Hepatitis

2013
ARACELLI CAMUS MAS
MEDICAL ENGLISH
HEPATITIS
HEPATITIS
DEFINITION
Hepatitis is swelling and inflammation of the liver. The term is often used to refer to a viral infection of
the liver.
CAUSES
Hepatitis can be caused by:
 Immune cells in the body attacking the liver and causing autoimmune hepatitis
 Infections from viruses (such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C), bacteria, or parasites
 Liver damage from alcohol, poisonous mushrooms, or other poisons
 Medications, such as an overdose of acetaminophen, which can be deadly
 Liver disease can also be caused by inherited disorders such as cystic fibrosis or
hemochromatosis, a condition that involves having too much iron in your body (the excess iron
deposits in the liver).
SYMPTOMS
Hepatitis may start and get better quickly (acute hepatitis), or cause long-term disease (chronic
hepatitis). In some instances, it may lead to liver damage, liver failure, or even liver cancer.
How severe hepatitis is depends on many factors, including the cause of the liver damage and any
illnesses you have. Hepatitis A, for example, is usually short-term and does not lead to chronic liver
problems.
The symptoms of hepatitis include:
 Abdominal pain or distention
 Breast development in males
 Dark urine and pale or clay-colored stools
 Fatigue
 Fever, usually low-grade
 General itching
 Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
 Loss of appetite
 Nausea and vomiting
 Weight loss
You may not have symptoms when first infected with hepatitis B or C. You can still develop liver failure
later. If you have any risk factors for either type of hepatitis, you should be tested regularly.

EXAMS AND TESTS
You will have a physical exam to look for:
 Enlarged and tender liver
 Fluid in the abdomen (ascites)
 Yellowing of the skin
Your doctor may order laboratory tests to diagnose and monitor the hepatitis, including:
 Abdominal ultrasound
 Autoimmune blood markers
 Hepatitis virus serologies
 Liver function tests
 Liver biopsy to check for liver damage
 Paracentesis if fluid is in your abdomen
TREATMENT
Your doctor will talk to you about treatment options. Treatments will vary depending on the cause of
your liver disease. Your doctor may recommend a high-calorie diet if you are losing weight.
PREVENTION
Talk to your doctor about vaccination for hepatitis
A and hepatitis B.
Lifestyle measures for preventing spread of
hepatitis B and C from one person to another
include:
 Avoid sharing personal items, such as
razors or toothbrushes.
 Do not share drug needles or other drug
equipment (such as straws for snorting drugs).
 Clean blood spills with a solution
containing 1 part household bleach to 9 parts
water.
 Be careful when getting tattoos and body
piercings.
To reduce your risk of spreading or catching hepatitis A:
 Always wash your hands thoroughly after using the restroom and when you come in contact
with an infected person's blood, stools, or other bodily fluid.
 Avoid unclean food and water.