What are the hazards of viral hepatitis?

Written by Ye Xi Yong

Infectious Diseases

Updated on September 12, 2024

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Viral hepatitis can be categorized based on its cause into hepatitis A, B, C, E, and D. For hepatitis A and E, it is generally acute and usually has a good prognosis without severe consequences. However, hepatitis B and C often lead to chronic hepatitis, progressing into chronic viral hepatitis, then to cirrhosis and even liver cancer, which can affect quality of life and lifespan.

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Written by Ye Xi Yong

Infectious Diseases

40sec

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How to treat viral hepatitis

Viral hepatitis is caused by various viruses, primarily affecting the liver and characterized as an infectious disease. Clinically, the main symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, pain in the liver area, and fatigue. Some patients may also experience jaundice and fever. Common causes include five types of hepatitis viruses: Type A, B, C, D, and E. Generally, hepatitis B and C can lead to chronic hepatitis. Acute hepatitis is primarily treated symptomatically, while chronic conditions like hepatitis B and C usually require antiviral treatment.

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Written by Zhang Jian Kang

Infectious Disease

1min 1sec

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Is viral hepatitis serious?

The onset of viral hepatitis is fast or sudden, and it depends on the type of hepatitis. Viral hepatitis can be categorized into acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, liver failure, cholestatic hepatitis, and cirrhotic hepatitis. Acute hepatitis and liver failure typically have a rapid onset, with common pathogens like Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E, which can cause acute hepatitis and may lead to symptoms such as significant fatigue, poor appetite, and dark urine in a short period. However, chronic hepatitis caused by Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, which can even lead to cirrhosis, tends to progress slowly. After infection with the virus, the body may carry the virus for a long time without any symptoms. It may take 10-20 years or even longer for symptoms like fatigue and poor appetite to appear.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai

Infectious Disease

39sec

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How is viral hepatitis transmitted?

Different types of viral hepatitis have different routes and methods of transmission. Hepatitis A and E are mainly transmitted through the fecal-oral route via the digestive tract. Hepatitis B and C are transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child. Generally, transmission through casual contact is rare. Most cases of hepatitis B are transmitted from mother to child. Hepatitis C is more commonly transmitted through needle stick injuries and blood transfusions. In terms of prevention, hepatitis A can be prevented by vaccination, and hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination as well.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai

Infectious Disease

37sec

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What are the symptoms of viral hepatitis?

Viral hepatitis, if obvious clinical symptoms occur, usually indicates significant liver dysfunction. The symptoms are mainly related to the condition of liver function. If liver function is significantly abnormal, there will be noticeable clinical symptoms. If liver function is relatively normal, there generally won't be clinical symptoms. Common symptoms include fatigue, aversion to oil, nausea, abdominal bloating, poor appetite, jaundice of skin and mucous membranes, and a range of other symptoms. Some patients may also experience fever during the acute phase.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai

Infectious Disease

58sec

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What are the indicators for viral hepatitis testing?

Viral hepatitis can be confirmed for infection through tests such as hepatitis B "two and a half pairs," hepatitis A antibodies, hepatitis C antibodies, and hepatitis E antibodies. By using the hepatitis B "two and a half pairs" test to look for the hepatitis B surface antigen, if the surface antigen is positive, it indicates infection with the hepatitis B virus. The hepatitis A antibody test primarily assesses for hepatitis A antibody IGM; if this is positive, it suggests an active infection. Through the hepatitis C antibody test, if positive, further testing for hepatitis C virus RNA can be conducted. The hepatitis E antibody test mainly looks at hepatitis E antibody IGM, and the interpretation should be based on the specific circumstances.