Hepatitis Treatment

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. It may occur due to viral infections, alcohol, fatty liver disease, medicines, autoimmune disease or other liver conditions.

Hepatitis may be short-term or chronic and should be properly evaluated to identify the cause and prevent liver damage.

Common Types of Hepatitis

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Alcohol-related hepatitis
• Fatty liver-related hepatitis
• Drug-induced liver injury
• Autoimmune hepatitis

Symptoms of Hepatitis

• Yellow eyes or jaundice
• Dark urine
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue or weakness
• Fever
• Right upper abdominal discomfort
• Itching
• Abnormal liver function tests

When Should You Consult a Hepatologist?

You should consult a liver specialist if hepatitis is suspected, liver tests are abnormal or jaundice is present.

• Positive hepatitis B or hepatitis C report
• Jaundice or yellow eyes
• Persistent abnormal liver function tests
• Dark urine or pale stools
• Fever with jaundice
• Severe abdominal pain
• Confusion or drowsiness
• Known chronic liver disease
• History of alcohol use or fatty liver with liver enzyme elevation

Evaluation of Hepatitis

Evaluation helps identify the type of hepatitis, severity of liver inflammation and risk of progression to chronic liver disease.

Evaluation may include:

• Liver function tests
• Bilirubin levels
• Hepatitis A, B, C and E testing when indicated
• Complete blood count
• Blood clotting profile
• Ultrasound abdomen
• Viral load testing for hepatitis B or C when required
• Fibrosis assessment in chronic hepatitis
• Autoimmune liver disease testing in selected patients

Treatment of Hepatitis

Treatment depends on the cause of hepatitis, duration of illness and severity of liver involvement.

• Supportive care for selected acute viral hepatitis cases
• Antiviral treatment for hepatitis B or C when indicated
• Avoidance of alcohol
• Avoidance of unnecessary medicines and liver-toxic substances
• Treatment of fatty liver and metabolic risk factors
• Monitoring of liver function tests
• Vaccination advice when appropriate
• Regular follow-up for chronic hepatitis

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hepatitis serious?

Hepatitis can be mild or serious depending on the cause and severity. Chronic hepatitis B or C can lead to long-term liver damage if not evaluated and treated.

Can hepatitis be treated?

Many forms of hepatitis can be treated or controlled. Hepatitis C is often curable, and hepatitis B can be controlled with proper follow-up and medicines when needed.

Which doctor should I consult for hepatitis?

A hepatologist or gastroenterologist is the specialist for hepatitis, jaundice, abnormal liver function tests and liver disease evaluation.

Can hepatitis cause jaundice?

Yes, hepatitis commonly causes jaundice, yellow eyes, dark urine, nausea, weakness and abnormal liver function tests.