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

47sec

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How to prevent viral hepatitis

Viral hepatitis is a class of diseases that specifically includes five types: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, and hepatitis E. Each type has a different mode of transmission, hence the prevention methods vary for each. Specifically, hepatitis A and E are transmitted via the fecal-oral route, meaning the disease is mainly spread through consuming water and cold foods contaminated with the viruses, and foods that have not been fully cooked, leading to infection. Hepatitis B and C, on the other hand, are mainly transmitted through blood and sexual contact. Prevention of hepatitis B and C involves avoiding contact with blood products from infected individuals and unsafe sexual practices.

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Written by Zhang Jian Kang

Infectious Disease

49sec

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Can you stay up late with viral hepatitis?

Patients with viral hepatitis should avoid staying up late at night, because the liver rests and detoxifies during night hours. Staying up late might lead to liver function damage. For a healthy individual, staying up late might cause mild liver function abnormalities the following day. Over time, if a patient with viral hepatitis continues to stay up late, their liver function may repeatedly become abnormal. Even if their virus status is negative and they are just carriers, their long-term poor lifestyle habits could lead to the onset of hepatitis. Therefore, it is crucial for patients with viral hepatitis to avoid staying up late and drinking alcohol.

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Written by Zhang Jian Kang

Infectious Disease

1min 3sec

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What indicators are checked for viral hepatitis?

For viral hepatitis, the primary index to check is liver function. If there are obvious abnormalities in liver function, further clarification is needed to determine what caused these liver function abnormalities. The most common pathogens include Hepatitis A, B, C, E, D, and non-A non-E, etc. Typical hospitals carry out tests for Hepatitis A, B, C, and E. Hepatitis A and E are acute hepatitis; if IgM antibodies are positive, it can indicate a recent infection. However, if IgG antibodies are positive, their significance is not very substantial. If Hepatitis B or C causes the liver damage, further tests such as HBV-DNA, HCV-RNA, etc., need to be conducted to clarify the cause of the liver condition. Additionally, regular follow-up exams like ultrasound and AFP are required.

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Written by Zhang Jian Kang

Infectious Disease

59sec

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What are the symptoms of viral hepatitis?

Viral hepatitis primarily includes liver inflammation and damage caused by pathogens such as hepatitis A, B, C, E, etc. Their clinical symptoms are quite similar, mainly characterized by fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating after eating, jaundice, and dark urine. In cases of chronic liver diseases, such as chronic hepatitis caused by hepatitis B or C, if prolonged, it can also lead to facial features typical of liver disease, spider angiomas, and enlarged spleen. Once cirrhosis occurs, the patient may experience hepatic encephalopathy, gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal distension with water accumulation, and significant abdominal tenderness. Thus, the symptoms of viral hepatitis relate to both the cause of the hepatitis and the type of hepatitis.

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Written by Ye Xi Yong

Infectious Diseases

52sec

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Can viral hepatitis be cured?

Viral hepatitis is currently divided into five main types: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis E, and Hepatitis D. Hepatitis A and E generally present as acute hepatitis; sometimes, the course of these diseases is relatively short, and recovery is common. Many patients with Hepatitis A and E recover without seeking hospital treatment, as they may not even realize they are infected before they get better. However, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are less likely to resolve on their own and tend to develop into chronic hepatitis more often. But with advancements in treatment methods, the cure rates for Hepatitis B and C have significantly improved. Therefore, it can be said that viral hepatitis is treatable.