 Hepatitis produces an initial “acute phase,” often with
few if any symptoms. If there are symptoms, they tend to mimic "flu-like"
symptoms such as:
-
mild fever
-
muscle or joint aches
-
nausea
-
vomiting
-
loss of appetite
-
slight abdominal pain
-
diarrhea
-
fatigue
The acute phase and its symptoms is rarely serious or fatal, although
occasionally a so-called fulminant or rapidly progressing form leads
to death. As the condition worsens, the person also may experience these
additional symptoms:
-
jaundice (yellowed skin, mucous membranes and
eye-whites)
-
dark urine
-
light colored stools that may contain pus
-
itching
-
enlarged spleen (symptom of alcoholic hepatitis
only)
-
hives
-
headache (symptom of toxic/drug-induced hepatitis
only)
-
dizziness (symptom of toxic/drug-induced hepatitis
only)
-
drowsiness (symptom of toxic/drug-induced hepatitis
only)
-
circulation problems (symptom of toxic/drug-induced
hepatitis only)
The course of the hepatitis and the different outcomes after the acute
phase that distinguish the various types.
Diagnosis of Hepatitis
The doctor will take a thorough medical history with emphasis on the
patient’s medications, alcohol consumption, previous surgeries
and sexual activity. He or she may palpate the area over the liver to
check for tenderness or enlargement.
If the skin becomes jaundiced and the person is exhibiting other symptoms
of hepatitis, the doctor will do various lab tests, such as blood tests
and liver panel tests. Additional lab tests include the antibody tests
(ELISA II, RIBA II) and the hepatitis C RNA test via PCR technology
for diagnosis of hepatitis C only. If needed, the doctor may also perform
a liver biopsy where a small portion of the liver would be taken for
further examination under a microscope.
Treatment of Hepatitis
-
There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A.
The doctor will recommend the abstinence of alcohol and drugs during
recovery. Most cases of hepatitis A resolve themselves spontaneously.
-
The only treatment for hepatitis B is rest, combined
with a high protein/high carbohydrate diet to repair damaged liver
cells and protect the liver. If hepatitis B persists, the doctor may
recommend an antiviral agent called interferon.
-
The only approved treatment for hepatitis C virus,
and the only one with demonstrated efficacy, is interferon alfa-2b
(Intron A).
-
Currently, there is not effective treatment for
hepatitis D and E.
-
For treatment of nonviral hepatitis, the doctor
will first remove the harmful substance by flushing out the stomach
via inducing vomiting or hyperventilation. If necessary, the patient
with drug-induced hepatitis will be treated with corticosteroids.
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