What is Viral Hepatitis?
Viral hepatitis is a condition that causes inflammation in the liver. There are several types of viral hepatitis, including hepatitis A, B, and C. Some forms are short-term and improve on their own, while others can become chronic and lead to lasting liver damage if not treated.
Viral hepatitis spreads in different ways depending on the type of virus. Hepatitis A is commonly linked to contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B and C are most often spread through contact with infected blood or body fluids.
Risk factors can include:
- Sharing needles or injection equipment
- Unprotected sex
- Exposure to infected blood
- Travel to areas with poor sanitation
- Living with someone who has hepatitis B
- Receiving blood transfusions before routine screening practices
- Heavy alcohol use or other liver conditions
Symptoms
Symptoms of viral hepatitis can range from mild to severe. Some people may not notice symptoms at first, especially with hepatitis B or C.
Common symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
- Dark urine
- Pale-colored stools
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Muscle or joint aches
How Is It Diagnosed?
A healthcare provider will review your symptoms, medical history, and possible exposures. A physical exam may help identify signs of liver inflammation.
Blood tests are commonly used to check liver function and determine which type of hepatitis virus may be present. Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI may be used to look at the liver more closely. In some cases, a liver biopsy may help measure inflammation or scarring.
How Is It Treated?
Treatment depends on the type of hepatitis and how much the liver has been affected.
Many cases of acute hepatitis improve with rest, fluids, healthy nutrition, and close monitoring. Avoiding alcohol is important because it can increase liver damage.
Chronic hepatitis may require antiviral medication to control the infection and reduce liver inflammation. Modern treatments for hepatitis C can often cure the infection. People with long-term hepatitis may also need ongoing liver monitoring to help prevent complications such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Severe cases may require hospital care or advanced treatment from liver specialists.
