe is the owner and operator of Hepatitis C Spot - http://www.hepatitis-c-spot.com, which is the best site on the internet for all Hepatitis C related information.

Hepatitis

2007-03-21T13:16:00.000-07:00

Hepatitis by Djehuty Ma'at-Ra

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver. Hepa is Latin for "liver" and the English suffix "itis" means inflammation. Hepatitis is characterized by other pathologies such as jaundice, abdominal and gastric discomfort, hepatomegaly, and dark urine (which is a sign of severe acidosis).

What causes hepatitis? Answer: Toxemia! When an organ like the liver becomes overly toxic, it becomes inflamed and the inflammation causes the organ to enlarge.

The liver is one of the body's five eliminative channels (or six eliminative channels if you're a woman). It is the major filtering organ in the body and performs over 500 functions. And because the liver secretes certain substances, it is also a gland. All toxins are first counteracted or attacked by the liver. The liver does a great job of fighting toxicity until it gets overwhelmed and allows less toxic substances to slip through into the body via the blood while it fights the most deadly toxins in a Divine gesture to save the host body.

Certain toxins such as cigarette smoke, alcohol/beer/wine, pharmaceutical drugs, so-called Vitamin C, illegal drugs (cocaine, heroin, PCP, etc.), birth control pills, car exhaust and fumes, carbon monoxide, household cleaning supplies chemicals, and cosmetic and hygiene product chemicals greatly sabotage the health of the liver. These things make the liver work harder and overtime.

And let's not forget about the toxins from the SAD (Standard American Diet). Meats are heavily saturated with toxins including cancer causing sodium nitrate and nitrites, synthetic female hormones, and chemical dyes. Dairy products contain cow feces and synthetic female hormones.

Meat (slaughtered animal flesh), dairy (cow snot/mucus/pus), and starch (stiffening agent) create acids that cause inflammation throughout the body and which in turn causes the excess production of mucus in the body.

The liver is the body's first line of defense. This is why it is imperative that the liver remain healthy. You cannot live and experience optimal health without a clean and well functioning liver. In fact, if you remove the letter "R" from the word "liver", what new word do you now have? Answer: L-I-V-E!!!

Hepatitis is nothing but a man-made medical term to describe a problem of the liver. And nowadays, there are variations of this disease with alphabets attached to the ending of the word, such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, all of which are alleged viruses. And what does the word "virus" really mean? Answer: poison! So to Djehuty, hepatitis is nothing but a joke, for I know that hepatitis means that there is mucus obstructing the liver and at the same time there is plethora of toxins saturated in the liver. In a nutshell, this is what hepatitis is.

And God forbid a person is that naïve or ignorant to accept a hepatitis vaccine shot in order to allegedly help fight hepatitis because the hepatitis vaccine itself is laced with toxins or poisons. Therefore, a hepatitis vaccination or inoculation defeats the whole purpose.

It is also important that I mention that a toxic liver can play a role in depression (bipolar disorder) if not outright be the cause of depression. Ever heard of the term "melancholy"? Melancholy is two words: "melan" and "choly." Melan = "black" and "choly" = bile. Melancholy means black bile. Bile is originally green and very alkaline and is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder and released into the digestive tract to neutralize acids. However, black bile is acidic and is stored in the Fourth Brain of the body which is located at the Third Chakra (sometimes referred to as the Fourth Chakra) called the Solar Plexus located at the belly above the belly button (navel). The Fourth Brain (Solar Plexus) is your "feeling" brain, which explains that "gut" feeling or "butterflies in the stomach" sensation/feeling you experience from time to time. If the Fourth Brain is impaired, so are the other three brains located in the head where the nervous system headquarters is located. The human body is truly interconnected and wholistic.

An important note on bile - dark-green colored stools/feces sunk at the bottom of the toilet is not a good or healthy sign. People suffering from depression are very acidic (toxic) individuals.

Liver transplants? Why you would have to be out of your mind to even consider such process and operation. How is removing one person's toxic liver and giving it to another person going to help a person? Outright insanity! Removing one toxic liver and then replacing it with another toxic liver! Sheer medical insanity! Poor former NFL player and Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton! He didn't have to die. Payton allegedly died of a unique liver disease. However, in all actuality, Payton died of ignorance to the truth (there's healing for every disease known to man).

Liver transplanting is big business nowadays. They are totally unnecessary when you have knowledge of the voluminous amounts of natural hepatic (pertaining to the liver) herbs in Nature.

Liver transplanting is big business nowadays. They are totally unnecessary when you have knowledge of the voluminous amounts of natural hepatic (pertaining to the liver) herbs in Nature.

Healing hepatitis naturally

Excellent hepatic or liver herbs include: Milk Thistle seeds, Dandelion Root, Boldo leaves, Artichoke, Turmeric, Oregon Grape, Barberry, Goldenseal root, Bupleurem, Gentian, Fenugreek seed, Chanca Piedra, Fringetree bark, Wahoo bark, Liverwort, Blue Flag, White Peony, Celadine, Agrimony, and Quassia Chips to name a few. By far, the three (3) best herbs for the liver are Milk Thistle seeds, Dandelion root, and Boldo leaves. Milk Thistle seeds is the equivalent of taking the liver out of the body and washing it in a washing machine.

Many individuals are consuming synthetic Vitamin C today which provides absolutely NO Vitamin C or other nutrients. In fact, most Vitamin C sold commercially and conventionally is nothing but ascorbic acid made in a laboratory and consuming this particular Vitamin C will greatly toxify and tax your liver. Real Vitamin C is found in Nature (Rose Hip seeds, Hibiscus flower, Acerola cherry, Camu fruit, Alma fruit, Capsicum fruit, etc.).

Question: if your Vitamin C is derived from Ascorbic Acid, where is the Ascorbic Acid derived from? God does not make pure mono-structured ascorbic acid. But man does and here lies your problem.

Coffee enema

The coffee enema works wonders for the liver. It can be performed once a month. Coffee (organic, of course) makes the liver dump off toxins like a dump trunk. This process is one of the best healing methods for a toxic liver. Worried about caffeine? Well, when coffee is administered through the rectum, caffeine is not absorbed in the body. Caffeine is only absorbed when coffee is drunk via the mouth. Singer Janet Jackson performs coffee enemas. Janet knows something very beneficial about coffee enemas. Also, coffee enemas are great for overcoming hangovers and migraine headaches.

Castor oil pack

The castor oil pack process is one of my favorite liver cleansing methods. You apply castor oil on your liver (externally, of course) and then put a piece of plastic over it (gets very sticky) and then you place a hot pack over it and let it sit for about two (2) hours. This process is performed lying down and under a towel or some newspaper as the oil will slide down on the side of the body. The castor oil pack process can also be performed monthly or every 3-4 months.

Activated Charcoal (Carbon)

Carbon or Activated Charcoal is the best substance on Planet Earth that we have right now that cleanses the body in general and the liver in particular of toxins. Carbon is some very powerful stuff! It is very alkaline and neutralizes toxins, heavy metals, and harmful gases 2,000 times its own weight. This is why we include Carbon in our Full Body Detoxification Kit. The Kit would be incomplete without it.

Olive and Castor Oil

Olive oil lubricates and purifies the liver and helps dissolve hardened calculi (stones) such as kidney, bladder, and gallstones. A tablespoon of olive oil can be consumed daily or as needed. Castor oil performs the same function as olive oil but is also anthelmintic (anti-parasitic) in nature as castor oil suffocates worms and parasite in the colon and liver.

Fasting

Fasting is also a good choice and method for cleansing the liver. Fasting purifies the bloodstream which in turn purifies all the organs in the body, especially the eliminative organs (colon, liver, kidneys, lungs and skin).

In closing, the liver is an organ that is naturally saturated with toxins due to the voluminous amounts of poison/toxins we consume daily. The liver always contains filth. Mothers, do you understand now why children don't or didn't like eating liver for dinner? As a little boy, I hated eating liver and really never ate it. When you eat an animal's liver, you're eating the most toxic part of the animal.

And beware of all these liver products on the market at health food stores. My little brother was taking some liver cleansing pills back in the mid 1990s that were derived from bovine (cow, ox). He didn't have a clue until I read the bottle. The major ingredient of this particular liver product was "bovine liver." Now how can consuming a cow's liver clean your human liver? Sheer insanity and asininity! And my little brother paid more than $60 dollars for that crap.

There are plenty of natural things and processes that can help a person to heal 100% from hepatitis, mainly herbs. My good friend Bro. Sheik Mamoud Bey told me a few months ago how a good friend of his who had hepatitis whom he gave a Full Body Detox to and who completed the three week process and regimen and went back to the doctor for a checkup and was told by the doctor that his hepatitis was gone. I have helped many people with so-called hepatitis with either the Full Body Detox or our Liver-Gallbladder-Spleen formula and Vitamin C Combo formula. So I'm saying on the record and to the American public that hepatitis (A, B, and C) is easy to be healed from with herbs and diet modification.

Do you know why actor/comedian George Burns could smoke cigars and drink alcohol and still live to be 100 years of age? Answer: because in addition to laughing (which is great medicine), he cleaned his liver and colon almost every single weekend with liver cleansing herbs and by performing high colonics (now called "colonics") and enemas. The man was smart (in this respect) and knew something the average person didn't know. However, what George Burns knew and applied, I just divulged in this brief article.

Thank you for reading!

About the author :

This article is compliments of www.DHERBS.Com and Djehuty Ma'at-Ra, the People's Herbalist

© 2004 Dherbs.com, For information contact info@dherbs.com - Website Design by Flywriter Productions - Back End Programming by since82.com

A Summary of Chronic Hepatitis C Infection

2007-03-21T13:14:00.000-07:00

Hepatitis C is a stealthy virus that mutates while hiding in liver cells and other organ cells like the spleen and gall bladder. The fact that the viral cells "hide" makes it very difficult for the body's immune system to eradicate it. Hepatitis C is a slowly progressing disease sometimes taking many years until symptoms are noticeable. It is at this point that the virus has reached advanced chronic stage and becomes difficult to eradicate. Hepatitis C results in 8,000 to 10,000 deaths annually. Hepatitis C is also the leading cause of liver transplants in the U.S.

Hepatitis C infection is caused by blood contact with someone who has the virus infection himself. The transmission of the virus can occur by illicit drug use with needles, sharing toothbrushes or razors with an infected person, by sexual means, by unsanitary tattooing or by exposure to blood at your workplace (like a hospital or blood bank). Some HCV infection may have been caused by receiving blood from a transfusion prior to 1992.

Hepatitis C is diagnosed via a blood test. Usually, the first thing that is noticed is that the liver enzyme levels for ALT and AST are elevated well above normal levels. Further investigation via HCV-RNA testing identifies whether the Hepatitis C virus is in your blood or not. Other tests for HCV include qualitative viral load tests, which measure the RNA particles in your blood. If you are being treated for HCV, your doctor is probably using either a HCV-RNA or viral load test to determine the effectiveness of the treatment.

