Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver resulting in liver cell damage and destruction.  Acute hepatitis is a condition that typically comes on rapidly with severe symptoms, lasting less than six months.  Acute hepatitis has a number of possible causes:  Infectious viral hepatitis such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis E can all cause inflammation of the liver; other viral diseases such as mononucleosis and cytomegalovirus can inflame the liver, as well as inherited disorders, severe bacterial infections, amoebic infections, medicines (eg. Paracetamol poisoning and halothane (an anesthetic)), and toxins (such as alcohol).

The liver is located in the upper right hand side of the abdomen and is a very important organ, being responsible for many functions including breaking down toxins, processing nutrients, generating bile to break down fats, regulating blood clotting and generating important body proteins.  If the inflammation of the liver becomes severe enough to interfere with any of these functions it can be potentially dangerous.

Hepatitis A is most often spread through water or food that has been contaminated by feces from an infected person, and is common in both children and young adults.  The incubation period is two to six weeks after infection.  It is very important to wash your hands properly before and after eating and preparing food.   Hepatitis A can usually resolve on its own, but there is a vaccine for hepatitis A which offers immunity to adults and children older than a year.  It is also recommended to avoid tap water when travelling internationally.

Hepatitis B is the second most common cause of acute viral hepatitis and is spread through contact with infected blood, unprotected sex, or it can be passed from mother to baby during childbirth (vaginal or cesarean).  The virus can be easily passed by sharing personal items with an infected person – toothbrushes, razors, nail clippers, or through the use of needles (tattooing, acupuncture, ear piercing, drug-taking, and blood transfusions).   

Hepatitis B has a longer incubation time (3-6 months), and is potentially more serious as it can lead to acute liver failure, chronic hepatitis, or cirrhosis of the liver.  Up to 3% of patients can become carriers who can continue to spread the virus. 

To reduce exposure and risk of transmission do not share drug needles or personal items, and use latex condoms during intercourse.  People who develop acute hepatitis B are generally not treated with antiviral drugs, depending on their age at infection, the disease often resolves on its own.  Infected newborns are most likely to progress to chronic hepatitis B, but by young adulthood, most people with acute infection recover spontaneously.  There is a vaccine for hepatitis B also.  Severe acute hepatitis B is sometimes treated with an antiviral drug such as lamivudine. 

Hepatitis E is spread through food or water contaminated by feces, for example, contaminated stool finds its way to a person’s mouth when hands are not properly cleaned, or stool with hepatitis E virus contaminates water that is consumed by an individual.  This virus can also be passed from mother to child, but is more commonly found in adults.  The incubation period is usually 40 days, but it can range from 15 to 60 days.  There is no vaccine to protect against hepatitis E, it will usually resolve on its own over several weeks to months.  The only way to prevent the disease is to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus by practicing good hygiene and sanitation, avoiding tap water when travelling internationally, and avoiding uncooked shell fish, and unpeeled fruit and vegetables (unless personally prepared).

General Symptoms and Signs

The symptoms of acute hepatitis infection typically develop in predictable phases and will vary from person to person.  Some patients have no symptoms at all, and in most cases, children only show mild symptoms.  Infection begins with an incubation period during which the virus multiplies and spreads without symptoms and usually resolves spontaneously 4 to 8 weeks after symptom onset.

Early stages: 

• Profound anorexia
• Tiredness, general malaise, slight fever, nausea, loss of appetite
• Pressure or pain below the right ribs (which may extend to the stomach) caused by an enlarged liver
• Aching muscles and joints, weakness, headache

Jaundice phase: (Patient may feel better, despite worsening jaundice)

• Yellowing of the white portion of the eyes, skin and mucous membranes
• Dark urine
• Liver may still be enlarged and tender

Recovery phase:

• Appetite returns
• Tiredness that can last for weeks.

Treatment: BM 51 is a safe, non-addictive homeopathic remedy specifically formulated to slow the deterioration of the liver and alleviate symptoms commonly associated with hepatitis A, B and E.  BM 51 works to restore balance and cell regeneration, leading to a strengthening of the liver.  Overall systemic health is improved without any side-effects and is safe for all ages.

Please note:  Advice provided from ANY website is not a substitute for qualified medical care.  While we are very confident in the safety and effectiveness of our products, you should always consult with a medical professional in regards to any serious health problem.