What is Hepatitis?

799 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Essay on liver diseases

Liver Disease (Hepatitis)
There are many different types of diseases that dental hygienist have to be aware of. It is important to know the basic information about the disease and how the disease affects the patient’s oral cavity as well as how to treat the patient. This paper will be addressing liver disease and more specifically, liver disease caused by hepatitis. “The term liver disease applies to many diseases and disorders that cause the liver to function improperly or stop functioning.” (U.S. National Library of Medicine. “Liver Disease.”) A couple signs and symptoms include fever, dark urine, abdominal pain and jaundice, which is the yellowing of the eyes and skin. (U.S. National Library of Medicine. “Liver Disease.”)
“Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver.”("What Is Hepatitis?") There are three main types of hepatitis. These include hepatitis A, B, and C. These three types of hepatitis cause the most concern to medical staff due to their ability to spread and cause outbreaks. “Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that results from infection with the Hepatitis A virus.” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) It can range from acute to chronic. An individual can become infected with hepatitis A if they eat or drink food or water that has been contaminated with the virus. Some common “sources of vitamin A include shellfish, fruits, vegetables, ice and water”. (U.S. National Library of Medicine. “Hepatitis A.”) Hepatitis B is a serious, endemic, worldwide disease that can occur at any age. (Wilkins 45) The hepatitis B virus causes hepatitis B infection. Hepatitis B is transmitted though contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person. (U.S. National Library of Medicine. “Hepatitis B.”) Hepatitis C...

... middle of paper ...

...diasis. (Coates 4) The dental team may suggest different types of moisture replacements to aid in the production of saliva. A few moisture replacements can include chewing sugar free gum, sipping water throughout the day, and/or using a saliva substitute. (Coates 4)
In conclusion, it is important for the dental staff to treat all patients as if they are infected. A patient may or may not choose to disclose any information pertaining to their disease or they may not be aware of it. It is also important for the dental staff to have immunizations done at regular intervals. The hygienist needs to make sure he or she protects him or herself as well as the patient during treatment. Discrimination against someone with a disease is illegal. With that in mind it is the clinician’s duty to be aware of diseases he or she may come into contact with and how to treat the patient.

Show More
Related

  • Dental Hygiene Case Study

    1113 Words  | 3 Pages

    As a hygienist you are the number one defense because not everyone sees his or her primary care physician on a regular basis or only for his or her annual physical. During the physical the physician is not checking for oral cancer and the hygienist sees the patient at least twice a year. Not all exams are used to check for cancer, but can also check for tonsil stones or salivary stones. One child patient had enlarged tonsils and she told the parent to come look. The parent was surprised and informed Annette that the child had strep throat often, with this extra information Annette suggested seeing the child’s primary care physician and possibly having the child’s tonsils removed. Annette said that if a patient has had a biopsy for possible oral cancer, especially smokers or tobacco consumers, she teaches them to do self-exams at home and informs them to do them once a month. She said she instructs the patient to call of they notice any

    Read More

  • Case Study of a Patient with Periodontal Disease

    2078 Words  | 5 Pages

    On his initial examination dated 23/06/13 the patient was seen for a routine full mouth scale and polish with reinforced oral hygiene instruction including flossing technique. He presented with excellent oral hygiene at this appointment which was a reflection of his commitment to good oral hygiene; tooth-brushing twice daily and dental flossing once daily. This was further supported by the patients plaque scores at 5% and bleeding scores at 4% with only minimal supra gingival calculus on lower anterior teeth. There was no erythema or oedema present on the gingival tissues.

    Read More

  • Hepatitis A Essay

    820 Words  | 2 Pages

    Hepatitis A is a usually short acting virus that occurs in humans and monkeys. It is caused by the Hepatovirus and the species is Hepatitis A Virus. There are two major ways in which Hepatitis A can be transmitted. One way is from person to person. This transmission occurs when the fecal matter of an infected person gets ingested by another person. Other ways Hepatitis A can be transmitted from person to person are through direct contact with an infected person, such as sexual contact, and sharing of needles for intravenous drug use. Hepatitis A can also be transmitted through coming in contact with contaminated food or water. Also foods that are uncooked or undercooked and have been contaminated with Hepatitis A can transmit the virus. (Bennett,