The symptoms of Hepatitis C infection often do not occur in a person until 20 years after he/she had been infected. Since the HCV infects the liver and the liver is the organ in the body that makes all the energy for our daily activities possible, liver function deterioration often results in fatigue. Fatigue is the primary complaint or symptom of HCV infection. Other more severe symptoms are jaundice (yellowing of the skin/eyes), bile retention (which can cause jaundice), portal vein hypertension, skin rashes and itching, and autoimmune problems resulting from your body's immune system attacking normal cells.

Long term HCV infection may result in fibrosis or even cirrhosis of the liver. Fibrosis results from unchecked liver inflammation. As the HCV infection progresses, the damage to the liver results in scarring or hardening of the liver cells (fibrosis). Long term fibrosis may lead to cirrhosis which is when the scarring from fibrosis overtakes the normal liver cell structure causing deformity and loss of function in the liver. About 15%-20% of HCV patients end up with cirrhosis. A liver biopsy is currently the most accurate means of determining the amount of inflammation and fibrosis the liver has sustained.

Hepatitis C progression in the body can take several years or even decades to come to chronic stage or to a stage where severe liver damage is evident. This period of time allows a person to determine how to properly treat the disease and to decide on a course of disease management. Currently, the main treatment for HCV infection to eradicate the virus is combo alpha-interferon and Ribavirin. Sometimes a doctor may prescribe interferon alone. Interferon comes in standard form or in pegylated form. Standard form interferon is administered 3 times per week, while the pegylated form is administered only once per week. Your body makes its own interferon, which is a protein that fights viral infection and viral replication.

Hepatitis C may often be managed by taking herbal and vitamin supplements that help your body fight infection and limit inflammation. These supplements help your liver with the inflammation and give it the nutrients it needs to regenerate healthy new cells. Your doctor can recommend alternative or adjunct solutions you may want to try.

Proper treatment of the disease, a healthy and active lifestyle, a good diet, abstinence from alcohol and stress management are important factors in controlling Hepatitis C progression.

About the author:

Greg Lietz is a freelance writer and internet businessman. He has interests in special health concerns and in the self-help industry. Visit his blog about hepatitis c and other liver related conditions to learn more. http://www.about-hepatitis-c.com/

Symptoms and Types of Hepatitis

2007-03-21T13:13:00.000-07:00

What is hepatitis? Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It is usually caused by a virus. There are several kinds of hepatitis. Some of these types affect humans but there are also other types that affect animals such as dogs and cats. Most people probably know of the types that affect humans, however.

What are some of the symptoms of hepatitis? If you have hepatitis, you will probably know that something is wrong. Symptoms include fever, nausea, headache, fatigue, muscle pain, loss of appetite and sometimes jaundice.

Hepatitis can be fatal but most people can recover when they get treatment. So how does a person get hepatitis? Well, it typically comes from an infected person but it depends on the type that you have.

Hepatitis type A is also called the Infectious Hepatitis and is called by a virus that is carried in human waste. It can be transmitted by contaminated food or coming in contact with someone with the virus. Hygiene is important and there is a vaccination for the disease.

Hepatitis B is also called Serum Hepatitis and is typically transmitted through the virus in blood, saliva or semen. This type can be transmitted through sexual contact or contact with the blood such as cuts, bites and contaminated needles. Blood transfusions can also spread this type of hepatitis and a pregnant mother can spread it to her child.

Hepatitis C is most often caused from blood transfusions and is not very common now since there are ways of testing and scanning the blood. It can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. There is also a type D or Delta Hepatitis that is a severe combination of the delta virus and hepatitis B. There are also types E and G.

Hepatitis is one of many reasons why you should not share needles or have unprotected sex. If you do think you may have hepatitis, you should seek help immediately.

About the author :

James Hunt has spent 15 years as a professional writer and researcher covering stories that cover a whole spectrum of interest. Read more at www.hepatitis-help.info

Hepatitis - The Facts

2007-03-21T13:12:00.000-07:00

Hepatitis is a highly infectious disease and can happen to people regardless of age. It does, however, occur more in young people and those who work in industries where they are handling contaminated material. Because young people are more inclined to be involved in risk-taking behaviors, it may explain why this disease predominately affects this age group.

The disease causes the liver to become inflamed and is caused by viruses transmitted via blood, saliva, or faeces. The two main viruses are hepatitis A and hepatitis B. there is also hepatitis C which is transmitted in a similar fashion to hepatitis B but occurs when neither the A or B virus is present. There is also hepatitis D, E and F though these are less common. Hepatitis D cannot cause disease but can cause a severe liver infection if contracted with hepatitis B.

The main transmission of hepatitis A is through contaminated food or water and is sometimes found in areas of poor sanitation and inadequate housing. It is only infectious during the incubation period and is not transmitted by carriers. It can also be transmitted through infected blood products.

Hepatitis B has a longer incubation period, sometimes lasting for several months. It is usually transmitted by infected blood, often because of blood transfusions or through the sharing of infected intravenous needles. Fortunately, the blood screening tests available in the West means that the transmission of this disease via blood transfusion is almost unheard of. However, the transmission via shared intravenous needles continues to be a problem. It can also be transmitted by non sterile tattoo needles and razor blades. Another mode of transmission is by sexual contact. If a pregnant woman contracts hepatitis B, the virus can infect her unborn child by getting into the fetal bloodstream.

Most hepatitis infections, either A or B, are quite mild but they leave chemical evidence in the blood and this shows up in blood tests. If the infection is severe enough to cause significant inflammation of the liver, it blocks the liver's ability to eliminate the bile pigments. This then causes the bile to enter the circulatory system and leads to jaundice, a yellow tinge of the skin and the whites of the eyes. The patient often feels ill for some time before the jaundice becomes noticeable. There is pain in the upper right side of the abdomen and often there is pain similar to arthritis in the joints. There may also be a rash.

While the jaundice is obvious, the person often feels nauseated and vomits frequently. This normally lasts for no more than two weeks and the person is often fully recovered within six weeks. The person becomes a carrier if the virus is not eliminated from the body. While this does not cause great problems in many people, some develop chronic inflammation of the liver which then progresses to cirrhosis of the liver, an often fatal disease. Because there is no carrier state with hepatitis A, this is only a problem in hepatitis B or C.

Hepatitis can be simply diagnosed if by the typical symptoms when present. These can be confirmed by blood tests. When the patient has overcome the disease, antibodies are present in the blood. If there are no antibodies, the patient is still carrying the virus. A doctor may order blood tests or a liver biopsy if he suspects that the patient is developing chronic liver disease.

Not all hepatitis sufferers need to be hospitalized and often can be treated at home. Those at risk include expectant mothers, diabetics and the elderly and these groups are usually treated in hospital. Whether the patient is in hospital or at home, it is essential that separate cooking and eating utensils are used to avoid cross infection. Extra care needs to be taken with hygiene.

The sufferer should not take any medications during their illness and must not drink any alcohol. Alcohol acts as a poison on the liver so must be totally avoided for at least six months after having hepatitis.

The majority of hepatitis attacks are mild and are followed by complete recovery. Hepatitis can recur, but in such cases it is rarely caused by the same type of virus. It is, however, possible for patients who are carriers to suffer a relapse. If a person has had hepatitis, the best advice is never to drink alcohol again. Failing that, he or she should abstain from all alcoholic drinks for at least six months.

About the author :

Anne Wolski has worked in the health and welfare industry for more than 30 years. She is a co-director of http://www.magnetic-health-online.com an information portal with many interesting medical articles and also of http://www.pharmacybyweb.com which has online physicians who can help you with any questions you may have.

Will the Chimigen™ Vaccine Stop Bird Flu, Anthrax and Hepatitis?

2007-03-21T13:11:00.001-07:00

We interviewed Dr. Rajan George, Adjunct Faculty of the University of Alberta's Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department. Dr. George is also Vice President of Research and Development for the Division of Infection Diseases of ViRexx Medical Co.

Interviewer: Can you describe ViRexx Medical's Chimigen™ therapeutic vaccine?

Dr. Rajan George: Chimigen therapeutic vaccine is used to produce immune responses in a host against infections which are difficult to produce immune responses, by targeting the vaccine to dendritic cells. The Chimigen platform can be extended to develop therapies for difficult-to-treat chronic infectious diseases.

Interviewer: Does that mean the Chimigen platform can be used to treat any infectious disease?

Dr. Rajan George: Yes, except in cases where the immune system is non-functional, as in the case of HIV.The Chimigen platform can be used to produce either a therapeutic vaccine or a prophylactic vaccine. This depends on the disease target and the antigen plugged into the platform. Some antigens have a use in treating infection, while others have a use in preventing an infection. Either one would be targeted to the dendritic cells. The therapeutic vaccine generates a cytotoxic T cell response. A prophylactic vaccine would generate a B cell response and antibody production.

Interviewer: How broad are the applications for the Chimigen™ vaccine

Dr. Rajan George: We should be able to use this platform for cancer therapy, depending upon the cancer antigen we use. We can plug in a specific cancer antigen into this platform, and the vaccine targeted to dendritic cells. The dendritic cells would process and present the right antigen, then generating immune responses against the cancer.

We are also evaluating some bioterrorist viruses, the biological weapons terrorists would use, and are looking at one of those viruses to see if we can come up with the prophylactic vaccines against bioterrorism

Interviewer: Would the Chimigen™ vaccine be effective as a prophylactic against avian flu, H5N1?

Dr. Rajan George: It could work for bird flu if we just plugged in the bird flu antigen into the platform. Then we can use it as a prophylactic. It generates antibody to generate B-Cell response. You can produce a prophylactic vaccine using this platform. The Chimigen™ platform is quite adaptable.

Interviewer: How high is your confidence level in producing a prophylactic vaccine for the avian flu virus?

Dr. Rajan George: My thinking is that it is quite high. I think very highly of having a vaccine like that. But, the ultimate proof has to come from humans. Our HepaVaxx B clinical trial will give us a lot of information on how the technology really works. Until then, our optimism is based on laboratory results.

Interviewer: Can you describe what comprises the Chimigen platform?

Dr. Rajan George: The platform has two components. The first one is from the infectious agent. The second component is from a murine monoclonal antibody. Part one is fused with a fragment of part two by recombinant technology to produce a new entity, the Chimigen™ vaccine. We are recombining one thing with another. We have a virus which has certain antigens. We take one of those, and we produce a recombinant molecule with the fragment we have taken from a murine monoclonal antibody. Chimigen is the term we came up with to include the meaning of the full phrase, chimeric antigen. Chimeric means it comes from two different sources. We put them together and create a new molecule. One is from the virus. The other one is from the mouse, the monoclonal antibody. Now we have by recombinant methods produced a protein which is a chimeric protein.

