Hepatitis is a medical term used to describe inflammation of the liver. This inflammation may be caused by a variety of factors, including natural disease, heavy drinking, or long-term or excessive use of certain medications or drugs. Common symptoms of hepatitis include abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. There are several types of hepatitis, requiring a variety of hepatitis medicines, including nucleotide analogues and interferon medications. Herbal medications also exist and include milk thistle, St. John's Wart and garlic. The types of hepatitis medicines used depends upon factors such as the type of hepatitis present, specific symptoms, and the overall health of the patient.
Interferons are commonly used hepatitis medicines. An interferon is a type of protein that occurs naturally in the human body. Scientists have been able to use DNA technology to duplicate these proteins. When interferons are used as hepatitis medicines, they work to boost the immune system so the body has more of a chance to protect itself from further damage, including liver damage. It is important to note that interferons do not directly attack or kill any foreign invaders, they merely strengthen the body's own natural defenses.
Nucleotide analogues are often used as hepatitis medicines as well. These medications work by inhibiting the growth of harmful or abnormal cells that can cause liver damage. In many cases, these hepatitis medicines are able to stop the progression of liver damage and keep the patient from becoming ill enough to need a liver transplant.
Many patients prefer to consider natural hepatitis medicines. While many herbal supplements can be helpful, they are not suitable for everyone. In fact, some herbal treatments may interfere with certain prescription medications. For this reason, the patient should always consult a physician before starting any new treatment method. The doctor can help develop a treatment plan that is healthiest for the individual patient.
Studies have shown that a combination of lipoic acid and selenium may be helpful in treating many types of hepatitis. Milk thistle is also believed to be helpful due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Olive leaf extract and St. John''s Wort are also believed to possess anti-inflammatory properties and are often used to help treat hepatitis symptoms. Additionally, lecithin contains a chemical known as phosphatidylcholine that is thought to help reduce bilirubin levels in patients with hepatitis, though clinical research supporting this claim seems to be a bit weak. Garlic is also a popular herbal treatment for hepatitis since it is widely known for its ability to remove toxins from the body.
