Viral hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus.

Written by Zhang Jian Kang
Infectious Disease
Updated on March 22, 2025
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Viral hepatitis refers to liver function damage caused by viruses such as hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, non-A, and non-E, and is a type of infectious hepatitis. This infectious hepatitis is collectively known as viral hepatitis, which mainly manifests as abnormal liver function, elevated transaminases, and abnormal bilirubin levels. To determine the specific cause of viral hepatitis, it is necessary to complete hepatitis antibody tests. Only after clarifying the hepatitis antibody tests can it be determined which virus caused the liver function abnormalities. Therefore, viral hepatitis is a general term that also includes various types and causes. To further clarify, additional testing is required. Only through further testing can the cause be clearly identified for better treatment.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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What are the symptoms of viral hepatitis?

Viral hepatitis often presents symptoms such as fatigue, aversion to oil, nausea, abdominal distension, and poor appetite. Patients with mild viral hepatitis typically show no significant symptoms, while those with severe conditions might exhibit relevant clinical symptoms. Particularly severe cases can also present signs of jaundice, such as deep yellow color of the skin and mucous membranes, deep yellow sclera, itchy skin, and may even experience hepatic encephalopathy, liver coma, etc. Treatment and management should start from the etiology, removing the cause and strengthening liver protection and enzyme reduction as part of comprehensive treatment.

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Infectious Disease
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Dietary care for viral hepatitis

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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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
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Do you need a blood transfusion for viral hepatitis?

Viral hepatitis, especially in cases where the condition is particularly severe, bilirubin levels are particularly high, and coagulation function is particularly poor, may require plasma treatment. This involves the administration of plasma and nutritional support as symptomatic supportive therapy. Some patients may also need plasma exchange and artificial liver treatment. The treatment of viral hepatitis should aim to remove the cause of the disease as much as possible while also strengthening liver protection and enzyme reduction therapies. Severe cases may require plasma treatment. Treatment decisions should be based on the actual situation and starting treatment early in the onset of the disease can stabilize most conditions.

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Infectious Diseases
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How is chronic viral hepatitis treated?

Chronic viral hepatitis is most commonly found in chronic hepatitis B and C, both of which have long disease courses and complex treatments, and some cases may even lead to lifelong infection. The key to their treatment actually lies in the timely initiation of standardized antiviral therapy. For hepatitis B, the antiviral treatment mainly includes interferon and nucleoside analogues, while the antiviral treatment for hepatitis C can also use interferon, as well as direct-acting antiviral drugs. The treatment for both diseases involves timely, standardized, and complete courses of antiviral therapy.

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Written by Zhang Jian Kang
Infectious Disease
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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.