Interviewer: How do you produce such a flexible vaccine, one that appears capable of treating nearly any infection?

Dr. Rajan George: To produce a Chimigen™ vaccine to treat nearly any infection, we start with an antigen (protein) from the infectious agent. We fuse it with a fragment called Fc of a mouse monoclonal antibody. This is done using recombinant methods. We end up with a new protein. This protein is made in a cell culture of commercially available insect cells. The protein is produced by the insect cells. From the culture, we purify this particular protein that we made. The insect cell system is just a tool. By virtue of its production in insect cells, the protein attains special properties which are useful in generating better immune responses. Producing this protein in insect cells gives it some very peculiar properties, which are different from our own mammalian proteins. Once we have it coming out of the cell, we purify it and make it really pure. Now we have a protein with the virus antigen murine monoclonal antibody with modified properties.

Interviewer: What do you mean when you say, "useful in generating better immune responses"?

Dr. Rajan George: When a person has a chronic virus infection, his or her body ignores the virus and associated proteins. The body treats the virus as part of itself. The body does not recognize this virus as something foreign to it. Therefore the immune system does not attack the virus. But, by combining the virus antigen with a foreign protein such as the murine antibody fragment, the whole chimeric protein now is recognized by the body's immune system as "foreign," different from something of its own. In essence, this is a re-education of the immune system to switch its recognition of the virus from "self" to "foreign".

Interviewer: From where did the scientific model come, and does it have similarities to another ViRexx Medical product, OvaRex MAb®?

Dr. Rajan George: This scientific model arose from discussions among the three lead scientists of the company, Dr. Tony Noujaim, Dr. Lorne Tyrrell, both founders of the company and myself. The collective thoughts of all of us went into the design of the Chimigen™ platform. One major similarity between Chimigen and OvaRex is that both involve a murine monoclonal antibody. Another similarity is that both target dendritic cells. The Chimigen model came from thoughts about targeting dendritic cells, but without the use of antibodies. OvaRex is a murine monoclonal antibody against the cancer antigen CA-125. The Chimigen™ vaccine has a fragment of a murine monoclonal antibody. OvaRex needs the CA-125 antigen in a cancer patient to bind to. The bound complex goes to the dendritic cells. The Chimigen™ vaccine does not need to look for the antigen in a patient because it already has the relevant antigen built in it.

Interviewer: How is the Chimigen™ vaccine different from OvaRex® in dealing with a hostile threat to the body's health.

Dr. Rajan George: OvaRex binds to the antigen CA-125. Then, the CA-125/Ovarex complex binds to the dendritic cells. The complex is internalized and processed. The peptides generated from the antigen are presented to the T cells, and the chain of events in the immune system gets stimulated. The activated cytotoxic T cells eliminate the cancer cells which contain the CA125 antigen.

In the case of the Chimigen™ vaccine, the vaccine itself contains the antigen. It goes through the dendritic cell pathway and triggers the CTL response to clear the virus-infected cells. The system also produces antibodies to viral antigens, which bind virus and viral antigens and accelerate their removal. Because of the presence of the murine monoclonal antibody fragment, which is foreign to humans, along with the antigen from the virus, the body's immune system treats this as a new threat and takes action.

Interviewer: How would this work in treating Hepatitis B?

Dr. Rajan George: Developing a treatment for Hepatitis B chronic infection, for someone who already has the infection, would involve re-educating the immune system to react differently than it previously has. The infected person already has this virus and the derived antigens. If you put some more of the same antigens into the person, the person's immune system is not going to know the difference His body is going to say, "Well, what's the difference? I already have it. I am not going to do anything with it." The body will ignore it. That's what is called tolerance. With the Chimigen™ therapeutic vaccine, we have changed the body's immune response to the virus.

Interviewer: How then have you changed the body's response to the infection?

Dr. Rajan George: In a Hepatitis B chronic infection, let's say I have the infection. My system is tolerating the virus. It's ignoring the presence of the virus. While that is happening, the virus may be causing disease in with my liver. With time, it's going to get my liver into trouble and my immune system has not responded adequately to remove the threat. We inject the protein - the one we just produced, which we call the Chimigen™ Therapeutic Vaccine - into the HBV chronic carrier, a person who has a chronic hepatitis B virus infection. What happens is when our protein is administered, the dendritic cells are going to look for anything new which enters the body. Those cells are the immune system's first-line surveillance. The dendritic cells are going to see this new foreign protein, and they are going to think that this is different from what was previously inside. Their recognition of the molecule has changed from what it was before. Before the virus protein was recognized as a "self" protein. Now it is being recognized as a "foreign" protein. In chronic hepatitis B virus infection, the dendritic cells saw the virus as part of the "self" of the host, the vaccine changes the recognition of the virus protein as "foreign" to the host. Because the viral antigen is linked to the fragment of the mouse monoclonal antibody the direct the chimigen to dendritic cells it will enter the dendritic cell and be processed and stimulate an immune response.

Interviewer: And after the vaccine injection, what does the body see?

Dr. Rajan George: The body's immune system see a new foreign antigen composed of a portion of the mouse monoclonal antibody linked to the viral antigen. It's a foreign antigen." The new "chimigen" stimulates an immune response to the antigen as well as the viral antigen. This is very important because the virus antigen was previously being ignored. Now, it's being recognized as foreign through linked recognition of the mouse antigen as being foreign.

Interviewer: How do the dendritic cells react after they recognize this foreign threat?

Dr. Rajan George: The dendritic cells are the sentries of the immune system. They guard what comes in. When they recognize a "foreign situation," what does the immune system do? It treats the whole molecule, the whole protein including the virus antigen, as foreign. The dendritic cells chop up this protein into small pieces called peptides. These peptides also are called "epitopes." There are T cell epitopes which are smaller, and B cell epitopes which are longer. These small peptides bind to MHC I and activate Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). The dendritic cells have a system where they put the T-cell epitope on another protein, MHC Class I, and bring it to the surface of the dendritic cell. They are presented as a complex on the surface of the dendritic cell to attract the T-cells. The T-cells come and see this, then get activated. Now, the activation is also specific to the virus protein. There are different varieties of T-cells, but the cytotoxic T-Cells are the most important in eliminating infections that already exist. The activated cytotoxic T-cells are the ones who do the attacking. They are the ones who start killing the virus infected cells.

Interviewer: And what about the B Cells?

Dr. Rajan George: That is the other side to this story. The dendritic cells can present another kind of peptide epitope. There is a second class of peptides, which are also produced when the protein is chopped up. The dendritic cells stimulate the B-Cells, B-Lymphocytes. And B-lymphocytes produce antibodies. The longer peptides bind to MHC II and activate B lymphocytes (B cells). B cells produce antibodies against the peptides. The antibodies are specific to the antigens we put in the Chimigen™ Therapeutic Vaccine. Antibodies bind to viral proteins that are on the surface of and block the ability of the virus to bind to a target cell to cause an infection and prevent the infection. This is the basis of a prophylactic vaccine. The antigen can bind to the invading virus and form a complex that the body eliminates.

The B-Cells produce antibodies against the virus antigen, which we have put in the Chimigen™ vaccine. What do these antibodies do? The antibodies are specific to the antigen and bind to the viruses because they have the antigen. The system removes the virus by binding with the antibody. Also, the system removes infected cells using cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. Both of these actions are achieved by the Chimigen™ vaccine.

Interviewer: Why would your vaccine work where others have tried and failed?

Dr. Rajan George: The reason is because of the novelty of the technology. We are re-educating the body's own immune system to do the work by using the Chimigen™ technology. When you inject a xenotypic antibody , that is a non-human antibody that is linked to a specific antigen. The body recognizes the whole molecule as foreign and produces immune responses with both T- and B-Cell immunity. We believe that this enhanced immune response will be helpful in controlling the viral infection in the case of viral chimigens.

Interviewer: Much of the research has been within the laboratory. How much of this is hypothetical?

Dr. Rajan George: Our experiences so far have been mostly with isolated systems, meaning experimental systems outside of the body. For example, ViRexx's Chimigen™ vaccine for treating chronic hepatitis B infection is what we call HepaVaxx B. This is waiting to go into Phase I clinical trials. We have done a lot of ex vivo experiments in the lab to evaluate the immune responses it can produce. We showed what we had predicted in theory has been true. We have also done some animal experiments, where the vaccine showed similar effects, again, as predicted. For HepaVaxx B, the animal results are also showing great progress and promise. We believe the Phase I studies will show safety and maybe some immunological data. The advanced clinical trials, Phase II and III, will tell us exactly what happens in humans (efficacy) with a chronic infection of Hepatitis B.

About the author :

James Finch contributes to StockInterview.com and other publications. His archived articles can be found at www.stockinterview.com. Please contact James Finch with your feedback and comments by emailing him at: jfinch@stockinterview.com

What Should I Know About Hepatitis B?

2007-03-21T13:09:00.000-07:00

Hepatitis B remains one of those scary terms that you occasionally hear health care professionals use. You also hear about this somewhat mysterious disease in the media from time to time. But just what is Hepatitis B and what should we know about it?

Hepatitis B is a DNA virus that can be found in the blood. It attacks the liver. A name you may run across is HBV, which is short for Hepatitis B Virus. The term, hepatitis, means inflammation of the liver.

What is important to know when considering how HBV is spread is that, as far as we know, it is transmitted mainly via blood contact. To be a little more specific, infection can occur when the blood from an infected person enters the body. Other body fluids can also contain HBV, but usually in much lower concentrations. It is possible to receive HBV via a bite from an infected person. It is suspected that the sharing of toothbrushes or razors might allow for an infection to be contracted.

HBV is also a sexually transmitted disease. The usual increased risk factors for other sexually transmitted diseases apply here as well. For example, promiscuous and homosexual behavior may increase the chances for infection.

People who are hemophiliacs are also at higher risk as well as those who live with a person who has a chronic HBV infection. Having a job that involves contact with blood can also put you at increased risk for obvious reasons. Drug use is another risk factor.

It is possible for your body to fight off an HBV infection. If that happens you will be free of the virus and you will eventually not even test positive for the HBV surface antigen in your blood. An antigen is simply defined as a substance that causes the production of antibodies. And antibodies are those proteins that are used by your body to get rid of antigens. You might have guessed that a blood test can show if a person is suffering from a HBV infection.

Some peoples' bodies do not fight the infection off completely and they suffer from chronic hepatitis. The virus remains in the body for the long term. This type of person can infect others. Currently, it is estimated that 1.25 million people in the United States suffer from a chronic Hepatitis B infection.

There are vaccines to help prevent a HBV infection and there are drugs that can be used to fight an infection. Interestingly enough, a vaccine can be useful after a possible HBV infection to help prevent the disease from developing. Check with your doctor to get current recommendations on HBV vaccinations.

