Viral hepatitis: Treatment, symptoms, advice and help

About viral hepatitis

Viral hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver caused by a specific group of viruses and is a common cause of jaundice.

Viral hepatitis: Incidence,age,Sex

The incidence varies worldwide with hepatitis A & E being more common in places with poor sanitation and lack of safe drinking water while hepatitis B & C are more common in populations exposed to blood products.

Signs & symptoms of viral hepatitis: Diagnosis

Headache, myalgia, arthralgia, nausea and anorexia usually precedes the development of jaundice by a few days to 2 weeks. Vomiting and diarrhoea may follow. Dark urine and pale stools may precede jaundice.The liver is often tender but only minimally enlarged. Occasionally, mild splenomegaly and cervical lymphadenopathy are seen.

Causes and prevention of viral hepatitis

Infection with hepatitis A & E in the community is best prevented by improving social conditions, especially overcrowding and poor sanitation.Individual can take active immunization with vaccines for Hepatitis A & B.Blood products should be screened for hepatitis B & C viruses.Immune serum globulin can be effective in an outbreak of hepatitis in a school or nursery.

Viral hepatitis: Complications

Acute liver failure can occur in 0.1% of cases Hepatitis A infection .Chronic infection does not occur. Cholestatic hepatitis, aplastic anaemia ,chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis (Hepatitis B and C) relapsing hepatitis are other complications.

Viral hepatitis: Treatment

Only supportive treatment is required. Drugs such as sedatives and narcotics, which are metabolized in the liver, should be avoided.No specific dietary modifications are needed. Alcohol should be avoided during the acute illness. Elective surgery should be avoided in cases of acute viral hepatitis as there is a risk of post-operative liver failure.