All you need to know about viral hepatitis

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is expertly consulted by Gastroenterologist, Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
Viral hepatitis is a common disease today. The disease is becoming more and more serious. With timely and appropriate treatment, patients with hepatitis will avoid dangerous complications.

1. What is hepatitis?

Hepatitis is a condition in which cells are damaged and inflamed. The disease often has a silent course and carries the risk of serious complications such as cirrhosis or even liver cancer. Hepatitis virus is the most common cause of hepatitis today. Certain other infections or toxic substances, such as alcohol, drugs, and autoimmune diseases, can also cause hepatitis. Most people with hepatitis only find out when the disease is in an advanced stage.
There are 5 main types of hepatitis virus, including A, B, C, D and E . These five types are of greatest concern right now because of the severity they cause, in addition to the potential for widespread disease outbreaks. In particular, hepatitis B and C viruses can progress to chronic disease, which is also the most common cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Hepatitis A and E are usually spread through the gastrointestinal tract. Hepatitis B, C, and D are transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child.
Acute infection may occur without any symptoms or may include manifestations such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, fatigue, fever, nausea, vomiting and stomachache.

2. Differences between types of hepatitis

Scientists have identified the 5 most dangerous hepatitis viruses today: A, B, C, D and E.
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is present in the feces of infected people and is often transmitted by route Digest. Sex can also be a cause of HAV spread. Most people with hepatitis A make a full recovery and are immune to the hepatitis A virus for life.
However, the hepatitis A virus can also be serious and life-threatening. Most people in areas with poor sanitation are very susceptible to hepatitis A virus infection. There is now a safe and effective vaccine to prevent hepatitis A.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted by blood, sex and from mother to child. HBV can be passed from an infected mother to her newborn at the time of birth or from family members. The hepatitis B virus can also be transmitted through transfusions of blood and blood products contaminated with HBV. HBV also poses a risk to healthcare workers who are injured by accidental needles while providing care. care for patients infected with HBV. Currently, there is a safe and effective hepatitis B vaccine.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is mainly transmitted through contact with infected blood. This can happen through transfusion of blood and blood products that are contaminated with HCV, or through injections during medical procedures. HCV can also be sexually transmitted, but these are rare. There is currently no vaccine to prevent HCV.
Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection occurs only in people infected with HBV. Dual infection with HDV and HBV can lead to more severe disease and worse outcomes. The hepatitis B vaccine will protect you from HDV infection.
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is mainly transmitted through contact with contaminated water or food. HEV is a common cause of hepatitis in developing regions of the world and is considered an important cause of disease in developed countries. Safe and effective vaccines to prevent HEV infection have been developed but are not currently in widespread use.

3. Signs of hepatitis

Some common signs in patients with hepatitis include:
Fatigue Fever Loss of appetite Abdominal pain Nausea, vomiting Muscle pain, joint pain Dark urine Yellow eyes or yellow skin Itching Loss of concentration , poor memory Appears bruises, bleeding Hepatitis, if not treated promptly, will cause liver failure, liver cancer, even life-threatening.

4. Diagnosis of hepatitis

Hepatitis is diagnosed through tests, including:
Peripheral blood cell analysis, coagulation function. Liver Enzymes, Bilirubin, Protein, Albumin Tests For Antibodies and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Liver Ultrasound CT Scan MRI Liver Biopsy In addition to the above tests, your doctor can diagnose hepatitis by your symptoms. diseases such as jaundice, yellow eyes.

5. Treatment of hepatitis

Treatment for hepatitis will depend on the symptoms, age and health of the person, as well as the condition of the disease.
The cause of the disease is the determining factor in the treatment of the disease.
The purpose of hepatitis treatment is to prevent liver damage, treat the symptoms and complications of the disease, and stop the spread of the hepatitis virus.
To treat hepatitis, doctors prescribe medications to prevent, treat viruses, or control certain autoimmune diseases. In addition, the patient needs to have a reasonable and adequate diet, rest.
Patients with hepatitis should not use stimulants such as alcohol, tobacco....In severe cases, it is necessary to closely monitor and treat promptly.
Liver transplant is the method of choice by doctors for patients with end-stage liver failure.
Vaccination is the safest and most effective way to prevent hepatitis today. Besides, the addition of adequate nutrients, cleaning the surrounding environment is a condition to help you prevent hepatitis virus.
With the screening package for hepatobiliary cancer, customers will have the opportunity to detect abnormalities in the body including the presence of cancer cells in the liver and biliary tree in just 1 visit. When registering for the Liver Cancer Screening and Early Detection Package, customers will receive:
Examination and consultation with an oncologist through an oncology appointment. Assess liver function through tests such as measuring ALT activity (GPT), measuring AST activity (GOT), measuring GGT activity (Gama Glutamyl Transferase), measuring total Bilirubin. Screening for hepatitis B and C virus infection through rapid HBsAg test and automatic immunological HCV Ab test. Screening for liver cancer through the quantitative test of AFP (Alpha Fetoproteine). Screening for liver tumors by abdominal ultrasound (general). Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the medical facilities with a team of leading medical experts in the field of oncology, the most modern machinery in the region. Those will be good conditions to help the screening for early detection of liver cancer be quick, convenient and time-saving. As a result, it is possible to screen for liver cancer, helping to detect liver cancer at an early stage so that appropriate and timely treatment measures can be taken.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Articles refer to the source: who.int