Often times a Hepatitis B infection can pass without the person even being aware that they had it. Sometimes there are no symptoms. There can also be symptoms ranging from very minor to very serious. On relatively rare occasions, a Hepatitis B infection can cause death, though this happens to a very small percentage of infected individuals.

This article is for information purposes only and is not meant to diagnose, treat, or prevent any health condition. Seek the advice of a qualified medical professional if you have or think you might have any health condition, including Hepatitis B.

About the author :

Dave Snape writes for http://tobeinformed.com - a website that explores health, fitness and wellness.

Hepatitis B - A Deadly Killer

2007-03-21T13:08:00.001-07:00

Hepatitis B is a caused by a virus named hepatitis B virus. This virus is similar to hepatitis C as it attacks the liver which in turn becomes a lifelong struggle. This is a very dangerous virus as it causes liver infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure and also death. There is no reason to fret as Hepatitis B vaccine is available for all age groups. It is one of the most powerful and a deadly virus to ranks among the top ten killers. Many have lost their lives due to this virus and the numbers have been increasing. It comes from the Hepadnaviridae family which can be a double-stranded virus causing hepatitis in humans as well as in ducks, ground squirrels and woodchuck. Even though this virus is rarely seen in Europe, in Asia hundreds have fallen victim to this disease.

This virus spreads through direct contact with blood, from infected mother to the unborn child and through sexual transmission (unprotected sex). Homosexual men are at a greater risk of getting infected with hepatitis B or hepatitis A virus. You can catch Hepatitis B virus very easily in comparison to HIV because of the concentration level of the blood in an infected person. This virus could also survive outside your body, making it more dangerous. Some of the common causes of getting infected with this virus are by sharing dirty needles, through tattooing, razors, nail clippers, biting another person and many more reasons. Common symptoms of hepatitis B infection are abdominal pain, loss of appetite, exhaustion, diarrhea, fever, dark yellow colored urine, light-colored stools and yellowish eyes and skin.

Some Simple Measures

* Avoid too much stress while suffering from this infection.

* Over-exertion may make you sick again.

* It is better to take rest and let your body catch up on the lost energy.

* Have protein, vitamin and mineral rich diet which would help you regain strength.

* As you suffer from nausea and loss of appetite it would be better to have small meals to undo those symptoms.

* Avoid dehydration and drink plenty of water

* Consume liquids like fruit or vegetable juices, soups and broths to add strength to your body.

* You may show signs of vomiting which can be dealt by increasing electrolytes consumption.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

About the author :

Kevin Pederson is the webmaster for many home based treatment sites helping you fight the battle with easy home based cures.http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com

Hepatitis C Symptoms - What are the Signs and Symptoms of Hepatitis C?

2007-03-21T13:05:00.000-07:00

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. If left untreated, it could cause cirrhosis of the liver.

People who share needles to inject drugs, have a transfusion, or have unprotected sex could contract the infection. Many people have no symptoms at all and do not know they are sick until they have a blood test or hepatitis c test. However, some people do exhibit hepatitis c symptoms including: jaundice, nausea, vomiting, pale stools and abdominal pain.

Late symptoms of hepatitis c include chronic liver infection, cirrhosis and liver cancer.

There is no known cure for hepatitis c. That is why it's so important to undergo hepatitis c tests if you think there is even a remote chance you are infected. The sooner you begin treatment the better your prognosis will be.

Hepatitis C tests can save your life. If you have ever had a blood transfusion, used intravenous drugs, got a tattoo or had unprotected sex, you should be tested. A standard blood test will show whether or not you have the virus.

While hepatitis c symptoms are sometimes barely perceptible, it is a potentially fatal illness that requires serious medical attention. That is why undergoing hepatitis c tests as soon as possible is the most responsible thing you can possibly do.

And remember: just because you do not have any hepatitis c symptoms, does not mean you are not sick. This virus can lie quite for years, while silently destroying your liver. Have a hepatitis c test done today and free yourself from the worry and concern over this serious virus.

About the author :

The article is prepared by Christy Berger who writes for TestCountry.com. Some information about this article is taken from these resources: Hepatitic C Home Test Kits to Detect Hepatitis C virus Longer Version of Article can be found at :
http://resources.testcountry.com/hepatitis-c-symptoms.htm

Hepatitis type A

2007-03-21T13:01:00.000-07:00

Hepatitis is a disease causing liver inflammation or infection. Hepatitis is caused by viruses or by an unhealthy lifestyle (alcohol abuse, some medications, and trauma).

There exist hepatitis type A, B, C, D, E, non-A, and non-B, caused by A, B, C, D, E viruses.

Hepatitis A easily infects the human liver, and until the immune system defeats the virus, it will cause a lot of damage in the organ. If you want to know more about how this virus looks like you should consult Dr. Baron's Medical Microbiology textbook.

The virus is transmitted between people by fecal-oral way through infected aliments and water. Incubation period is 15 to 45 days. The infected people are contagious even two weeks before their symptoms appear.

In the developed countries, hepatitis is not so frequent because there the raw sewages are treated, and so, the water supply is not contaminated. But in the countries that are only now developing, the water could be affected, and so, the most probable way to get infected is by eating fruit and vegetables from there.

Symptoms of hepatitis are: fever, headaches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice. Jaundice means that a person's skin becomes yellowish, and so does the white of the eyes. Also, the infected person might develop hepatomegaly (its liver swells) and pain in the right side of the body, right under the rib cage.

Symptoms disappear after three to four weeks, and most people recover well after this disease.

Generally the disease is caught by eating fruits and vegetables that are carrying the virus, especially if they have been imported from countries that are in a process of developing.

Being a tourist is also a risk because you expose yourself to the virus when traveling in the developing countries (in Africa, Central and South America, Asia, etc).

There exists vaccine anti-hepatitis A which has been proven to be highly effective. If you do not want to take a vaccine, but also do not want to get infected, there is another solution. The doctor can help your immunization with antibodies pooled from human. If you suspect you have been infected you should go within two weeks after the infection occurred, otherwise these antibodies will not work. Also, they are active only four weeks, so if you think you are going to visit a developing country for more than a month, you should accept taking a vaccine.

About the author :

If you want to find out more resources about hepatitis c symptoms or even about hepatitis c transmission you should visit this website http://www.hepatitis-guide.com

Detox Hepatitis C?

2007-03-21T12:58:00.000-07:00

At one time, nutritionists and health experts believed that healthy people do not need to use detoxification procedures as long as they maintain and eat a well- balanced diet.

Doctos found that Hg was higher in sweat than in urine of exposed factory workers. Sweating can pose serious risks for unconditioned persons and especially those in pregnancy or some with vascular disease (although medical supervision may make dry sauna beneficial for many with cardiovascular disease). So here is our easy-to-make recipe for green tea, but this one tastes so good you¡¯ll never guess how good it is for you! A great, healthy thirst-quencher for hot summer days.

1.Blood and Lymphatic - Strengthens and invigorates the blood and lymph fluids. 2.Cardiovascular - Greatly improves circulation in the body. 3.Liver and Gallbladder - Rejuvenates the liver. 4.Lungs - Dissolves and expels mucus buildup in the lungs. 5.Kidneys and Bladder - Flushes the kidneys/bladder by removing excess uric acid buildup. 6.Colon Conditioner - Helps to stimulate bowel movement. 7.Carbon - Removes all the toxic residues we unwisely put into our bodies.

Illegal drugs and alcohol are addicting. Records show that the younger you are when you experiment with illegal drugs or alcohol you are more prone to become an addict in the future.

Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is an infectious virus that is carried in the blood and harms the liver. About 240,000 Canadians are infected, many of whom are unaware that they even have it. The number of people with hepatitis C is increasing in Canada and around the world, primarily among those who share needles and other drug equipment. An estimated 5,000 Canadians - mostly young people - get this virus each year.

Alcoholism treatment and addiction treatment may need medically supervised detoxification to avoid possible life-threatening withdrawal symptoms such as seizures and convulsion. Once they are stabilized, they need help resolving psychological issues associated with their problem drinking.

Have you ever washed greasy dishes without hot water or dish soap? The dishes don't get clean, do they? When toxic metals and chemical food additives get inside your body, it takes a strong "cleanser" to scrub your body clean from the inside out. However, the concepts associated with detox have been recognized and practized in traditional Chinese (and other Asian, e.g. Indian Ayurvedic medicine) society for at least 3,000 years.

It is also important to understand that detoxification do not work in isolation. It requires careful understanding of the different substances that will help the body recuperate and fight back diseases.

Feel as if it is done, by consciously claiming yourself to be, now, that you desire to be. Be a witness and see the happy end of your desire by consciously feeling your self expressing and possessing what you desire. The picture will get you through the interval of time that it takes for the picture to unfold. 5. What¡¯s the natural time line for the state you wish to be, not the anxious conditioned response of instant gratification of yesterday.

Although the hepatitis C virus has been around for a long time, it was only identified in 1989. It causes inflammation of the liver, which often progresses to cirrhosis (scarring that makes it difficult for the liver to function normally). Of the estimated 5,000 people that are newly infected each year, up to 70 percent experience no symptoms. For some, symptoms may not show up for 20 or 30 years. In the meantime, they may, unknowingly, be infecting others. That is why it is important to know if you are at risk and how to take preventative action. If you think you have hepatitis C, or that you may be at risk, visit your doctor and ask for the simple blood test for this disease. For more information, contact a health care professional, and visit Health Canada's Web site at www.healthcanada.ca/hepc.

This is where a person experiences the complete and abrupt discontinued of all addictive drugs or anything else on which they have become dependent. This type of drug and alcohol rehab often results in something called withdrawal that is often very unpleasant with side effects including vomiting, hot and cold flashes, hallucinations, paranoia, insomnia and other uncomfortable and sometimes frightening effects.

There has been a lot in the news lately about the amazing healing properties of turmeric, a free-radical-fighting antioxidant-rich curry spice that has been hailed as a defense against both cancer and Alzheimer¡¯s. It is always safer just to replace any old fillings with new ones which are guaranteed to contain no heavy metals.

Detox (detoxification) is a term that's came into popular use in the last decade or so but only within the realm of alternative or holistic Western medicine. Detox Drugs from your body and live a healthier life

Vegetables are one of the best detoxifying agents. Hence, it is best to create a meal plan that has no less than 50% leafy, green vegetables.

About the author :

Drug Detox today and pass your drug test! More at http://www.detoxs.info

Infection with the hepatitis B virus during pregnancy

2007-03-21T12:57:00.000-07:00

In some countries, the infection with hepatitis B virus is most common during pregnancy. One can also be infected with the hepatitis B virus in his/ her early childhood. To gain some control over this method of transmitting hepatitis means to have a very good idea about the infection with the hepatitis B virus during pregnancy.

