Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. There are five forms recognized they are A, B, C, D, and E. Some forms of hepatitis are sudden and brief and others can be chronic (Hepatitis). Viral hepatitis is the leading cause of liver disease in the United States and the world (Jenkins). Hepatitis is usually caused by a viral infection, but there can be other causes these include autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis that occurs as a secondary result of medications, drugs, toxins, and alcohol. Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease that occurs when your body creates antibodies against your liver (Healthline). Some symptoms of hepatitis can include fatigue, jaundice, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, dark urine, light-colored stools, and headache.
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To confirm this diagnosis a blood test is then taken (Hepatitis). The blood test will show the presence of the virus or of antibodies and antigens that have built up because of the virus. In some cases, a liver biopsy may be done to determine whether there is hepatitis related damage to the liver, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. Other ways to diagnose is to use imaging test such as a CT scan, MRI, and ultrasound to help assess the damage (Jenkins). A viral antibody testing may be needed to determine a specific type of hepatitis …show more content…
This is the most common infection disease in the world more than 300 million people have the disease (Hepatitis). This disease can either be acute or chronic. Acute does not require specific treatment but chronic hepatitis is treated with antiviral medications (Healthline). The people that have the disease are at an increased risk of getting cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer. These are two serious disorders that kill about one million people each year (Jenkins). In hepatitis C, there is an estimate 180 million people who are infected with this disease and 130 million are chronic carriers at risk of developing liver disease and cirrhosis of the liver. There is no vaccine for this disease (Jenkins). Hepatitis C can be transmitted along with blood from blood transfusions. In the chronic form, it can be worse than hepatitis B (Hepatitis). Antiviral medications are used to help treat this disease. Some people that develop cirrhosis or liver disease may be able to get a liver transplant
To confirm this diagnosis a blood test is then taken (Hepatitis). The blood test will show the presence of the virus or of antibodies and antigens that have built up because of the virus. In some cases, a liver biopsy may be done to determine whether there is hepatitis related damage to the liver, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. Other ways to diagnose is to use imaging test such as a CT scan, MRI, and ultrasound to help assess the damage (Jenkins). A viral antibody testing may be needed to determine a specific type of hepatitis …show more content…
This is the most common infection disease in the world more than 300 million people have the disease (Hepatitis). This disease can either be acute or chronic. Acute does not require specific treatment but chronic hepatitis is treated with antiviral medications (Healthline). The people that have the disease are at an increased risk of getting cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer. These are two serious disorders that kill about one million people each year (Jenkins). In hepatitis C, there is an estimate 180 million people who are infected with this disease and 130 million are chronic carriers at risk of developing liver disease and cirrhosis of the liver. There is no vaccine for this disease (Jenkins). Hepatitis C can be transmitted along with blood from blood transfusions. In the chronic form, it can be worse than hepatitis B (Hepatitis). Antiviral medications are used to help treat this disease. Some people that develop cirrhosis or liver disease may be able to get a liver transplant