Hepatitis an Overview

Hepatitis, literally an inflammation of the liver, has many causes. Hepatitis can be acute (sudden) or chronic (long term). Hepatitis can resolve on its own or may cause long term damage to the liver. Hepatitis C, is responsible for a large liver transplants in the United States.

Types of Hepatitis

Hepatitis A (HAV)

Hepatitis A is a viral hepatitis. It is usually transmitted through contaminated food or water. The virus is shed in the stool of the infected person. Hepatitis A resolves itself. It is commonly found in nursing homes, IV drug users, travelers and restaurant patrons.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A (HAV)

• Jaundice

• Fatigue

• Loss of appetite

• Generalized itching

• Nausea and vomiting

• Fever

• Clay colored stools

• Dark urine

• Treatment of Hepatitis A (HAV)

Treatment includes bed rest, avoiding fatty foods, alcohol and other substances that are toxic to the liver such as acetaminophen

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Hepatitis B is a viral infection spread through blood or blood borne products. It can occur through blood transfusions, receiving a tattoo with contaminated instruments, sharing a needle during IV drug use, contact with contaminated blood during medical procedures or unprotected sex with a person already contaminated with hepatitis B

• Symptoms of Hepatitis B (HBV)

• Appetite loss

• Low grade fever

• Nausea and vomiting

• Jaundice

• Dark urine

Treatment of Hepatitis B (HBV)

With Hepatitis B, your healthcare professional will carefully monitor your liver function

You will be asked to limit your protein intake since Hepatitis B impairs your livers ability to process protein. You may also be given medication to limit protein production by bacteria in the body

In the rare case of liver failure, a transplant will become necessary

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Hepatitis C is caused by a viral infection. Many people have Hepatitis C for many years before it is detected. It can occur in patients who have been on kidney dialysis, healthcare workers exposed to the blood or blood borne products of a patient who has HCV, Sharing personal items, such as toothbrushes or razors with an infected person, sharing needles, unprotected sex, or being passed on from a mother to a baby at birth.

• Symptoms of Hepatitis C (HCV)

• Many with Hepatitis C do not know they are infected until cirrhosis, a permanent scarring of the liver occurs

• Abdominal pain

• Ascities, which is a buildup of fluid in the lining of the abdomen and abdominal organs

• Bleeding varicies which is dilated veins in the esophagus

• Nausea and vomiting

• Jaundice

• Fatigue

• Loss of appetite

• Clay colored stools

• Skin disorders such as spider web veins

• Low grade fever

Treatment of Hepatitis C (HCV)

Interferon injections

Ribavirin capsules taken twice daily

Rest

Avoidance of any new medication, especially over the counter, which may affect liver function

Avoidance of alcohol

In advanced cases, where liver failure may occur, a liver transplant may be necessary

Autoimmune Hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis occurs when the body's immune system mistakes the liver's healthy cells as those of an invader. This condition is usually associated with other autoimmune diseases. There is sometimes a genetic link. This disease is usually common in young girls and women

Symptoms of Autoimmune Hepatitis

• Loss of appetite

• Fatigue

• Nausea and vomiting

• Clay colored stools

• Abdominal distention

Treatment of Autoimmune Hepatitis

Prednisone or other corticosteroids to help reduce the inflammation

Treatment of the underlying autoimmune disorder with Azathioprine or other medications

Resources and Help for those with Hepatitis

Besides your family doctor there are many websites and support groups available for those affected with the various types of hepatitis. Some of those are:

Center for Disease Control

Hepatitis C Information Center

Hepatitis Foundation International