This knowledge of the infection with the hepatitis B virus when pregnant gives a good view on some of the following things: - the mortality rate of the person carrying the hepatitis virus; - the effect of the hepatitis B virus on the parturition process; - most important, the capability of the hepatitis virus to be transmitted to the foetus;

There are tests that can show can show the seroprevelance of the hepatitis B virus in a pregnant women. The infection with hepatitis can be either acute or chronic. The acute infection with the hepatitis B virus means that this infection happened only during pregnancy and the person was otherwise healthy, whereas the chronic infection shows that the infection with the hepatitis B virus was previous to the pregnancy.

Studies have shown that the hepatitis B infection is not perdilect to pregnant women and the percentage of non pregnant women suffering from hepatitis B is almost the same of those pregnant. More, the acute form of hepatitis B does not have more severe symptoms in pregnant women than in the non pregnant ones.

The symptoms for viral hepatitis are the same: fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting. The last two hepatitis symptoms may be also mistaken for pregnancy symptoms in women that do not suffer from hepatitis. If hepatitis resolves before there is a great liver injury, the symptoms of hepatitis may also be passes off as flu symptoms or even as effects of the pregnancy itself. In most of the cases, the acute hepatitis symptoms will pass in about six weeks.

If a pregnant women suffers from acute hepatitis, this may induce a premature labour, especially if she is in the last trimester. However, this has little or no effect on the foetus.

Chronic hepatitis is a very serious condition that has no symptoms. A person may develop hepatitis symptoms when this disease has done many damage to the liver. Most of the women that become pregnant, find out that they suffer from chronic hepatitis after they go to an obstetrician.

About the author:

For more resources about hepatitis c symptoms please review http://www.hepatitis-guide.com/hepatitis-c-transmission.htm

Pregnancy and hepatitis B

2007-03-21T12:56:00.000-07:00

There is a big question raised when thinking about hepatitis B: can infants risk to loose their immunoprophylaxis if breast feed by mothers that carry the hepatitis B virus? This is one of the most often asked question when new mothers with hepatitis B have children.

Well the answer is no. There is no risk for a mother with hepatitis B to breast feed his child. The infant will not suffer from any negative influences when the response of the anti hepatitis B is concerned. Many tests have been made concerning mothers that have hepatitis B virus and have to breast feed their new- born. All the results have shown that there us no big difference when immunoprophylaxis failure is concerned in children that have been breast feed by their mothers which carry the hepatitis B virus and the babies that were feed by bottle. Another question asked was whether there was a bigger risk of transmitting hepatitis B to the infant if brestfeed by the mother that carry the hepatitis B virus. The answer was given after some studies made by doctors. If the infant is vaccinated against hepatitis B and taking into consideration hepatitis B globulin, the infant that is breast feed by his hepatitis B carrying mother is not at more risk of getting hepatitis B from her.

There is also the problem of infection with hepatitis B virus of the fetus. The answer is very simple. Even if the mother has the hepatitis B virus, the infection with hepatitis in the uterus may be stopped by injections . This method does not have any side- effects and can protect the fetus from hepatitis B virus.

Another matter that we must take into consideration when talking about hepatitis B is the vaccine. The question is can pregnant women get vaccinated against hepatitis B? And the answer is very satisfying, yes they can. This liver problem, hepatitis B in pregnancies can not be associated with an increased rate of abortion or congenital malformation. However, there is a matter to take into consideration if pregnant and having hepatitis B virus. If this hepatitis virus is aquired in your last trimester, your child might be born early. Another problem is that more than half of the women that contact hepatitis B virus in their last days of pregnancy are more than likely to transmit the hepatitis virus to their children.

About the author :

For more resources about causes of hepatitis c please review http://www.hepatitis-guide.com/hepatitis-c-treatment.htm

Another Type of Hepatitis: The Hepatitis C

2007-03-21T12:55:00.001-07:00

This particular type of hepatitis is one of the most spread diseases in the world when hepatitis is concerned. Almost 200 million people all over the world suffer from hepatitis C. In countries that are not yet fully developed, hepatitis C can be spread during some medical procedures, through the contamination of the blood. However, most people develop hepatitis C because of drug use, intravenously. Another frightening thing about hepatitis C is that is the most common cause of the final stage in liver disease. This type of hepatitis is expected to affect many more people in the years to come, although there has been noticed a decrease in both mortality and developing of hepatitis C.

The most common way to get hepatitis C is through the exposure to contaminated blood or any blood products. In some countries, more than half of all hepatitis C cases come from the use of intravenous drugs. On the other hand, when cases of hepatitis C are talked about on a worldwide level, the primary cause of infection with hepatitis are medical procedures. Either is a blood transfusion with contaminated blood or a vaccine with contaminated needle, they all are causes of hepatitis C. Far more worse than this is that in some contries, the contamination with hepatitis C has been made through a national program which was actually trying to help people. There was a vaccination campain against schistomiasis, where the needels were reused, thus infecting many people with hepatitis C. A controversial case in either sex or prenatal transmission of hepatitis C are risk factors in the case of hepatitis. Studies have shown that the transmission of hepatitis C in these cases is not that big, but if hepatitis C is accompanied by another disease that is transmitted sexually, the risk of developing hepatitis is much greater.

Like all hepatitis cases, hepatitis C type has also an incubation period of about two months, after the person has been exposed to the hepatitis virus. Also, more than half of the hepatitis C infected persons will not develop any symptoms of hepatitis. However, if hepatitis symptoms do occur is some persons, they are very mild and non specific. Because of this, doctors can not diagnose hepatitis C in its acute state, and more than 90 percent of all hepatitis C acute patients will come to develop chronic infection.

About the author :

For more resources about hepatitis c information please review http://www.hepatitis-guide.com/

Use of Colloidal Gold as Part of Hepatitis C Treatment

2007-03-21T12:53:00.000-07:00

Virus hepatotropic is considered as the main culprit behind development of hepatitis C infection. This virus could transmit from one person to another through blood contact. In fact, hepatitis C is a blood-borne and infectious disease.

Asymptomatic infection (during initial stage) makes it difficult to diagnose the hepatitis C during early stages. In some cases, if appeared, symptoms are confusing as it resembles to symptoms of other diseases. This fact creates hindrance in early diagnosis and timely treatment of hepatitis C.

Loss of appetite, fatigue, abdominal pain is some of the early sings and symptoms (if appeared) of early hepatitis C infection. Hepatitis C in advanced stage may produce (besides early symptoms) symptoms like depression, sleep disturbances, dyspepsia, mood swing etc.

Usually, blood test is conducted to ascertain the hepatitis C infection. However, in certain severe cases biopsy may be suggested to confirm the growth of liver infection.

Combination of interferon alpha and anti-viral drugs is most commonly used treatment for hepatitis C. However, these medications may produce certain undesired side effects and may harm the liver. There are certain alternative therapies available for treating hepatitis C.

Nutritious diet (that contents adequate quantity of minerals and vitamins) can help you in prevention/early relief from hepatitis C. Colloidal products, like colloidal silver, colloidal gold etc can help you in achieving faster results.

Colloidal gold is nothing but a solution containing microscopic gold particles submerged in distilled water. Though gold was known since ancient times as a precious metal, its medicinal properties were explored in the mid-18th century.

The main advantage of colloidal gold is that it does not produce any side effects as it is obtained from natural pure gold and does not contain any chemicals. Researches have proved that colloidal gold has the proprietary of killing bacteria, viruses and other microbiological organisms. Further, colloidal gold enhances the body immune system and regulates hormonal levels.

Using colloidal gold, as part of combination treatment, for treating hepatitis C may produce phenomenal results, as hepatitis C is a viral infection and gold is known for its property of ‘virus killing’, without producing side effects. However, you must understand that colloidal gold is not a medication for hepatitis C but surely has the property of restricting virus growth and enhancing body immune system will help you in prevention.

About the author :

Peter Salazar's source for quality supplements is http://www.utopiasilver.com

Liquid Supplements and Hepatitis C

2007-03-21T12:52:00.000-07:00

Weak immune system and hormonal imbalances provide good ground for development of harmful microorganisms like bacteria, viruses etc that could lead to development of infectious health conditions. Hepatitis is one of the health disorder resulted from infection. Infectious nature is one of the characteristics of hepatitis C. The main cause behind occurrence of hepatitis C is considered to be hepatotropic virus. Usually, liver infection, caused by hepatotropic virus is asymptomatic in onset phase of hepatitis C. However, prolonged inflammatory condition may produce serious heath complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Hepatitis C can be transmitted from one person to another through contaminated blood via use of IV drugs and needles, blood transfusion and reuse of injection needles. The virus transmitted from one person to another may not surface any symptoms immediately after getting infected but as the virus can stay in liver for longer duration, it could result in liver inflammation at later stage.

Preventive measures include avoiding sharing of IV drugs, needles and other drug paraphernalia; ensuring proper hygiene of the needles, especially if you are undertaking acupuncture therapy, body piercing or tattooing; avoid sharing of grooming utensils and avoid sharing of personal hygiene articles such as tooth brushes, razors, nail-cutters etc. Prevention is the best method of curing any disease.

Abdominal pains, loss of appetite, jaundice, fatigue are some of the symptoms experienced during early stages of hepatitis C. Symptoms produced by chronic hepatitis C are more significant and include joint pains, muscle pains, sleep disturbances, dyspepsia, depression, nausea, headaches, mood swings besides symptoms observed in initial stage of hepatitis C.

Combination of interferon alpha and antiviral drugs are commonly used for treating hepatitis C. Some research results show that certain alternate therapies and herbal medications have produced phenomenal results in treating hepatitis C. Liquid life supplements or natural dietary supplements such as colloidal silver, colloidal gold, colloidal copper and other natural supplements may help you in combating hepatitis C infection. Liquid life supplements are obtained from pure natural silver and prepared through non-chemical process and hence do not produce any side effects treating infectious diseases. Colloidal possess the properties of killing bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms. Though liquid supplements are not medications, it can strengthen the body immune system and regulate the hormonal balances. Use of liquid supplements as complementary approach can hasten the treatment process, prevent development of infections and avoid recurrence of infectious diseases.

About the author :

Peter Salazar's source for quality supplements is http://www.utopiasilver.com

Hepatitis C- Basic Information

2007-03-21T12:51:00.000-07:00

Hepatitis is the medical term for a condition that has as a result the inflammation of your liver. In most of the hepatitis cases, the inflammation is caused by an infection. The other reasons that can lead to hepatitis are alcohol abuse, different types of medication, poisons and even other diseases. There are different types of hepatitis, one of them being hepatitis C. This particular type of hepatitis is caused by the hepatitis C virus.

