Hepatitis is an inflammation of liver. It can be caused by drugs, alcohol use, certain medications and most commonly by virus. The most common forms of Hepatitis are hHepatitis A, B and C.

Causes:

Hepatitis A: 

a) Hepatitis A is commonly spread when a person ingests a small amount of contaminated faecal matter with hepatitis virus.

b) Being in a sexual relationship with someone who is infected with hepatitis virus.

c) Eating raw shellfish from water polluted with sewage.

Hepatitis B: 

a) Hepatitis B is caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) which is passed from the infected person through blood, semen or any other body fluids.

b) Having sexual contact with the affected person spreads the infection.

c) HBV is easily spread by using the syringes and needles which are infected with the blood of affected person.

d) HBV is spread from infected pregnant mother to her child during birth of a child.

Hepatitis C: 

a) Hepatitis C is caused by hepatitis c virus (HCV). HCV spreads from one person to another when they come in contact with contaminated blood with virus.

Symptoms:

Hepatitis A: 

  • Generalized weakness
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Clay colored stools
  • Dark urine
  • Loss of appetite
  • Pain in the abdomen on the right side below ribs
  • Yellowish discoloration of your eyes and skin

Hepatitis B: 

  • Abdominal pain
  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Joint pain
  • Fever
  • Yellowish discoloration of eyes and skin
  • Dark urine

Hepatitis C: 

  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Yellow discoloration of eyes and skin
  • Fever
  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Dark colored urine
  • Itchy skin
  • Bleeding easily
  • Swelling of legs
  • Fluid accumulation in abdomen

Tests: 

Blood Test: To diagnose if you are infected with hepatitis virus our doctor may suggest you to go for blood test where the presence of virus can be detected

Liver Biopsy: This is suggested by us to know if there is any damage to the liver and to what extent, according to that treatment is given.

When to see a doctor:

  • When you know you have been exposed to hepatitis virus it is better to see our doctor immediately
  • If you have any of the signs and symptoms of hepatitis consult us.
  • If you had been in a sexual relationship with a hepatitis infected person it is better to consult us immediately.

Statistics:

The prevalence of hepatitis b virus in the United States is estimated to be about 0.4% based upon surveys conducted in samples in population groups with high prevalence of HBV infection. Voluntary screening data indicate an excess of 15% in some of these groups.

Surgery:

Antiviral medications are prescribed like Hepsera, tyzeka, and baraclude which can help to fight the virus and slow its ability to damage the liver. In conditions of severe liver damage, the doctor might suggest you for a liver transplant.