Hepatitis denotes the inflammation of the liver, a response of the liver tissue to irritation or injury, typically characterized by swelling and potential pain. Hepatitis has various causes, with viral infection being a significant contributor. Viral hepatitis, resulting from viral agents, can manifest as acute (short-term, lasting less than six months) or chronic (long-term, persisting beyond six months). Transmission of viral hepatitis commonly occurs through person-to-person contact and, in certain instances, via sexual activity.
There exist five hepatitis viruses that are classified using the letters A to E. Several viruses are known to cause hepatitis. Common forms of viral hepatitis include:
Hepatitis A: In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported approximately 2,007 cases of acute hepatitis A infections in the United States. Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), which is typically spread through contaminated food or water, or by close contact with an infected person. The hepatitis A virus is highly contagious, but the infection is usually not chronic and doesn’t cause long-term liver damage. Most people who are infected with hepatitis A will recover fully within a few weeks to a couple of months without any specific treatment. However, in some cases, particularly in older adults or people with underlying liver disease, hepatitis A can cause severe illness and complications.
Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease. The virus is transmitted through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person. It can be transmitted through activities such as unprotected sex, sharing needles, or from mother to baby during childbirth.
Most people with acute hepatitis B do not experience symptoms and may recover without treatment. However, some individuals develop chronic hepatitis B, which can lead to serious complications such as liver damage, liver cancer, or cirrhosis.
Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation, sometimes leading to serious liver damage. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) spreads through contaminated blood. Most people infected with hepatitis C don’t have any symptoms for years, and it’s often only discovered through routine blood tests. However, over time, chronic infection can lead to complications such as liver cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Treatment for hepatitis C has advanced significantly in recent years, with the introduction of direct-acting antiviral medications. These drugs can cure the infection in most cases, even in people with chronic hepatitis C. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to preventing liver damage and improving long-term outcomes.
Hepatitis D: Hepatitis D, also known as delta hepatitis, is a viral infection caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). Unlike other forms of hepatitis, HDV cannot replicate on its own; it requires the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) to replicate. This means that hepatitis D can only occur in individuals who are already infected with hepatitis B.
HDV is transmitted through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, similar to HBV. This can happen through activities such as sharing needles, having unprotected sex with an infected person, or from an infected mother to her newborn during childbirth.
Hepatitis E: Hepatitis E is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). It’s one of the five known hepatitis viruses: A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis E is typically spread through the consumption of contaminated water or food. While it can occur anywhere in the world, it’s most common in developing countries with inadequate sanitation facilities.
The majority of individuals can overcome hepatitis, with the disease being frequently avoidable. Nonetheless, it continues to pose a significant health threat due to its potential complications:
Hepatitis A spreads primarily through contaminated food or water, carrying the virus via fecal matter from an infected individual (known as the fecal-oral route), and through sexual contact.
Hepatitis B transmission occurs through various means, such as
Sexual intercourse with an infected person,
Sharing unclean needles,
Direct contact with infected blood,
Needle stick injuries,
Transmission from a pregnant person to a fetus, and
Exposure to infected bodily fluids.
Pregnant women with hepatitis B have a high risk of passing the virus to their child, during pregnancy. Infants born to hepatitis B-positive parents should receive prompt treatment with hepatitis B antibody and vaccine within 12 hours of birth.
Hepatitis C spreads through:
Sharing contaminated needles,
Direct contact with infected blood,
Needle stick injuries, and, less commonly,
Through sexual intercourse with an infected person.
Hepatitis D transmission occurs through maternal-fetal transfer during childbirth and contact with infected bodily fluids or blood. Hepatitis D infection requires concurrent hepatitis B infection.
Hepatitis E is acquired by consuming contaminated food or water, typically through the fecal-oral route, and can also result from consuming undercooked pork, venison, or shellfish. While uncommon in the United States, hepatitis E may occur following travel to regions where the infection is prevalent, posing a particular risk to pregnant individuals, potentially leading to severe complications or fatality.
The most common symptoms of hepatitis include:
Methods for diagnosing hepatitis may encompass:
Blood analyses
Liver ultrasound
Fibroscan, a rapid and non-invasive procedure employing ultrasound to gauge the liver’s “stiffness.”
The treatment approach for viral hepatitis hinges on the particular virus strain involved and the gravity of the infection. By choosing Dania Medicare Solutions for Hepatitis treatment in India, you get the best hospitals for Hepatitis treatment and best doctors for Hepatitis treatment. Below outlines the prevailing treatment options tailored to each virus type:
After contracting hepatitis A, immediate treatment isn’t available. Patients are advised to rest, stay hydrated, and consume nutritious meals. Typically, the virus resolves on its own within six months.