    Read More

  • Dental Hygienists

    1541 Words  | 4 Pages

    The best description of a dental hygienist is a professional whose main job is to teach their patients necessary oral hygiene skills and provide great dental care. They perform various tasks around a dentist’s office such as applying fluoride treatments, removing plaque and stains, taking x-rays, removing sutures, placing temporary fillings, and evaluating the patient’s overall health (“Dental Hygienist” Coin Career). Dental hygienists do not just work in a dental office, but they also can work at schools, nursing homes, health clinics, and many other dental settings. Close contact is necessary when doing this job. Working with people is an everyday thing in this profession, so one must be able to communicate and get along with their clients very well. Having certain traits such as excellent hand-eye coordination and great motor skills are very important to posses since dental hygienists work on their patients mouths (Porterfield 4). Communication is vital since dental hygienists are constantly teaching patients how to hav...

    Read More

  • Hepatitis B Case Study

    1386 Words  | 3 Pages

    The purpose of epidemiology is to better understand the burden and causes of health issues in humans. This helps decrease the risk of disease and improve health. Infectious diseases are caused by micro-organisms, transmitted to humans by humans, animals, or environment. Infectious disease usually follow a recognizable pattern. In this paper Hepatitis B also known as serum hepatitis will be discussed. Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can cause acute or chronic disease. Hepatitis B is a communicable disease. This paper will describe Hepatitis B, the demographic of interest, the determinants of health, the epidemiologic triangle, environmental factors, the role of community health nurse, and a national agency that addresses Hepatitis B.

    Read More

  • hepatitis

    717 Words  | 2 Pages

    Hepatitis is the inflammation or swelling of the liver. The inflammation can happen from different injuries or viral forms of a disease. People who experience hepatitis have the symptoms of malaise, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fever and jaundice. There are six known forms of Hepatitis which are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, Hepatitis E and Hepatitis G. The presence of hepatitis in the body can be very risky and cause severe death if not taken care of. Hepatitis is a severe issue that affect many people around the world like third world countries and cross contamination can occur mainly in health care places due to the exposure of patients with the disease and accidents handling blood or instruments, Hepatitis A,B,C,D,E and G are distinct diseases that differ in transmission and vaccines to prevent them or cure them.

    Read More

  • Blood Borne Pathogens and Disease Transmission

    989 Words  | 2 Pages

    Pathogens are a type of microorganism that spreads viral and bacterial diseases. These diseases when present in human blood and body fluids are known as blood borne pathogens, and can spread from one person to another. (Worcester polytechnic institute) The most serious types of blood borne diseases are the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), which can cause liver damage; and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), which is responsible for causing AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). The blood borne pathogens can be spread when the blood or body fluids (semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk, and amniotic fluid) of an infected individual comes into contact with mucous membranes or an open sore or cut on the skin of another person. Mucus membranes are located in the eyes, nose, mouth, and other areas as well. ("Bloodborne pathogens: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia") Two of the most common ways that pathogens are transmitted is through the exchange of fluids during sexual intercourse or by sharing infected IV needles. (Worcester polytechnic institute)

    Read More

  • Hepatitis B Essay

    866 Words  | 2 Pages

    The sonographic appearance varies depending on of the Hepatitis is acute or chronic. In acute hepatitis you will see a normal texture or portal veins will be more prominent. The liver appears hypoechoic. Attenuation might be present in acute Hepatitis. Gallbladder walls are thickened and hepatosplenomegaly. In chronic Hepatitis the parenchyma will appear coarsed with decreased brightness of the portal triad. Attentuaion is not as great in chronic Hepatitis. Fibrosis may occur with soft shadowing. The size of the liver is decreased and appears hyperechoic.

