Viral hepatitis

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Viral hepatitis
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, pale stool
Complications	Cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver failure
Onset	Varies by type (acute or chronic)
Duration	Varies by type (acute: weeks to months; chronic: lifelong)
Types	Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, Hepatitis E
Causes	Hepatitis viruses
Risks	Blood transfusion, intravenous drug use, sexual contact, contaminated food or water
Diagnosis	Blood test, liver function test, imaging studies, liver biopsy
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	Vaccination, safe sex, hygiene, screening blood products
Treatment	Antiviral drugs, supportive care, liver transplant
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Varies by type and treatment
Frequency	Millions of cases worldwide
Deaths	N/A

Viral Hepatitis is a type of hepatitis caused by different viruses. It is characterized by inflammation of the liver and can lead to serious health complications, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Types of Viral Hepatitis

There are five main types of viral hepatitis, namely: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, and Hepatitis E. Each type is caused by a different virus and varies in terms of transmission, severity, and geographical distribution.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is usually transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is transmitted through exposure to infectious blood, semen, and other body fluids.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is primarily spread through direct contact with the blood of a person who has the disease.

Hepatitis D

Hepatitis D, also known as delta hepatitis, is caused by the Hepatitis D virus (HDV). It is spread through direct contact with infected blood.

Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E is caused by the Hepatitis E virus (HEV). It is typically transmitted through the consumption of contaminated water or food.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of viral hepatitis include jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and fever. However, some people with viral hepatitis may not experience any symptoms.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of viral hepatitis is based on symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and blood tests.

Treatment

Treatment for viral hepatitis varies depending on the type of hepatitis, the severity of the disease, and the patient's overall health condition.

Prevention

Prevention strategies for viral hepatitis include vaccination, safe food and water practices, safe injection practices, and safe sex practices.

See Also

• Hepatitis
• Liver disease
• Infectious disease

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