Typically, hepatitis B is left untreated until it progresses to a chronic stage. Yet, in cases where treatment initiates promptly post-infection, physicians might opt for a hepatitis B vaccine along with an immune globulin protein injection to enhance the immune response.
Should the infection persist beyond six months or inflict damage on the liver, doctors may recommend a regimen of medications. These may comprise:
In severe cases, when hepatitis B leads to liver failure or liver cancer, a liver transplantation may be needed.
The primary approach to managing hepatitis C involves the administration of antiviral drugs. Treatment duration typically spans from 8 to 24 weeks, with the specific medication regimen tailored to the strain of hepatitis C virus in question.
Medications for hepatitis C encompass:
In severe cases, when hepatitis C leads to liver failure or liver cancer, a liver transplantation may be needed.
Hepatitis D lacks a vaccine or targeted remedy. Yet, physicians might recommend interferon, a medication known for enhancing the immune response.
Hepatitis E typically resolves within 4 to 6 weeks without intervention. Management primarily involves adequate rest, hydration, and a nutritious diet.
In cases of chronic infection, healthcare providers may opt for medications such as interferons or ribavirin to bolster the immune system.
The outcome of hepatitis varies depending on the type of virus and the timing of treatment initiation. Hepatitis A and E typically resolve within about six months, granting immunity to former carriers of hepatitis A.
Hepatitis B may either resolve spontaneously or persist as a chronic condition, potentially leading to severe complications like cirrhosis or liver cancer. Some individuals with chronic hepatitis B may become asymptomatic carriers, necessitating regular testing to prevent transmission.
Hepatitis C can be cured with appropriate treatment, but its asymptomatic nature often results in its progression to chronicity and subsequent liver damage, underscoring the importance of prompt diagnosis and intervention.
| Treatment | Cost Starts From ($) | Hospital Stay |
| Hepatitis B Treatment | 800 | 5 Days |
| Hepatitis C Treatment | 2000 | 5 Days |
| Liver Transplant | 24000-28000 | 10-20 Days |
| Liver Cancer | 4000-4400 | 5-6 Days |
| Liver Resection | 5600-6400 | 5-6 Days |
| Liver Fibrosis | 2000-2400 | 10-15 Days |
| Liver Cirrhosis | 2000-2400 | 10-15 Days |
When do you need a liver transplant?
Are you suffering from chronic liver disease? Then it would help if you got a liver transplant, and it’s important to consult a specialist. Also, sudden liver failure requires an immediate transplant to overcome serious health issues. Usually, serious liver damage due to Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and liver cirrhosis lead to liver failure.
What are the symptoms of liver damage?
Mild liver diseases usually won’t give rise to any symptoms. However, you may notice swollen ankles and feet and water retention in the abdomen if you have serious liver disease. You will notice extreme fatigue that affects your daily lifestyle. Your doctor will suggest some blood tests, and low blood counts indicate liver diseases. Also, there may be black stools and vomiting, which indicates acute liver diseases.
How to proceed with a liver transplant?
First, you need to consult an expert doctor who checks your overall health and gives you the right suggestions. Also, your doctor may recommend some tests to learn the actual condition of your liver. It helps the doctor carry out a successful liver transplant, and you can also avoid future complications. Next, you need to find a suitable donor, and a family member can be an ideal donor. If you choose a living donor, ensure the person’s age is between 18 and 55. The blood group must match and ensure that the donor is not suffering from obesity.
How long it takes to recover after a liver transplant?
Recovery time depends on a patient’s health and the severity of the liver disease. A liver transplant usually requires 7-10 days of hospital stay. And you can return to normal activities after 3 months, and it’s important to follow the doctor’s instructions. Thus, you will lead life freely, and a liver transplant improves your way of life.
Is liver transplantation safe?
Liver transplantation is completely safe and grows to its normal size faster. Also, the donor won’t face any serious health complications; they usually need to take medications for 2-3 weeks. And a donor can return to a normal lifestyle within a month. And after 3 months, a donor can perform heavy exercises, and there won’t be any restrictions.
Do liver transplants become successful?
The success rate of liver transplants depends on the patient’s health condition. It’s good to find an experienced surgeon who will handle the whole procedure efficiently. Usually, 90% of liver transplants are successful, and the patient leads a better life.
Are any medicines required post-surgery?
Yes, a doctor may prescribe certain medication that helps you avoid infections and bleeding post-surgery. And you may require some long-term medications; however, the dosage will decrease with time.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Top Doctors in India for Liver Cirrhosis :