    Read More

  • Liver Diseases Resulting from Alcohol

    1426 Words  | 3 Pages

    Liver disease resulting from alcohol affects more than two million Americans and is one of the primary causes of illness and death. The liver frees the body of harmful substances, such as alcohol. While the liver breaks down alcohol, it produces toxins that can be even more dangerous than the alcohol consumed (“Beyond Hangovers: Understanding Alcohol's Impact Your Health” 13). “These by-products damage liver cells, promote inflammation, and weaken the body’s natural defenses. Eventually, these problems can disrupt the body’s metabolism and impair the function of other organs” (“Beyond Hangovers: Understanding Alcohol's Impact Your Health” 13). A condition called steatosis is the result of fat build up in the liver and is the earliest stage of alcoholic liver disease. This condition causes the liver difficulty breaking down alcohol, potentially resulting in alcoholic hepatitis. Fibrosis of the liver, which is also related to heavy drinking, causes scar tissue to build up in the liver. The alcohol alters chemicals that the liver needs to break down this scar tissue, causing liver dysfunctions. If one does not refrain from drinking during the condition of fibrosis, the scar tissue can build up and create another condition, called cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is deterioration of the liver resulting from heavy scarring, causing the liver to not be able to function properly. If cirrhosis becomes severe, a liver transplant may be the only solution (“Beyond Hangovers: Understanding Alcohol's Impact Your Health” 14). It is difficult to calculate when a person would develop cirrhosis, because an alcoholic could never develop the disease, but someone who social drinks could. It is also unknown why cirrhosis is more prevalent in women (...

    Read More

  • Hepatitis B Essay

    669 Words  | 2 Pages

    Hepatitis B (HBV) is a blood-borne viral liver infection with various routs of transmission. It is one of the most common and serious liver diseases in the world and a leading cause of death worldwide. If the infection becomes chronic the infection can lead to liver failure, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

    Read More

  • Hepatic Cirrhosis

    1396 Words  | 3 Pages

    The primary cause of hepatic cirrhosis in the United States is long-term alcoholism. Men respond differently than women to alcohol. With women one or two drinks a day can cause them liver damage. Men can consume two to five drinks a day and be ok. One drink a day can create liver scarring. So like everything else in life it varies, it might affect everyone differently. The individual who drinks alcohol on a daily basis, or more often then others have a higher risk of developing cirrhosis. Hepatic cirrhosis has also been linked to serious liver infections such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Patients who are HIV positive have died from developing cirrhosis through the hepatitis virus. Other causes of cirrhosis come from reactions to prescribed medications, injuries to the liver, exposure to toxic substances, and episodes of heart failure with liver congestion. Obt...

    Read More

  • HEPATITIS C

    1006 Words  | 3 Pages

    There is a disease spreading out in the world called Hepatitis C. It affects the liver and may cause the liver to fail. This disease is caused by a virus called Hepatitis C virus which is also known as HCV. About 32,000 people are affected with this disease per year only in the United States area. Some It’s a disease with many symptoms and many causes. of these symptoms are easy bruising, upset stomach and fever. These are just some of the many symptoms that come from the virus. Hepatitis Cs nature of the causative agent is determined by many things. The biological data of this disease is filled so much information. It is estimated that over 180 million people have gotten Hepatitis C and it is growing.

    Read More

  • dental hygiene philosophy

    658 Words  | 2 Pages

    As I started my new journey of becoming a dental hygienist, I came into the program with no background of dental. I came into this program with an open mind and willing to embrace new concepts as well as develop new skills. During my time at the Canadian Academy of Dental Hygiene (CADH), I learned that as a dental hygienist that I am committed to promoting and helping each individual achieve their optimal oral health goals. In support of my client’s goals, I may assume any or all of the roles included in the dental hygiene scope of practice. My goal throughout this program was to help my clients achieve their optimal oral health goals through education, health promotion and providing preventive and clinical therapy.

    Read More

  • Gingivitis Essay

    715 Words  | 2 Pages

    Over time as individuals age and are faced with access to care issues they may begin to neglect their oral health. As time passes between dental hygiene cleanings or dentist visits the presence of oral disease may begin to increase.

    Read More

  • Infection Control in Dental Care

    2040 Words  | 5 Pages

    Due to their direct contact with patients, personnel of health care teams are exposed to a higher risk of contracting diseases. Specifically, this risk becomes more potential for dental professional teams if we know that most of the human microbial pathogens are isolated from oral secretions. They can cause serious diseases that might transmit from patients to the personnel, and vice versa (Bednarsh & Molinri, 2010). In 1970 and the early 1980s, result showed the tendency among dental professionals to have more certain infectious diseases than the general public due to their exposure to blood and saliva of their patients (Bednarsh & Molinri, 2010). Disease, such as hepatiti...

    Read More

More about What is Hepatitis?

Open Document