Hepatitis
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a general term for a condition that may be
caused by a number of different agents, including
viruses, bacteria, parasites, toxic drugs, toxins, or
diseases of the immune system. Five viruses have been
identified that specifically attack the liver and produce
hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Infectious mononucleosis,
certain toxic chemicals and insecticides may cause
hepatitis. Hepatitis can be acute (short-term) or chronic
(long-term).
Symptoms of hepatitis
Common symptoms of infectious hepatitis include:
• fatigue
• flu-like symptoms
• dark urine
• pale stool
• abdominal pain
• loss of appetite
• unexplained weight loss
• yellow skin and eyes, which may be signs of jaundice
Causes
Hepatitis A:
• found in feces
• both hepatitis A & E are spread through fecal-oral contamination or close contact
(unprotected sex)
Hepatitis B:
• found in blood and certain body fluids
• spread when blood or fluid from infected person enters body of person not immune
• spread by unprotected sex, sharing needles, and through infected mother to child.
Causes
Hepatitis C:
• found in blood and certain body fluids
• Spread when HCV infected blood/fluid enters another person
• Spread through sharing needles or infected mother to child but rarely is spread thro
ugh unprotected sex.
Hepatitis D:
• person must also be infected with hepatitis B
• Spread through sharing needles and/or exposure to blood/blood products.
Risk Factors
• Not being vaccinated against viral hepatitis, specifically HAV and HBV
• Having an acute or chronic infection with one or more hepatitis viruses
• Having an autoimmune disorder, such as autoimmune polyendocrinopathy
candidiasis ectodermal dystrophy (APECE)
• Being born to a mother who is infected with a hepatitis virus, particularly hepatitis
B
• Drinking untreated water or eating food that has not been safely or properly
prepared
• A lack of sanitation services like bathrooms or places to wash hands
• Contact with used needles, syringes, or other objects that might be contaminated
with blood infected with hepatitis viruses
• Working around toxic chemicals
How hepatitis is
diagnosed
• History and physical exam
• Liver function tests
• Blood tests
• Liver biopsy
• Ultrasound
Treatment
• Hepatitis A&B:
• Hepatitis A is prevented by good sanitation
• Both hepatitis A and B are treated with rest and relaxation and no alcohol for several
months
• People with chronic hepatitis B should get vaccinated for hepatitis A
• Hepatitis C:
• can be waited out depending on liver damage seen through biopsy
• Doctors will monitor condition, antiviral medication exist to help fight hep C
(peginterferonaifa, ribavirin)
• Hepatitis D:
• Liver transplant is effective treatment for severe chronic hepatitis D.
• Hepatitis E:
• get enough calories, drink enough fluids, and avoid harmful liver meds.
Complications of hepatitis
• chronic liver disease
• cirrhosis
• liver cancer
• bleeding disorders
• a buildup of fluid in your abdomen, known as ascites
• portal hypertension
• kidney failure
• hepatic encephalopathy
• hepatocellular carcinoma, which is a form of liver cancer
• death
