Dr. Doshi's Gastro liver Endoscopy Clinic
Hepatitis has various types, but the signs & symptoms of each are related. Hepatitis can take acute or chronic forms. The four main types of hepatitis are known as hepatitis A, B, and C, E. Each is caused by a different virus.
It is usually easy for most patients make a full recovery, after which they are free and therefore protected from the virus in the future. However, if it progresses, symptoms can be severe. There is a vaccination available against Hepatitis A virus.
The virus most usually spreads when you eat or drink something contaminated with faecal matter. There is no specific treatment for HAV/HEV. Supportive care is required under guidance of doctors to monitor complications if any. In pregnancy Hepatitis E may cause serious illness and need to be treated aggressively. The Hepatologist will advise the patient to abstain from alcohol and drugs during the recovery.
Hepatitis B is spread through contact with infected blood, semen, and some other body fluids. It can be a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
The liver of a person affected with hepatitis B swells. This can create severe injury and the infection may become chronic too. This can lead to complications, including scarring of the liver, or cirrhosis. It may also cause a type of cancer known as hepatocellular carcinoma. There is a safe and effective vaccine that can protect against Hepatitis B virus (HBV).
A patient with HBV requires full rest and avoid alcohol completely. The doctor may prescribe antiviral suppressive therapies.
Many people with hepatitis fill either mild or no indications. When symptoms develop, they can do so from 15 to 180 days after infection. This rule is common for all types of hepatitis.
The first phase of hepatitis is called the acute phase. The indications are similar to mild flu, and may include:
The acute phase is normal, however, it may progress to a chronic infection. This is most likely with HBV or HCV.
As the disease progresses, chronic hepatitis can lead to progressive liver failure, resulting in jaundice, swelling of the lower extremities, and blood in the faeces or vomit.
Hepatitis can be serious and tough to treat, so people are encouraged to take precautions against any possible infection.