Viral hepatitis
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that may destroy some parts of the liver. Viruses are the most common causes of hepatitis. Hepatitis can also be caused by alcohol, drugs, chemicals, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. The most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
Hepatitis A is caused by a virus and spreads by contact with fecal matter or bowel movements. This can happen by eating food that an infected person with hepatitis handled, or by drinking water or milk or eating food that has been contaminated with sewage. It can also be spread by contact with household members or sharing toys at day-care centers. Hepatitis A does not lead to chronic inflammation of the liver.
Hepatitis B is also caused by a virus and is the most widespread. It is carried in infected body fluids such as blood, semen, or saliva and is usually spread through infected needles or sexual contact. It can also be passed from mother to child at birth.
Hepatitis C is usually spread by contact with infected blood. It may be spread through infected needles, sharing cocaine straws, or sexual contact.
Hepatitis D is transmitted by blood and only affects people who have Hepatitis B. It is the rarest, but most dangerous since the person has two forms of the disease at once.
Type E is similar to type A and is passed along by contaminated food or water. It is not common in the United States and does not lead to chronic hepatitis.
Some types of viral hepatitis can be spread by people who do not have any symptoms and do not know that they carry the virus. These people are called asymptomatic carriers.
Although different types of hepatitis are spread in different ways, the best way to avoid getting hepatitis is through cleanliness. Always wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom or changing a diaper. Always wash all fruits and vegetables, especially if they come from a foreign country. Be aware of the cleanliness of restaurants, the kitchen workers, and the food inspection reports from the local health department. It is also important to be careful around sharp items such as razors or needles that have been exposed to body fluids.
Symptoms of hepatitis may not occur for 2 to 6 weeks after being infected with the virus. Sometimes the infected person may not notice any symptoms. When symptoms first occur, they may be flu- like such as loss of appetite, fever, general aches or fatigue.
Other possible early symptoms are itching hives, painful joints and loss of taste for cigarettes if you are a smoker. After several days, you may also have these symptoms:
- nausea and vomiting
- foul breath and bitter taste in the mouth * darkened urine * yellowish skin and eyes (jaundice)
- pain just below the ribs on your right side, especially if you press on that part of your abdomen and
- bowel movements that are whitish or light yellow and may be looser than normal.
Hepatitis is diagnosed with blood tests and a physical examination. The treatment of hepatitis depends upon the cause. Bacterial hepatitis is treated with antibiotics. The treatment for viral hepatitis depends on the type of hepatitis and how ill the person is. A healthcare provider will recommend rest, eating small high calorie protein meals, and avoiding certain medications. It usually takes 1 to 3 months to recover from an acute case of hepatitis. Relapses can occur after some types of hepatitis. The illness can start again after drinking alcohol and not getting enough rest.
Chronic hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that lasts longer than 6 months. It can last for several years and may develop if you have hepatitis B or C. Hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, which causes permanent damage to the liver. In severe cases, liver function may be lost.
Vaccines are available to prevent hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for people traveling to areas where there is much hepatitis. Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for healthcare workers, prison employees, homeless shelter volunteers and employees, children and others who are at high risk for exposure.
If you have been exposed to viral hepatitis, an immune booster may lower your chance of developing serious disease. See your provider as soon as possible if you have been exposed, since treatment tends to be more successful when it is started early.
If someone in your household has hepatitis, you should wear gloves when in contact with their bowel movements, wash clothing and bed linens that are visibly soiled with a detergent that kills germs, clean contaminated toilets and surfaces with a disinfectant and talk to your provider for more specific information
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