Download WHat is Hepatitis? - Tan Tock Seng Hospital

Hepatitis
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis refers to the inflammation of the liver which may lead
to liver cirrhosis, cancer and failure. The infections are caused by
different viruses which spread by varying means. Hepatitis B and C
viruses cause chronic diseases whereas the hepatitis A and E viruses
cause acute diseases. Hepatitis B is the most common infection
of the liver. Hepatitis
can also be caused by
many other viruses (e.g
Dengue virus), bacterial
(e.g Typhcial bacteria)
or parasitic (e.g Malaria
parasite) and also by
some medicines.
Symptoms
•Jaundice
•Dark-coloured urine
•Pale stools
•Fever
•Prolonged fatigue
•Poor appetite
•Abdominal pain
•Nausea and vomiting
Visit bit.ly/TTSHDiseases-Conditions for other medical conditions.
CARECONNECT (TTSH Patient Experience Centre)
Level 1, TTSH Atrium, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433
TEL 6357 8018 EMAIL [email protected]
OPERATION HOURS Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm
Hepatitis
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis B
Transmission
Ingestion of faecal matter
from:
• Close person-to-person
contact with an infected
person
• Ingestion of contaminated
food or drinks
Contact with infectious blood, semen, and other body fluids
through:
• Birth to an infected mother
• Sexual contact with an infected person
• Sharing of contaminated needles, syringes, or other injection
drug equipment
• Sharp instrument injuries
Treatment
• No specific medication
• Many recover after two
weeks with medications
to relieve symptoms and
bed rest
The treatment of Hepatitis B
carriers include:
• Diagnosis and
evaluation – Blood tests,
ultrasonography of the liver
and liver biopsy are used
to assess the severity of the
illness
• Supportive therapy
– Drugs that boost
the immune system to
eliminate the hepatitis B
virus (e.g. alpha- interferon)
or suppress viral replication
• Surveillance for liver
cancer – The risk is greater
amongst Hepatitis B
carriers as compared to
non-carriers. The patient is
subjected to blood tests.
Elevated alpha-fetoprotein
level is a tumour marker for
liver cancer
• Alpha-Interferon is the
current recommended
regime for treatment.
It is believed to act by
preventing viral replication
and boosting the body’s
immune system
Prevention
Hepatitis A is best
prevented by vaccination
especially if one is travelling
to developing countries or
have chronic liver disease.
Hepatitis B is best prevented
by vaccination especially
if one is a carrier, immune
deficient or requires repeated
transfusion of blood due to
an illness
A vaccine capable of
protecting against hepatitis C,
is not available
Ways of prevention include:
• Practising good hygiene
• Washing hands with soap
before and after meals
• Properly cooking shellfish
before consumption
• Good food handling
practices
Ways of prevention include:
• Avoiding multiple sex partners
• Having protected sex
• Avoiding the sharing of needles, sharp instruments,
toothbrushes with those who are unsure of their Hepatitis
status
• Avoiding blood, tissue, organs or semen donation if one is a
Hepatitis carrier
• Going to reliable operators for acupuncture, body piercing
or tattooing
References:
1. HPB.gov.sg, (2015). Hepatitis A. [online] Available at: http://www.hpb.gov.sg/HOPPortal/dandc-article/534 [Accessed 21 Sep. 2015].
2. HPB.gov.sg, (2015). Hepatitis B. [online] Available at: http://www.hpb.gov.sg/HOPPortal/dandc-article/536 [Accessed 21 Sep. 2015].
Visit bit.ly/TTSHDiseases-Conditions for other medical conditions.
CARECONNECT (TTSH Patient Experience Centre)
Level 1, TTSH Atrium, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433
TEL 6357 8018 EMAIL [email protected]
OPERATION HOURS Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm
Scan the QR Code with
your smart phone to
access the information
online or visit http://bit.ly/
TTSHDiseases-Conditions.