Viral Hepatitis is a type of viral infection that affects the liver and causes inflammation of liver cells. The main function of the liver is to store vitamins, eliminate toxins from the body, and produce hormones. However, viral hepatitis can disrupt these basic functions. Viruses are responsible for causing hepatitis and the most common types are Hepatitis A, B, and C. Infection with any of these 3 viruses can cause life threatening complications.
Each type of viral hepatitis has different methods of transmission and different characteristics. However the symptoms can be similar. The different types of viral hepatitis include:
Causes of Viral Hepatitis are different for different virus. A small chart includes the causes of the viral infections caused by these Hepatitis viruses.
If you are suffering from a chronic form of hepatitis like Hepatitis B or C, symptoms may not crop up until it damages the liver. People with acute form of hepatitis can present many symptoms. Some of the common symptoms of viral hepatitis include:
It is very crucial to diagnose viral hepatitis to cure it correctly. To diagnose viral hepatitis, your doctor may prescribe a series of diagnostic tests like
Evaluation of the patient’s medical history and physical examination is necessary. Physical examination involves checking for yellow discoloration and swelling of liver.
Liver function tests are prescribed to check if the liver is functioning properly. An abnormal liver function test will indicate that the liver is stressed due to an underlying infection.
To assess your liver for more potential damage, a biopsy is also performed. This helps the doctor to determine how the infection is caused or how inflammation has affected your liver.
Abdominal ultrasounds are also usually performed to check the health of the organs. An abnormal ultrasound can indicate an underlying viral infection.
Treatment of Viral Hepatitis will vary depending upon the type of hepatitis infection contracted. Listed below is how each hepatitis infection is treated.
Hepatitis A is usually a short term illness and does not need any specific treatment. However if symptoms persist and make you uncomfortable for a long time, your doctor will recommend a diet to maintain nutrition and hydration.
If you are suffering from acute Hepatitis B infection, there is no specific treatment. However, if the infection is chronic, anti-viral medications are prescribed to control the infection.
Anti-viral infections are prescribed to treat both chronic and acute cases of Hepatitis C infections. People who develop liver diseases or cirrhosis due to Hepatitis C may need a liver transplant.
Pegylated interferon alpha is a recommended treatment for Hepatitis D infections. However, since this treatment has side effects it is not recommended for those having autoimmune diseases, psychiatric conditions, and cirrhosis liver damage.
Since Hepatitis E infection is usually acute, it does not need any specific treatment. This viral hepatitis infection resolves on its own.
Conclusion:
While Hepatitis infections can be treated, it is important to diagnose it early. A late diagnosis or wrong treatment can be life threatening or fatal. Most people recommend various prevention tips to prevent contracting the viral hepatitis infections. A good lifestyle and hygiene will help a long way in preventing and controlling hepatitis infection.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/hepatitis#prevention
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/145869#symptoms