Is viral hepatitis hereditary?

Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
Updated on December 30, 2024
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Viral hepatitis is an infectious disease, not a hereditary disease, and has no relation to genetics. Common types of viral hepatitis include hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Different types of viral hepatitis have different modes of transmission; hepatitis A and E are transmitted through the fecal-oral route via the digestive tract, while hepatitis B and C can be transmitted through blood, perinatal transmission, and sexual contact. The treatment and management methods for different types of viral hepatitis also vary.

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How long can viral hepatitis last?

The lifespan of someone with viral hepatitis is closely linked to the severity of their condition and also greatly depends on the patient's own actions. There are many influencing factors, and it is not possible to generalize. If the patient adheres to conventional treatment, regular check-ups, rests adequately, maintains a sensible diet, and abstains from alcohol, most conditions can be effectively managed, significantly reducing the chances of the disease progressing further. Therefore, patients need not worry excessively; maintaining a positive and optimistic attitude can further aid in recovery from the disease.

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Symptoms of viral hepatitis

Viral hepatitis is caused by the infection of the liver by various viruses, leading to inflammatory damage to the liver. The main symptoms are manifestations of liver damage, such as fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, aversion to oily foods, abdominal distension, pain in the liver area, dark urine, jaundice, changes in liver function, elevated bilirubin, and other symptoms like abdominal bloating.

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Is viral hepatitis airborne?

Viral hepatitis cannot be transmitted through the air, and different types of viral hepatitis are transmitted through different routes and have different clinical symptoms. The characteristics of the disease vary; for example, hepatitis A and hepatitis E are primarily transmitted through the digestive tract, via the fecal-oral route. This typically occurs after consuming food or water contaminated with hepatitis A or E virus. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses are mainly transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child, with mother-to-child transmission being the most significant route.

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How to test for viral hepatitis?

Viral hepatitis is primarily caused by hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses. However, its diagnosis is mainly confirmed through blood tests by examining serological results. It is generally difficult to differentiate clinically because conditions like hepatitis A and E have very similar clinical manifestations. Similarly, hepatitis B and C can show similar symptoms during certain stages of the disease. Therefore, the examination of viral hepatitis primarily involves blood tests for serological studies of the hepatitis virus.

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How is viral hepatitis treated?

Viral hepatitis is divided into acute and chronic types. Acute viral hepatitis is commonly seen in hepatitis A and E. If the condition is mild, it can heal on its own without treatment. However, if the condition is severe, liver protection treatment can be administered in a hospital. Chronic viral hepatitis is most commonly seen in chronic hepatitis B and C. These conditions have relatively long disease courses, and some may even carry the virus for a lifetime. The key to their treatment plans is timely antiviral therapy. Antiviral treatment for hepatitis B mainly includes interferon and nucleoside analogs. Hepatitis C can also be treated with interferon, in addition to direct-acting antiviral drugs for hepatitis C.