Viral hepatitis

What is viral hepatitis?

Viral hepatitis affects the liver, an organ of the digestive system responsible for detoxifying the body. It causes inflammation in the liver due to the action of viruses, excessive use of substances such as alcohol, medications, and drugs, or genetic and autoimmune diseases. Hepatitis can be acute, lasting a short time, or chronic, persisting for years, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe.

Types

There are five most common types of viral hepatitis, classified by letters of the alphabet: A, B, C, D, and E. Types A, B, and C are the most prevalent, and each has its own characteristics, including:

• hepatitis A: an infection primarily transmitted through contaminated water and food. Hepatitis A usually does not cause long-term effects and does not progress to a chronic form, meaning it does not persist over time
• hepatitis B: transmitted through contact with bodily fluids such as blood or semen, or from mother to child during childbirth. It can develop into a long-term illness. Severe cases are rare, but chronic cases should be treated by a specialist to prevent cirrhosis or liver cancer
• hepatitis C: transmitted through contact with contaminated blood, commonly among people who use injectable drugs. It rarely presents in an acute (short-term) form. Severe forms of hepatitis C typically appear after a long period of infection (approximately 20 to 30 years)
• hepatite D ou Delta: a severe form of hepatitis that only occurs in people already infected with the hepatitis B virus. It is transmitted similarly to hepatitis B and can cause more serious infections
• hepatitis E: mainly transmitted through contaminated water in areas with poor sanitation. Hepatitis E usually presents as a short-term illness

Symptoms

Viral hepatitis often does not present visible symptoms in the early stages. Symptoms can vary depending on the type of hepatitis and the individual affected.

The image shows a gloved hand examining the area around a woman’s eyes with jaundice, one of the symptoms of viral hepatitis.

When symptoms do occur, they commonly include jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes. This happens when the liver cannot properly process bilirubin, a waste product in the blood. Fatigue is another common symptom of viral hepatitis, ranging from mild to severe, and it can affect a person’s ability to carry out daily activities. Other symptoms may include:

• fever
• general discomfort
• dizziness
• nausea and vomiting
• abdominal pain
• dark urine
• pale stools

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of viral hepatitis is made through blood tests that detect the presence of the viruses or antibodies. Confirming the infection may require additional tests, including:

• liver function tests: measure the amount of certain substances in the blood that are produced or processed by the liver
• imaging exams: may include ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize the liver and check for damage or inflammation
• liver biopsy: in some cases, a small sample of liver tissue may be removed and examined under a microscope to assess the degree of damage or inflammation

An accurate diagnosis of viral hepatitis is important to determine the best treatment and prevent long-term complications.

Treatment

The treatment for viral hepatitis varies depending on its type. The main goal of treatment is to reduce the risk of long-term complications, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.

For hepatitis A and E, specific treatment is usually not necessary. The body is typically able to fight off the virus on its own. Rest, hydration, and proper nutrition are generally sufficient.

In the case of hepatitis B, C, and D, treatment may include antiviral medications to control the disease. These medications help reduce the amount of virus in the body and prevent liver damage.

In some cases, if the liver is severely damaged, a liver transplant may be necessary. This procedure involves replacing the diseased liver with a healthy one from a donor.

Em alguns casos, se o fígado está gravemente danificado, pode ser necessário um transplante de fígado. Este é um procedimento que envolve a substituição do fígado doente por um saudável de um doador.

Prevention

There are several ways to prevent the transmission and infection of viral hepatitis.

Vaccination is one of the most effective methods of preventing hepatitis. Vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B. Vaccination is especially important for children, people at high risk such as healthcare professionals, and individuals traveling to areas where hepatitis is common.

In addition to vaccination, practicing good personal hygiene and sexual safety is also important. This includes regularly washing hands, consuming treated water and well-cooked food, avoiding the sharing of personal items such as toothbrushes and razors, and using condoms during sexual intercourse.

References

Ministry of Health
Government of the State of Paraná

By Einstein Editorial Board