One of the most prominent signs of liver disease is jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin). Jaundice occurs due to the accumulation of excessive bile pigments in the bloodstream.

• Dark-colored urine
• Confusion or coma
• Vomiting blood
• Easy bruising and a tendency to bleed
• Gray or clay-colored stools
• Abdominal fluid accumulation (ascites)
• Severe fatigue
• Tremors and drowsiness are also symptoms of liver disease.

There Are Two Types of Hepatitis:

1. Acute hepatitis – refers to the recent onset of hepatitis
2. Chronic hepatitis – means that hepatitis has been present for more than six months

Acute hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that leads to damage and destruction of liver cells. It is quite common: in developed countries, acute hepatitis occurs in about one in every 4,000 people each year, while in developing countries, this rate can be up to five times higher.

 

The most common causes of acute hepatitis include:

• Viral infections (hepatitis A, B, C, D, or E)
• Drug overdose (such as acetaminophen or paracetamol)
• Exposure to toxic chemicals (dry-cleaning solvents or certain wild mushrooms)

 

Symptoms of Acute Hepatitis

Acute hepatitis usually begins with flu-like symptoms. The most common symptoms of acute hepatitis are listed below. However, each individual may experience different symptoms such as jaundice, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fever, tenderness in the upper right abdomen, muscle pain, joint pain, and itchy red skin rash (urticaria).

The symptoms of acute hepatitis can resemble those of other illnesses or medical conditions. A doctor should be consulted for an accurate and timely diagnosis.

 

Diagnosis of Acute Hepatitis

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for acute hepatitis may include the following:

• Specific laboratory tests to detect viruses
• Liver function tests

 

Treatment of Acute Hepatitis

The treatment of acute hepatitis will be determined by your doctor based on the cause, severity of the condition, your overall health, and whether you have a medical history of liver disease.

In most cases, people recover without specific treatment. Severe acute hepatitis may require hospitalization. Individuals who have experienced acute viral hepatitis may become chronic carriers of the disease in the case of Hepatitis B or C infection.

Some people cannot fully recover from acute hepatitis and may develop chronic hepatitis because the liver continues to sustain inflammation and damage. If symptoms persist for more than six months, the condition is considered chronic. Chronic hepatitis may last for years.

 

Different Forms of Chronic Hepatitis

Alcohol-related chronic hepatitis – ongoing liver damage caused by heavy alcohol consumption.
Chronic active hepatitis – aggressive inflammation of the liver cells that may lead to cirrhosis.
Chronic persistent hepatitis – milder chronic inflammation of the liver, usually not progressing to cirrhosis.

 

Causes of Chronic Hepatitis

Some viruses and medications may cause chronic hepatitis in certain individuals but not in others.

The most common causes of chronic hepatitis include:

• Viral hepatitis
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Autoimmune disorders (when the body attacks its own tissues)
• Reactions to certain drugs, especially those used for tuberculosis
• Metabolic disorders (such as Hemochromatosis or Wilson’s Disease)

 

Symptoms of Chronic Hepatitis

Symptoms of chronic hepatitis are generally mild. Although liver damage continues, the progression is often slow. Some individuals may not experience any symptoms, while others may have: feeling unwell, loss of appetite, fatigue, low-grade fever, upper abdominal pain, jaundice, and signs of chronic liver disease (enlarged spleen, spider-like blood vessels on the skin, and fluid buildup in the abdomen).

The symptoms of chronic hepatitis can resemble those of other illnesses or medical conditions. A physician should be consulted for diagnosis.

 

Diagnosis of Chronic Hepatitis

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for chronic hepatitis may include the following:

• Laboratory tests specific to certain viruses
• Liver function tests
• Liver biopsy to determine the degree of inflammation, scarring (fibrosis), cirrhosis, and underlying causes

 

Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis

The treatment of chronic hepatitis will be determined by your doctor based on the cause, severity of the condition, your overall health, and the presence of any prior liver disease. The goal of treatment is to halt liver damage and relieve symptoms.

Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis May Include One or More of the Following:

1. Antiviral Agents

If liver inflammation is caused by Hepatitis B or C, it can be controlled with an injectable antiviral medication called interferon-alpha. Additionally, oral antiviral agents such as lamivudine or adefovir may be used for Hepatitis B, while ribavirin is used for Hepatitis C.

2. Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids may be used to treat chronic liver disease caused by autoimmune disorders. While inflammation is suppressed, liver fibrosis (scarring) may continue to progress.

3. Discontinuation of Certain Medications

When chronic hepatitis is caused by certain drugs, discontinuing the medication usually eliminates symptoms.

4. Cessation of Alcohol

This is essential in alcohol-related chronic liver disease and is also strongly recommended for Hepatitis C and other chronic liver conditions.

 

Prevention of Viral Hepatitis Transmission

Proper hygiene is fundamental in preventing the spread of many diseases, including hepatitis. Other precautionary measures include:

• Vaccination
  A routine Hepatitis B vaccination is administered to toddlers as part of immunization programs. The Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for people at risk of contracting the disease during travel. (Currently, there are no vaccines available for Hepatitis C, D, or E.)
• Blood Transfusion
  To minimize infection risk during transfusion, all blood products are routinely screened for Hepatitis B, C, and HIV.
• Immunoglobulin Administration
  If a person has been exposed to Hepatitis B, an antibody preparation can be given to prevent infection.

Individuals in the following situations are at higher risk of contracting Hepatitis B or C:

1. Unsafe blood transfusions
2. Family history of Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C
3. Surgical procedures or dental interventions
4. Intravenous drug use
5. Unprotected sexual contact
6. Dialysis
7. Healthcare workers and medical assistants