Hepatitis Disease
BASICS
DESCRIPTION
Viral hepatitis is a group of viral infections involving the liver.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Fever
- Malaise, fatigue
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Jaundice
- Dark urine
- Abdominal pains
- Headache
- Vomiting
CAUSES
- Viral infection
- Infection may be caused by multiple, different viruses.
- Maximum infectivity occurs 2 weeks before the appearance of jaundice.
- Transmitted sexually, by blood or its products, or during pregnancy.
RISK FACTORS
- Health care workers/other occupational risks
- Dialysis
- Recipients of blood and/or blood products
- Intravenous (IV) drug users; individuals with tattoos
- Sexually active homosexual males
- Household exposure
- Unprotected sex
- Needle stick
- Organ transplantation
DIAGNOSIS
WHAT THE DOCTOR LOOKS FOR
- The doctor will perform a physical examination to identify the signs and symptoms of viral hepatitis.
- Other causes of similar symptoms include Infectious mononucleosis, drug or alcohol abuse, and other liver disorders.
TESTS AND PROCEDURES
- Blood tests
- Tests may be done to identify the virus.
- A sample of liver tissue may be obtained for laboratory analysis.
- Ultrasound may be used to assist with diagnosis.
TREATMENT
GENERAL MEASURES
- Viral hepatitis is usually managed on an outpatient basis.
- Hospitalization may be required.
- Segregation advisable for food handlers or health care workers.
- Acute cases must be reported to the public health department.
- Liver transplantation may be necessary.
ACTIVITY
As tolerated
DIET
Adequate calories; balanced nutrition
FOLLOW UP
PREVENTION/AVOIDANCE
- Use safe sex practices.
- Don't share needles.
- Practice good sanitation habits.
- It is currently recommended that all individuals receive vaccination against HBV.
- Vaccination against HAV is recommended for some individuals, including travelers, sewage workers, military personnel, day-care staff and children, homosexual men, and food handlers.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
- Interferon, ribavirin (Virazole)
- Amantadine (Symmetrel)
- Steroids
WHAT TO EXPECT
- The outcome varies depending on the virus causing hepatitis.
- Severity of liver disease is a good indicator of outcome.
- May progress to chronic disease
MISCELLANEOUS
PREGNANCY
Hepatitis virus may be transmitted to babies. Pregnant women should be screened for HBV.
OTHER NOTES
Alcohol abuse is a major factor for chronic liver disease.
Clinical Investigations
- Cardiology
- Dermatology
- General Destistry
- Cardiology
- Dermatology
ROLE OF HOMOEOPATHY
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