This overview is a sample of the type of information available to you at Griffin Hospital's Community Health Resource Center. It is not intended to replace your physician's instructions in the management of your health problems, but to better inform you about a particular illness and alert you to the availability of other materials. If you have a question about any piece of information presented in theses fact sheets, please call your physician, or stop by the Community Health Resource Center at your convenience.
HEPATITIS
Hepatitis is an illness which occurs when the liver is inflamed. It usually lasts several weeks but in some cases can continue for longer.
There are several types of hepatitis. Although there are differences among them, all of them are contagious and can be spread to other people. Most of the time, hepatitis runs its course and there is a full recovery; however, some types can become an ongoing (chronic) problem. Some types of hepatitis can cause long-term damage to the liver. Because the liver makes vital nutrients and neutralizes toxins in the body, it is an essential organ of the body. Damage to the liver can result in serious health problems.
Because many people with hepatitis don't have noticeable symptoms, hepatitis can be spread to others unknowingly. Some types of hepatitis are spread through contaminated food and water, others by contaminated blood or body fluids. Some types of hepatitis can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy.
Hepatitis can be caused by several things. The most common cause of hepatitis is a virus. So far, six types of hepatitis viruses have been discovered. They have been named hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, and G. Hepatitis can also be caused by other viruses in individuals with weakened immune systems. Hepatitis can be caused by a high consumption of alcohol, or an overuse of drugs which cause liver damage.
Hepatitis A and E are caused by eating or drinking food or water which is contaminated with the virus. This is most commonly seen in people who travel to other less developed countries or in developing countries where safe sanitation of water is not available. For instance, raw shellfish from water polluted by sewage is a common cause of hepatitis A.
Hepatitis B, C, D and G are caused by direct contact with blood or body fluids that have been contaminated with the virus. Common ways to get hepatitis B are contact with contaminated needles, blood or other body fluids. You can also get hepatitis through sexual contact, or any other direct contact with the body fluids of someone who is infected.
Hepatitis C and D are most often caused by receiving blood transfusions of contaminated blood or blood products. Most blood and blood donors are now carefully screened for hepatitis to prevent this.
Alcoholic hepatitis develops after many years of drinking alcoholic beverages. Hepatitis can also be caused by heavy drug use. Cirrhosis, or chronic liver damage, develops if the drinking or drug use continues, causing continuing and worsening symptoms, and eventual death.
WHO GETS HEPATITIS?
Hepatitis is a disease that is found all over the world. It can spread quickly. People at higher than average risk of getting all varieties of hepatitis include:
Vaccines are available for Hepatitis A and B. If you have been vaccinated, you are protected from getting that specific type of hepatitis. Because hepatitis D only occurs in conjunction with hepatitis B, being vaccinated for hepatitis B will also reduce your risk of getting hepatitis D. There are no vaccines currently available specifically for hepatitis C, D, E, or G. People who are at high risk for getting hepatitis should consider getting the vaccine protection that is available.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Early symptoms of hepatitis can be like those of the flu: mild fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle aches. Some people have mild symptoms, others more severe. Later, as the illness progresses, jaundice (a yellow color of the eyes and skin), dark colored urine, and abdominal discomfort are common. Often, the symptoms will go away after 2 to 3 weeks; however, some people remain ill for several months. Those who develop chronic hepatitis may have symptoms for many years.
Many people who get hepatitis have no symptoms or only fatigue. Others mistake their symptoms for the flu. But whether you have symptoms or not, when you have active hepatitis, you are infectious and can spread the virus to others.
DIAGNOSING HEPATITIS
After a physical exam and medical history, if your doctor suspects hepatitis, blood tests will be done. Special blood tests check for evidence of the hepatitis in your blood and will determine if you have hepatitis and which type. The doctor may also order tests to see how your liver is functioning. In cases where the hepatitis has lasted for several years, a liver biopsy (a small piece of liver tissue is removed using a needle) may be done to determine the level of liver damage that has occurred to help determine the most appropriate treatment.
TREATMENT
While you are ill, the main goal is to control your symptoms until the worst part is over. You should get plenty of rest, pace your activities, and avoid alcohol and any medications (including over-the-counter medications) that are hard on the liver. Talk with your doctor if you have a lot of nausea and cannot eat – you may need intravenous food and fluids.
Although your symptoms may go away in 2-3 weeks, it may take up to six months for you to feel your normal energy level. To prevent liver damage in the future, you should continue to avoid alcohol for 6-12 months and check with your doctor before taking any medications, even if they are over-the-counter. It usually takes 2-3 months for your liver to get back to normal.
You should also practice careful personal hygiene until your blood tests show that the virus is no longer present in your body, as you may still be infectious after your symptoms are gone.
For those with alcoholic or drug-induced hepatitis, the treatment is to stop drinking or stop taking the drug which is causing the problem. Continuing to drink or use drugs will cause the symptoms to worsen.
If you have chronic persistent hepatitis, you may be treated with medications or a series of medications such as interferon, steroids, or an antiviral medication to slow down or stop the liver damage. Depending on your medical history, these medications may put you at risk for developing other problems such as diabetes, thyroid problems, and cardiac disease. Your doctor will monitor you closely to see how your body is responding to the treatment and to carefully weigh the benefits and risks for you.
In people whose liver has become seriously damaged, a liver transplant may be considered.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Eat a well-balanced diet. Maintain your fluids. Pace your activities. Avoid alcohol and supplement your diet with vitamins and folic acid.
Practice safe sex. Avoid sharing of toothbrushes and razors. Practice good hand washing. Don't donate any blood or blood products. Once you have had hepatitis, you should not donate blood again.
Ask your doctor about any drugs you are thinking of using. Continue your follow up appointments until your blood tests are clear of any sign of the virus.
If you have received a blood transfusion prior to 1992, you should be tested for hepatitis C. Remember, you can have hepatitis and spread it to others even if you do not feel ill. If you think you may have had direct contact with the blood or body fluids of someone who has hepatitis, see your doctor right away. He or she may prescribe gamma globulin or hyperimmune globulin shots as a protection against the disease. If you have Hepatitis A, your household and sexual partners should receive gamma globulin shots to prevent infection.
If you are in one of the high-risk groups, you should be vaccinated. Prevention is possible for hepatitis A and B. However, the vaccine only works if it is given ahead of time. The A and B vaccinations are a series of injections that area given over a 6 month period. Employers offer the vaccines free to employees if they are at high risk for exposure in their jobs. Travel clinics, colleges, and many family physicians also have the vaccine available in their office.
COPING
Although acute cases of hepatitis can be difficult, remember they are short lived, and your chances of a complete recovery in a few weeks are excellent. The diagnosis of a long-lasting illness such as chronic hepatitis can be stressful, and you might feel depressed or resentful. It can help to seek the support of others in similar situations. Support groups exist for a wide variety of medical conditions, including those who are struggling with alcohol or drug addictions. Professional counseling is also available. Talk to your friends and family. They may be able to offer emotional comfort that will help you to learn to live with your illness.
Please note that this information is intended to give you a general overview of the topic. It is not intended to replace advice or instruction of a health professional. We recommend that you consult your physician, nurse, or qualified health professional regarding the information in this publication. © 1994 Planetree, Inc. Reproduction of this material in any form is limited to license agreement.
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