Here are some very important facts to remember when suffering form hepatitis C: - if the inflammation caused by the hepatitis C virus is not reversed in time, it can lead to chronic hepatitis; in turn chronic hepatitis can lead to chronic disease of the liver, that can go as far as liver failure or death; - if other hepatitis treatments did not work and you find yourself in the situation of a liver failure, the only thing left to do is a liver transplant; - an astonishing number of almost eighty percent of the people that suffer from hepatitis C also develop the chronic hepatitis C form;

Nowadays, hepatitis C has become a very serious threat worldwide. In some countries, like the United States Of America, at the top of the causes that lead to liver damage is hepatitis C. The hepatitis C virus is very spread and many Americans are victims. The hepatitis C virus is also the reason for about twenty percent of the acute hepatitis and more than fifty percent of the cirrhosis cases are believed to be caused by the hepatitis C virus. There are many people that have antibodies for the hepatitis C virus, thing that means that they were exposed to this hepatitis virus once in their lives.

The hepatitis C virus is very contagious and is mostly transmitted through blood products or blood. Contaminated needles are a very big part of infection with hepatitis C. People who use drugs intravenous and use dirty needles are very much at risk of developing hepatitis C. Blood transfusions are also a risk factor when hepatitis C is concerned. Nowadays, there is a test that is done to see if the blood that will be given to another person is infected with the hepatitis C virus.

There are also other causes of infection withe the hepatitis C virus, but they are less common. The hepatitis C virus can be passed down from mother to infant or through sexual intercourse.

About the author :

For more resources about hepatitis c treatment please review http://www.hepatitis-guide.com/causes-of-hepatitis-c.htm

Hepatitis C, Reason For Liver Inflammation

2007-03-20T12:31:00.000-07:00

Hepatitis C is an infection with the hepatitis C virus. It causes liver to swell which affects its functioning. Hepatitis C spreads by using infected, dirty needles or through blood transfusion. The virus remains dormant in the liver to cause chronic inflammation. Once infected with hepatitis C virus many may not show any sign of infection. Sometimes people get infected with hepatitis C and would not even know for years. There are two main kinds of hepatitis, acute and chronic hepatitis. When a person's liver gets inflamed suddenly it is called acute and when the inflammation doesn't leave you, it is called chronic hepatitis.

Other than using IV drugs or getting stuck with dirty needles, hepatitis C virus can also spread by direct contact with blood of an infected person, by sharing toothbrushes, razors, tattoo needles and even from mother to the unborn child. It is also a sexually transmitted disease. One has to get oneself examined as this virus can lead to cirrhosis (a liver disease) and liver cancer. One of the important reasons for this infection to flourish is by sharing dirty or infected needles.

Common Myths about Hepatitis C

It cannot be transmitted by sneezing, coughing, shaking hands, hugging, kissing, sharing utensils, swimming in public swimming pool, using common toilets or touching doorknobs.

Possible Symptoms

Even though there aren't any common symptoms we can include some possible symptoms which may pinpoint us towards hepatitis C problem. These possible symptoms are fatigue, losing weight, loss of hunger, joint pains, nausea, anxiety, pain in liver area, flu-symptoms like fever, headache and sweats.

Simple Preventive Measures

There are no home remedies available for this condition. But you can prevent this by following some simple instructions. Avoid sharing needles with any one. If donating blood ask for a fresh needle, opened right in front of you. Have a healthy way of living by including a good diet and exercise routine. Control your alcohol intake to prevent further damage of your liver. Practice safe sex by using condom. Get routine check-up to avoid any complications. By the much needed blood tests one can find out about hepatitis C in an early stage. Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B to prevent further problems.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

About the author:

Sharon Hopkins has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites which gives information on Hepatitis C - Natural Ways of Treatment. Click here to know more about Hepatitis C.http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/

Hepatitis C Frequently Asked Questions

2007-03-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

Hepatitis C is a viral condition that is comparatively widespread all through the world. This article, will tackle a few of the questions that people most often have about this disease in order to alleviate fears and misunderstandings.

Q: What symptoms are seen when one has hepatitis C?

A: As low as twenty percent of hepatitis C sufferers experience no significant symptoms. In those who do experience symptoms, abdominal pain, darkened urine, and a yellowish hue in their epidermis typically are present. Nausea and loss of appetite may also go along with the condition.

Q: Which are groups that are more at risk for the disease?

A: Sadly, hepatitis C has been shown to happen more often in military veterans, especially those of the Vietnam War. Studies have shown that approximately twenty percent of veterans tested for the disease came up positive.

Also, hemophiliacs are at a higher risk due to their need for regular blood transfusions. The medical field only tested for hepatitis C in blood after 1987, so anyone who has received a blood transfusion before then should be wary. Also, one out of three HIV positive people are also afflicted with hepatitis C. The two diseases can be very dangerous when present together and treatment should be a high priority for anyone with the two diseases.

Q: How widespread is hepatitis C today?

A: The disease known as hepatitis C is present in society in a very big way. As a matter of fact, nearly four million Americans alone are afflicted with the disease, accounting for approximately two percent of the American population. Within the next ten to twelve years, that number is expected to more than double to an estimate of 10.8 million Americans with the disease.

Q: What's the difference between interferon alpha and pegylated interferon alpha?

A: Pegylated interferon alpha is a type of the drug that has come about in more recent years. Whereas regular interferon alpha therapy requires an injection to occur as often as once per day, pegylated interferon alpha makes the process much easier on the patient, with only one injection per week being necessary.

Q: How long does it take before hepatitis C starts doing significant damage to the body?

A: While everybody is different, hepatitis C generally takes a good amount of time before it starts doing damage to the body. Most people with hepatitis C can expect to be victim to liver disease around twenty years after their infection takes hold. After liver disease begins to occur, if a liver transplant is not performed, the patient may die from the disease within five to ten years.

These are just a few of the issues that many people wonder about when they are researching hepatitis C. There are many different resources out there when it comes to learning about the disease, and we encourage you to learn all that you can in order to protect yourself. Your health is your responsibility and it's important to take life by the reins and learn all that you can.

About the author:

Ms. Boulay recommends visiting www.medopedia for more on Hepatitis C treatment

Hepatitis C - A Quick Guide

2007-03-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

This disorder is a disease of the liver, which is caused by the hepatitis C virus, also known as HCV. The early symptoms of this disease may be extreme fatigue, which the patient may ignore until they develop other symptoms. These later symptoms include abdominal pain, clay colored stools, darker colored urine and the skin turning yellow, which is called jaundice. Of the patients who have acute hepatitis C about 25% will be able to make a complete recovery. Unfortunately the remaining percentage will be stuck with it permanently. This is termed as chronic hepatitis C.

Several years ago, the most common way that hepatitis C was transferred to other patients was thought to be by tainted blood used in transfusions, but nowadays the blood testing procedures have improved considerably, and the risk is now very small. These days the highest risk group is illegal drug users. The sharing of any equipment or appliance which has any blood or bodily fluids on it when taking drugs is a simple way of transferring this disease.

The puzzling aspect of chronic hepatitis C is that a percentage of people can have the disease but not be troubled by it at all, as it can lie dormant for several years. In fact, these people may only find out about it when they need to have a blood test for some reason.

Any patient who has chronic hepatitis C will eventually develop cirrhosis of the liver. This will do irreparable damage and cause scarring which stops the liver functioning correctly. Fortunately this can take a long time to occur, as long as 20 years from when the disease first appears. A number of these patients can go on to develop liver cancer, but again this can take a very long time to appear.

Because there is no vaccine to hepatitis C, trying to prevent it occurring in the first place is the only thing that an individual can do to lessen the risk factors. The easiest way to avoid contracting hepatitis is basic cleanliness and vaccinations. Contracting any disease is frightening, but hepatitis can be more traumatic because of its confusing nature and also because you might not show any symptoms of having it.

About the author :

James Hunaban is the owner of http://hepatitis-c.health-info4u.com/ a site full of Hepatitis C information.

The Unspecific Character of Hepatitis C Symptoms

2007-03-20T12:26:00.000-07:00

Hepatitis C generally refers to infection of the liver. The disease has an incubation stage of up to six months, and patients often have no clear symptoms over this period of time. In some cases the symptoms of hepatitis C occur after a few months from the moment of infection, while in other cases the symptoms of hepatitis C occur after more than a year, when the disease becomes chronic.

Due to the unspecific character of most symptoms produced by hepatitis C, the process of establishing the accurate diagnosis is very complicated and time consuming for doctors. It is virtually impossible for doctors to diagnose hepatitis C relying solely on patients' reports of symptoms and clinical examinations. In order to reveal conclusive evidence of HCV (hepatitis C virus) infection, doctors need to perform a series of laboratory tests. Careful blood analyses are considered to be the most reliable method of tracing clear signs of hepatitis C in patients with suspected hepatitis. Liver biopsy is another useful medical procedure that can indicate the presence of infection with HCV and that can also provide doctors with additional information regarding the progression of the disease.

In early stages of infection with HCV, most persons experience no symptoms at all. Other persons may experience very diffuse, hardly perceivable generalized symptoms such as fatigue and nausea. At first, the symptoms produced by hepatitis C are generally mild and resemble those produced by cold or flu: muscular weakness and tenderness; joint stiffness and pain; loss of appetite. Mild or moderate fever can also occur in patients with hepatitis C in the early phases of the disease. A more relevant symptom consists in recurrent pain and pronounced discomfort in the liver area, often suggesting infection and inflammation of the organ.

In the later stages of infection with HCV, the symptoms produced by the disease gradually increase in intensity and duration, pointing to potential complications. In advanced phases of hepatitis C, the most common symptoms are: yellowish appearance of the skin and mucosal membranes (mouth and nasal mucosal lining), yellowish appearance of the eyes (often indicating the development of jaundice or icterus), light-colored feces and dark-colored urine. Patients diagnosed with complicated forms of hepatitis C can suffer from enlargement and inflammation of the liver and spleen, severe weight loss, severe body weakness, nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting. Patients with complicated hepatitis C often develop intolerance to alcoholic beverages. Pronounced intolerance to alcohol as well as to fatty food products can be an indicator of cirrhosis (liver cancer).

About the author:

If you want to find out more resources about hepatitis c symptoms or even about hepatitis c transmission you should visit this website http://www.hepatitis-guide.com

Hepatitis C treatment - benefits and disadvantages

2007-03-20T12:25:00.000-07:00

Hepatitis C is a severe disease caused by a virus that affects the liver. The virus is transmitted by blood to blood contact and contrary to what some people believe, you can't get the virus by touching or kissing an infected person. You can get it by getting an injection with the same needle that was used on someone with the virus or by having sexual intercourse with a person that suffers from hepatitis C.

The disease can be acute or chronic, in the first 6 month from the infection it is acute and it rarely presents any symptoms. In 20% of the cases the virus is eliminated from the body in these first 6 month. If it is not eliminated then the hepatitis becomes chronic and the virus starts to affect the liver. It does serious damage to the liver and it must be treated as much as possible. The purpose of the hepatitis C treatment is to try to stop the virus from causing more damage to the liver and to try to eliminate it from the body.

