Download Hepatitis: Types, Prevention and Treatment

Hepatitis: Types, Prevention and Treatment
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. Inflammation of the liver caused by hepatitis can
be caused by an overactive immune system that mistakenly attacks the liver also called
autoimmune hepatitis. Certain medications can be toxic to the liver and cause hepatitis,
(drug-induced hepatitis) when taken in excess or very high doses. In addition, there are
six viruses that cause different forms of viral hepatitis. Hepatitis is categorized as acute
or chronic depending on its course. When hepatitis flares up suddenly and then goes
away it is called acute hepatitis, which is common in the United States. Some people do
not fully recover from acute hepatitis and develop chronic hepatitis, which causes more
liver damage and inflammation. When symptoms last longer than six months hepatitis is
considered chronic. Chronic hepatitis can last for years.
The viruses that cause the different forms of viral hepatitis are as follows:
Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, and G.
Hepatitis A. This type of hepatitis is highly contagious, and a viral condition that is the
easiest to transmit. Hepatitis A is usually contracted from contaminated food, water or
someone already infected. It is usually mild, is least likely to damage the liver, and is
generally resolved in six months. Vaccines that are proven to be effective are available to
prevent the illness.
Hepatitis B. Transmission of the hepatitis B virus occurs through contaminated blood,
body fluids, syringes and from mother to baby. It can be mild, without symptoms, or it
can be a chronic disorder for some people, and in some cases may lead to liver failure,
liver cancer or cirrhosis-a condition that causes permanent scarring of the liver. Most
adults with hepatitis B, even with severe symptoms, recover fully, but for infants and
children with the hepatitis B virus the condition is more likely to become chronic. There
is no cure for hepatitis B, but there are various treatment options, and a vaccine that can
prevent people from contracting the virus.
Hepatitis C. This type of hepatitis is primarily transmitted from contact with infected
blood, but can also occur from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. The
symptoms of hepatitis C are usually mild and gradual, but in the majority of people with
the virus it leads to chronic liver disease, which may also include liver cancer and
cirrhosis, in the long term.
Hepatitis D. This form of hepatitis is only found in people with the hepatitis B virus.
The hepatitis D virus is transmitted in the same way as hepatitis B, except the
transmission from mother to newborn is less common.
Hepatitis E. This form of hepatitis is similar to hepatitis A, in that transmission is
through contaminated water and unwashed food. Hepatitis E is more common in Asia,
Africa and South America. There is currently no vaccine for Hepatitis E.
Hepatitis G. This is the newest strain of hepatitis, and little information is available on
hepatitis G. It is believed that transmission occurs through blood, and is usually seen in
intravenous, or IV, drug users, people who need hemodialysis for renal failure and
individuals with clotting disorders, such as hemophilia. Hepatitis G often has no clinical
symptoms.
Symptoms
Acute hepatitis usually begins with flu-like symptoms, while symptoms of chronic
hepatitis are usually mild. Each person may experience symptoms differently, and some
people may not experience any symptoms. Some common symptoms of hepatitis are as
follows:

Nausea

Vomiting

Loss of appetite

Jaundice (yellow color of the skin and the white portion of the eye)

Fatigue

Tenderness in the right upper abdomen (belly)

Abdominal swelling due to fluid retention

Abdominal pain

Joint pain

Sore muscles

Fever

Dark-colored urine

Lightly-colored stools

Feeling ill

Itchy, red hives on skin
Diagnosis

Specific laboratory tests

Liver function tests

Ultrasound of the liver

Liver biopsy (to determine severity of the inflammation, scarring, cirrhosis and
underlying cause)
Treatment
There is no cure for hepatitis once it occurs. Acute hepatitis in most cases resolves over
time. Usually treatment for hepatitis is intended to prevent further damage to the liver,
reverse existing damage if possible and relieve symptoms.
Prevention
Using proper hygiene is important to preventing the spread of viral hepatitis as well as
the following measures:

Vaccinations. The hepatitis A vaccine is available for people who are at risk of
contracting the virus while traveling. A hepatitis B vaccine is given to toddlers
routinely as a part of their prescribed immunizations. Currently, there are no
vaccines for hepatitis C, D, E, or G.

Blood transfusion. The screening of blood transfusions for hepatitis B and C
occurs routinely to reduce the risk of infection.

Antibody preparation. Should a person be exposed to viral hepatitis, an
antibody preparation can be given to help protect them from contracting the virus.
References
"The ABC's of Hepatitis: Mayo Clinic Expert Explains Types, Prevention."
Mayo Clinic. May, 2013.
"Viral Hepatitis Overview." Johns Hopkins Medicine. May, 2012.