Dietary care for viral hepatitis

Written by Zhang Jian Kang
Infectious Disease
Updated on March 01, 2025
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Patients with viral hepatitis generally have noticeable gastrointestinal discomfort symptoms, such as fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, and bloating after eating. Therefore, it is advisable for patients with viral hepatitis to maintain a low-fat, light diet. Vegetables and fruits are fine to consume, but greasy foods, such as meat, are not recommended. If meat is desired, white meats like fish are preferable, while red meats are advised against. If viral hepatitis is accompanied by other diseases such as hepatic encephalopathy, it is recommended not to consume soy products and eggs. Patients with viral hepatitis often have concurrent gallbladder diseases, so consuming eggs or greasy foods may exacerbate symptoms and cause significant upper abdominal discomfort.

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What indicators are checked for viral hepatitis?

Viral hepatitis requires relevant hepatitis markers, such as hepatitis A antibodies IgG and IgM for hepatitis A, and for hepatitis B, the "hepatitis B two and a half pairs" test is conducted to check for surface antigens. If the surface antigen is positive, it indicates a hepatitis B virus infection; if negative, there is no hepatitis B virus infection. Hepatitis C is primarily screened through hepatitis C antibodies; if the screening is positive, further testing for hepatitis C virus RNA is needed. Hepatitis E mainly involves testing for hepatitis E antibodies IgG and IgM.

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Symptoms of viral hepatitis

The clinical symptoms of viral hepatitis are mainly related to liver function. Generally, there are no obvious symptoms when liver function is normal or mildly abnormal. However, when liver function becomes significantly abnormal, symptoms such as fatigue, aversion to oil, nausea, abdominal distension, and poor appetite may occur. Different types of viral hepatitis have different prognoses and severity of illness. Treatment should be tailored to the actual situation, including liver protection, enzyme reduction, and addressing the cause through comprehensive treatment.

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Written by Ye Xi Yong
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Differential Diagnosis of Viral Hepatitis Symptoms

Viral hepatitis is a type of infectious disease primarily characterized by liver lesions caused by hepatitis viruses. Clinically, it manifests mainly as loss of appetite, nausea, discomfort in the upper abdomen, pain in the liver area, and fatigue. Some patients may experience jaundice, fever, and enlargement of the liver area. In some cases, the condition can become chronic and even progress to cirrhosis of the liver or, in a few cases, liver cancer. Acute hepatitis and active chronic hepatitis require hospitalization for treatment, bed rest, a proper diet, and strict abstinence from alcohol. For hepatitis B and C, if antiviral support is available, antiviral treatment can be initiated.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Is viral hepatitis contagious?

Viral hepatitis is contagious, with different types of viral hepatitis transmitted in different ways. The common types of viral hepatitis include Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis A and E are acute self-limiting liver diseases, which are contagious during the symptomatic phase and also during the incubation period, primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route via the digestive tract. Therefore, for those infected with Hepatitis A or E, gastrointestinal isolation and symptomatic treatment are required. Hepatitis B and C are transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child, with general contact not leading to infection.

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Written by Zhang Jian Kang
Infectious Disease
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Which department is for viral hepatitis?

Patients with viral hepatitis generally seek treatment at the department of infectious diseases, which was previously dedicated to diseases like viral hepatitis and other infectious illnesses. In recent years, many major hospitals have renamed this department to the department of infection, which not only deals with infectious diseases but also treats various other infections. Therefore, treatment for viral hepatitis should be sought either in the department of infectious diseases or the department of infection. Viral hepatitis mainly comprises infectious diseases such as hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. These infectious diseases require proper diagnosis and treatment, as failure to treat them timely can lead to complications like liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. For some chronic forms of viral hepatitis, such as hepatitis B and C, the contagion is relatively stronger, and if not treated promptly, it can lead to the spread of hepatitis.