If a patient has a mild acute hepatitis C than they probably don't know that they have it because there are no symptoms, but if they know that they have been infected then the treatment to prevent the hepatitis from becoming chronic must be started. This treatment is not hard and it is successful in most cases.

If a chronic hepatitis was just diagnosed than treatment must begin soon. The patient's life changes when he/she fins out that he/she has chronic hepatitis C.

Hepatitis C is treated with the help of drugs> Most doctors recommend a combination of interferon with ribavirin. These two drugs help the body figt the hepatitis C virus and try to stop it from inflammating the liver. The treatment period depends on the patient and on the type of hepatitis genotype the patient has. Genotype 2 and 3 need 6 months of treatment and genotype 1 usually takes one year to treat. The hepatitis C treatment may or may not work. Some people are cured and at some people the drugs have no effect. If the doctors see that 3 months have passed without any result then the treatment is ceased. A recent study has shown that the hepatitis treatment work for half the patients.

The bad part about the treatment is that the drugs are very expensive and they also have serious side effects. The most common side effects are headaches, fever, fatigue and weakness, depression and more.

Some people do not even start the hepatitis C treatment because of its cost, chance of success and side effects. You need to consult your doctor and make a decision on what treatment you would like to choose.

About the author:

If you want to find out more resources about hepatitis c treatment or even about causes of hepatitis c you should visit this website http://www.hepatitis-guide.com

FAQ about Hepatitis B

2007-03-20T12:23:00.000-07:00

1. If I have chronic HBV can I breast feed my baby without worrying that he might get infected?

A study made in Texas on 101 breast-fed infants and 268 formula-fed infants after immunopropylaxis was applied showed that there is no risk in breast feeding your baby if you have chronic HBV. Appropriate immunoprophilaxies means administering hepatitis B immune globulin and hepatitis B vaccine.

2. Does breast feeding have any consequence upon immunoprophylaxis, like leading to its failure?

It has been observed that the risk of immunoprofilaxis failure is approximately equal in breast fed babies of chronic HBV mothers and bottle fed babies. Also, breast feeding does not influence the response of anti-HBs in any negative ways.

3. Can a baby get HBV from its mother even during pregnancy, and what can be done about that?

Yes, the virus can transmit to the baby even during pregnancy, in fact this being one of the most frequent ways of increasing the number of carriers in the world. If a mother has HBV she can get intramuscular shots of HBV specific immunoglobulin (HBIG) during pregnancy and so this stops the virus from infecting the foetus. This solution is not 100% effective and 10%-20% of the babies still get HBV in their early life.

4. Can hepatitis B vaccination schedule initiated with one recombinant DNA vaccine be completed with another?

Studies have been made on 48 adults to see if this is true. At 0, 1 and 6 months they have been administered the first two doses of 10 micrograms with Merck Sharpe and Dohme's recombinant DNA (MSD rDNA) vaccine (Recombivax HB). At month 6, the tested subjects received SmithKline Beecham's recombinant DNA (SB rDNA) vaccine (Engerix-B). At the end of the vaccination program, the results were the same with the usuall cases when people get one type of recombinant DNA vaccine, so there is no harm in completing one type of vaccine with another.

5. Is hepatitis B vaccine safe if administered during pregnancy?

Scientists say that the vaccination does not lead to any congenital malformation or miscarriage, it is high immunogenic and protects babies in the immediate neonatal period. Doctors are still hesitant in administering all kind of vaccine during pregnancy, but the hepatitis B vaccine seems to be one of the few that can be given to a pregnant woman without causing damage.

6. Can still I use a vial of Hepatitis B vaccine if I kept it out of the refrigerator for a few days?

Tests have shown that after keeping the vial at 37 degrees C for 1 week the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of the vaccine were not altered and the vaccine's properties were intact. This is a good thing, especially for those who live in a country where facilities for proper storage and transportation are not adequate yet.

About the author:

If you want to find out more resources about hepatitis or even about hepatitis c information you should visit this website http://www.hepatitis-guide.com

Hepatitis C is a real threat for our lives

2007-03-20T12:22:00.001-07:00

Hepatitis C is considered to be quite a tricky disease, due to the fact that the virus acts in silence and can infect a person for many years until doctors find out. The Center for Disease Control (CDC), has declared Hepatitis C to be a "silent epidemic" and it seems that 20 to 30 % people affected of chronic Hepatitis C are exposed to future life threatening symptoms.

Hepatitis C was first observed in US in 1960, after blood transfusions and drug injections began to be widely applied. Nobody knew exactly how many people got affected by the disease, until 1990 when HCV blood tests have developed. Studies have proved that in 20 years a person affected of chronicle C Hepatitis will develop cirrhosis, and many of them will turn into liver cancer. Patients with HCV are considered to be in need for a liver transplant.

More than 4 million Americans (1.3% of the U.S. population) and 170 million individuals in the world (3% worldwide) are infected with hepatitis C virus. The prevalence (number of cases in a population at a specific time) of hepatitis C virus infections varies in different parts of the world. It seems that in Eastern Europe the prevalence is higher than in Western Europe. It is estimated that 13 cases/100,000 persons of new symptomatic infections of HCV are annually discovered. In US there are annually 26,000 new HCV infections discovered.

In the future, HCV will become a major problem for the health system because many people who have only mild symptoms will progress to an end-stage liver and then to liver cancer, so there will be a 528% increase in the need for transplantation over the next 10 or 20 years.

The treatment options include conventional interferon (now outdated), combined conventional interferon and ribavirin, pegylated interferon, and combined pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Successful treatment can be achieved in up to 80% of patients infected with genotype 2 or 3, and less effective in those with genotype 1.

There is no natural cure for HCV, the natural products can only protect and support the liver. Another medical product is the Maximum Milk Thistle which has scientific validation and is considered to be helpful. Until now, no vaccine has proved to be effective, and scientists are still looking for a solution. Compounds that specifically interfere with the reproduction of the hepatitis C virus are now being studied as well.

About the Author:

If you want to find out more resources about hepatitis c transmission or even about hepatitis c symptoms you should visit this website http://www.hepatitis-guide.com

The Hepatitis Epedemic

2007-03-20T12:18:00.000-07:00

Right now, 5 million Americans are infected with Hepatitis C - and most of them don't know it. That is 1 out of every 50 people.....and some will be people you know. One out of every 10 Veterans is infected, 62% of Vietnam Vets have it. Three people with Hep C die every day, two of them are Veterans.

Hepatitis C is considered an epidemic and is now killing more people than Aids/HIV...30,000 a year and it's going to get much worse. The number of adults seeking liver transplants for hepatitis C infection will skyrocket in the next 20 years. An estimated 10,000 to 30,000 Americans die from this disease or it's complications each year. Deaths are expected to increase because of the increasing risk of infection, and the resulting cirrhosis, portal hypertension, thrombocytopenia, bleeding from varices, and liver cancer. Five years ago, 20% of hepatitis C patients were candidates for liver transplantation and today the number has increased to about 50%.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), by the year 2008, the cases of decompensation will increase 279%, liver-related deaths 223% and the need for liver transplantation 528%. Considering that we don't have enough organs now and people die on transplant lists, far too many of those precious lives will be lost. For those fortunate enough to find a donor, the process costs roughly $300,000 during the first 3 months, and can be painful and incapacitating. Add to this the thousands of dollars for anti-rejection drugs and the costs of aftercare and more frequent visits to health care facilities. The other option, debilitating and woefully ineffective chemo, runs into the tens of thousands of dollars and more and has success rates in the mere single digits

Hepatitis C is called the dragon, because it sleeps for many years and one day, suddenly, it wakes up and ends your life (people who got infected 20-30 years ago may just now find out). The Hepatitis C virus is very old and very smart.....it doesn't kill quickly like the HIV virus or like the Ebola virus. Hepatitis C has chosen to infect the liver - the only organ capable of regeneration. It can remain "hidden" for many years, keeping its host alive and using our our own immune system against us.

Nobody knows exactly where it came from. During World War II, an unlicensed yellow fever vaccine was released to immunize our troops who were going to the South Pacific. To stabilize the vaccine, scientists used serum from Australian Aboregenese, hoping they were immune to endemic illnesses and that immunity would then be passed to our troops. Years later, it was discovered that 50% of the Aboregenese had Hepatitis B and C. A study done by the Veteran's Administration later proved that over 320,000 of our troops were infected. Thousands of them fell ill with hepatitis and hospitalized or quarantined in their barracks. When they came back home, they were encouraged to donate blood. A monster, with the power to mutate, had just been unleashed.

Hepatitis C is transmitted through blood only. That means blood transfusions with contaminated blood before 1992 (because blood was not screened), tatoos, body piercing, needle sticks, IV drugs with contaminated needles, manicures that made you bleed (instruments are not sterilized), sharing razors, toothbrushes, anything that could pass infected blood to your blood. Even doing IV drugs once could have given you the virus or sharing straws with someone that had nasal sores or bleeding.

A mutating virus for which there is no vaccine. It has many strains and substrains. By the time they figure something about it, it's already mutated into something stronger. 70-75% of people have genotype 1, the strain most difficult to treat. 95% of Veterans who have Hep C have genotype 1. The success rate with traditional modern medicine treatment is only about 50% and treatment is a whole year and side effects from the medications are cruel. For Veterans, success rate is only 19%....and sadly, even that treatment is approved for only 11.8% of them.

The Hepatitis C virus causes diabetes (40% of genotype 1 have diabetes), it affects the brain causing depression, it causes lung problems, neuropathy, fibromyalgia, Sjogren's, cardiac problems, skin problems, arthritis, stomach problems, anemia, fatigue, and of course, cirrhosis. After cirrhosis comes DECOMPENSATION. The liver stops working, the skin and sclera become yellow, your belly looks like you're pregnant, you're unable to process protein, you get anemic, confused, the kidneys stop working and many bleed to death.

Many of the people that are infected already have severe liver damage and don't know it....and they are going to be looking at herbal products to treat the symptoms they are having.

Fortunately, there is also good news: there are at least three excellent inexpensive supplements that can be used for hepatitis. First of all, an aqueous extract of the oleander plant commonly called "oleander soup" made according to the directions in the book "Cancer's Natural Enemy" (http://www.rose-laurel.com) has had excellent results in treating hepatitis-C. Secondly, a great many hepatitis-C sufferers have used the natural supplement Colloidal Silver and swear by it

And finally, there is an excellent herbal treatment regimen for hepatitis-C that is all natural, inexpensive and was found to be extraordinarily effective in a limited study known as the Berkson Clinical Study on Hepatitis-C. Most people in the United States are not familiar with the Berkson Clinical Study on Hepatitis-C, a study that was never published in the United States, despite Dr. Berkson's impressive credentials that include Rutgers, the Max Planck Institute and the Center for Disease Control (CDS) in Atlanta.

It has been suggested that, besides being a very limited study of only three patients, the real reason the study has never been published in the states is due to the fact that liver transplants are highly profitable for mainstreams medicine, costing over $300,000 in the first three months alone, plus many thousands of dollars afterwards for anti-rejection drugs and aftercare.

In Doctor Berksons study, which was 100% effective in a limited study on advanced hepatitis-C patients who were facing either transplants or chemo, he used a combination of three commonly available and inexpensive natural supplements, along with healthy modificatioins in diet, exercise and lifestyle.

The three supplements are:

* Milk thistle (silymarin * Alpha-lipoic acid * Selenium

All three natural supplements are commonly available and inexpensive. (The author has used milk thistle for years, after reading long ago that it was deemed effective at not only protecting the liver but also in regenerating damaged livers by the German E Commission (their equivalent of the FDA). Now he takes all three supplements to help offset a fondness for another natural substance - the blue agave cactus.)

It is important to note that no one, including Doctor Berkson, suggests that the regimen he used could be 100% effective against all hepatitis; nevertheless, complete success in three out of three patients with little hope is impressive and suggests that this natural alternative might offer hope and alternatives to a great number of people with hepatitis and damaged livers.

More information about the Berkson Clinical Study can be found at http://www.rose-laurel.com/Berksonstudy.htm

In treating any serious disease or illness, it is usually an excellent idea to cleanse the body of toxins (which help promote disease and retard healing). A liver cleanse is an essential procedure to help treat hepatitis as well as for anyone to use as part of a healthy anti-disease lifestyle. And, since, good health begins in the gut, the same holds true for cleansing the colon.

Live long, live healthy, live happy!

(With thanks to "Silvia" from the Herbal Musings forum for providing all the great background information on Hepatitis-C)

About the author :

The author, Tony Isaacs, is a natural health researcher and author of ebooks and articles about natural health and alternative remedies including "Cancer's Natural Enemy" and "Collected Remedies" (http://www.rose-laurel.com) as well as country songs and humorous anecdotal stories. He is currently working as a volunteer for NFL legend Isiah Roberston's Athletes for a Drug Free America.

All about hepatitis C

2007-03-20T12:15:00.000-07:00

Hepatitis is the medical problem that appears when your liver is inflamed. This may happen because of a virus, but there are some other factors that can cause hepatitis as well. Alcohol, certain medication and even trauma can cause hepatitis. Hepatitis is not a life threatening condition and can be treated. However, there are cases when a certain virus that causes hepatitis can cause an infection which can last a very long time, known as chronic hepatitis. This infection can even lead to liver failure and even death.

Viral hepatitis is the hepatitis cause by a virus. There are four types of this kind of hepatitis: hepatitis A, the hepatitis B, C hepatitis and of course delta hepatitis. The most frightening of all these types of hepatitis is the hepatitis C. It is cause by a virus specific to hepatitis C. This hepatitis virus affects a large number of people every year. This condition is usually looked at as mild, however this type of hepatitis can very easily lead to chronic liver problems, unlike the hepatitis B type. Everyone that gets infected with the hepatitis virus can be chronic carriers of this virus. However, many of them will not even have hepatitis symptoms. Out of all the people that carry this hepatitis C virus, about seventy percent will go on to develop a chronic liver problem. It does not matter if they have any hepatitis symptoms or not.

Hepatitis C is usually spread by contact to human blood that has been contaminated with the hepatitis C virus. There is an astonishing number of people that are infected with the hepatitis C virus because of injection of drugs. People who have transfusions of blood are also at risk of infection with the hepatitis C virus. However, the risk is lowered now, because of a test that requires that the blood used for transfusions must be tested for the hepatitis C virus. This type of hepatitis virus can also be transmitted sexually and also between house members. However, it is believed that the risk of developing hepatitis C in these cases is low. You can not get the hepatitis C virus from food, water or by shaking somebody' s hand. There are symptoms that can tell you that you are suffering from hepatitis C, although a large number of hepatitis patients have no symptoms at all. fever, fatigue, dihareea, muscle aches are some of the hepatitis C symptoms.

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For more resources about causes of hepatitis c please review http://www.hepatitis-guide.com

Hepatitis B is transmittable to foetus

2007-03-20T12:13:00.000-07:00

It is known that Hepatitis B is transmittable from mother to baby during pregnancy. In India the prevalence of HBV is 4% and the most frequent form of virus transmission is from mother to child, during pregnancy, and in early childhood.

The HBV infection is possible to occur during pregnancy on a healthy person and infect the foetus too, or it could have existed long before the mother got pregnant.

A North Indian study showed that HBV has no predilection for pregnant women. Of the pregnant and non-pregnant women that were involved in this study, 19% of the pregnant women were infected, and 18 % of the non-pregnant women were infected too. Also, the disease was not affecting pregnant women in a different way than affecting non-pregnant ones.

Some of the symptoms that come along with the prodromal stage of hepatitis can be mistaken with those for pregnancy: nausea, vomiting. Also fatigue, headaches, muscle ache, and low grade fewer can be mistaken with flu. In 2 to 10 days of the prodrome jaundice appears and the patient could accuse pain in the right side of the body, just beneath the rib cage. The doctor could sense hepatomegaly (meaning that the liver has swollen), and sometimes splenomegaly. In approximately 6 weeks these symptoms will disappear, and if not treated, in 6 months, chronic hepatitis could install.

Sometimes the installation of the disease could cause premature labour (in 31.6% of the infected patients), and post partum hemorrhages.

In diagnosing acute hepatitis B doctors use viral markers like: HBsAg and IgM Anti-HBc.

The treatment of HBV in a pregnant woman is similar to the one used for a non-pregnant woman: bed rest, vitamins, and high calorie diet. The vaccine is not recommended in pregnant women.

The chronic hepatitis does not manifest in its early stages but only when it affects most of the liver. The chronic hepatitis is diagnosed most frequently when the patient feels ill and asks the doctor for some tests, or when a woman gets pregnant and the obstetrician recommends her some usual blood tests. If the level of serum transaminases is high, this means chronic hepatitis is present. Sometimes the doctor can palpate the spleen and liver but if the pregnancy is in the last months that can not be done. Also, the palmar erythema could suggest hepatitis but this sign is found in pregnancy too.

Pregnant women with chronic hepatitis usually have a normal pregnancy, and complications appear only if cirrhosis develops. Cirrhosis leads to portal hypertension and esophageal variceal hemorrhage, which could lead to maternal mortality.

Treating chronic hepatitis B is made in similar ways with treating non-pregnant women. Interferon alpha is no used because it can lead to foetus malformations. Lamivudine is considered to be safe for pregnant women and foetus and it is administered daily in an oral dose of 100 mg.

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If you want to find out more resources about hepatitis c treatment or even about causes of hepatitis c you should visit this website http://www.hepatitis-guide.com

Hepatitis A- a medical condition

2007-03-20T12:05:00.000-07:00

This disease, hepatitis affects a person' s liver. Having hepatitis means that your liver is inflamed and swollen. The cause of hepatitis can either be a microorganism or because your liver is damaged by other things like alcohol.

There are five different types of hepatitis, like hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, that are cause by hepatitis viruses. This hepatitis virus grows in a person' s liver and causes a lot of damage to this organ. Our immune system fights back against hepatitis, but is takes a while to eliminate the infection in our liver.

To better understand hepatitis, you must first know how you can get this disease. Well, before a person gets sick, but has already contacted the hepatitis A virus, they shed it in their feces. If somehow the hepatitis A virus gets into the main water supply and you use it to wash your body, food, etc. you are a possible hepatitis victim. This way of spread the hepatitis A virus is called fecal- oral transmission. This is the most common form of transmitting the viral hepatitis.

People who live in countries that are just developing are more at risk of developing hepatitis, because the sewage system is not properly cleaned. So much of the water that these people use is contaminated by the hepatitis virus that spreads very easily and causes hepatitis A. This hepatitis virus does not kick in from the beginning. It may take about 30 days for the symptoms of hepatitis to show. This time that the hepatitis virus does not show any symptoms is called an incubation period. However, many of the people infected with the hepatitis virus will not develop hepatitis. This is mostly true in children. Older people are more at risk of getting hepatitis.

Some of the most common hepatitis symptoms are tiredness, nausea, vomiting, a general loss of your apatite. Another major hepatitis symptom is pain in your liver area, that is in the right side of the abdomen, under your ribs. A striking hepatitis symptom is the change in color. Your skin will become yellow to orange and the white portion of your eyes will also become yellow if you have hepatitis. In most people the symptoms of hepatitis last about one month. After proper treatment, the hepatitis A will no longer be a problem for you.

There is also a simple way of avoiding infection with the hepatitis A virus and that is the hepatitis A vaccine.

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For more resources about hepatitis c treatment please review http://www.hepatitis-guide.com

How to prevent hepatitis

2007-03-12T13:31:00.000-07:00

Hepatitis is a very common disease that can cause a lot of damage to your liver. In cases of viral hepatitis, there are some ways of prevention, but this generally speaking.

The most important thing to if you do not want to get infected with hepatitis is to keep a very good hygiene of your body and try to avoid living in crowded homes and most of all in unhealthy conditions. Because the viral hepatitis is mostly spread in the water, be very careful when travelling to places of the world where the quality of the water is uncertain. To avoid getting yourself infected with hepatitis, take care what you drink, where you bathe. If you are a seafood fan, be careful not to eat shellfish from waters that might be contaminated from the swage system. You can risk getting infected with hepatitis virus. Wash your hand every time after using the toilet and be careful not to eat with your hand dirty if you do not want to develop hepatitis. If, unfortunately somebody that you live with has developed hepatitis, clean all things that person with hepatitis has used.

Another common way to get infected with hepatitis is through needles that have been infected with hepatitis. This is mostly common in people who use drugs and in some medical procedure in less developed countries. Therefor, it is very good to let people know what risks they expose themselves, including hepatitis, when using intravenous drugs. Sexual contact can also be a cause for hepatitis infection, so teens should be educated accordingly.

In cases of hepatitis A, there are vaccines available. This vaccine is mostly recommended to people who travel a lot or have other liver problems, besides hepatitis. Furthermore, if those people have jobs that include contact with children or with many people, like in hospitals, the hepatitis vaccine is very indicated. There is available a vaccine for hepatitis B as well, which is a very good news in what hepatitis risk is concerned. Unfortunately, such a vaccine does not exist when hepatitis C is concerned. Studies on animals have shown that hepatitis C does not provoke the response that is needed for the vaccine to have any effect. If you contact the hepatitis virus, depending on what type of hepatitis you have, there are incubation periods. In hepatitis A, it lasts about one month, in hepatitis B from 4 to about 20 weeks and the longest is in hepatitis C, between two and twenty six weeks.

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For more resources about hepatitis http://www.hepatitis-guide.com