If you suspect you have hepatitis virus, you may want to seek medical care immediately. The virus can lead to severe liver damage, so you must consult a doctor immediately. There are many symptoms of hepatitis. Symptoms are sometimes not apparent until the liver is damaged beyond repair. In other cases, you may experience jaundice, a swollen leg, confusion, and blood in your stools. The hepatitis A virus causes it, and it is more prevalent in areas with poor sanitation.
Although you may not have any symptoms, there are ways to prevent the infection. Vaccination and avoiding food contaminated with the virus can help prevent the infection. In addition, blood tests can determine if your infection is acute or chronic. If the infection lasts more than six months, it is considered chronic. In some cases, the virus can last for a lifetime. If you suspect you might have hepatitis B, your healthcare provider will do blood tests to determine the severity of your infection.
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that several viruses can cause. Alcohol, drugs, and some genetic disorders can also cause liver inflammation. In some cases, hepatitis may also be caused by an overactive immune system. Acute hepatitis usually clears up on its own, but chronic hepatitis can cause severe damage to the liver.
If you suspect you have hepatitis virus, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Treatments for viral hepatitis include drinking plenty of fluids, eating healthy foods, and resting. If your condition is chronic, your doctor may prescribe particular medicines. You can also join a support group to help you cope with the condition.
The most common type of chronic hepatitis is hepatitis B, which can result in severe liver damage and the need for liver transplants. Hepatitis C, on the other hand, is spread through sharing needles and drug-related equipment. Approximately 2.4 million people in the United States have chronic hepatitis. Symptoms can develop years after infection, and the disease can be life-threatening.
Most people with hepatitis B will not feel any symptoms, but symptoms can develop if the virus is left untreated. The symptoms of chronic hepatitis B are similar to those of a new infection and can indicate advanced liver disease. About 15% of people with chronic hepatitis B will develop severe complications in the liver.
Acute hepatitis B does not require treatment, but it is essential to consult a doctor if you have symptoms of this disease. Blood tests can detect the infection and monitor your liver's function. It is also essential to consume plenty of fluids and eat healthy foods to prevent the disease. For those with chronic hepatitis B, doctors may prescribe drugs to reduce the amount of hepatitis B in your blood. One example of such medication is interferon. These medications can reduce your risk of liver cancer and cirrhosis.
Hepatitis A is contagious and can be spread from person to person in many environments. The symptoms of hepatitis A can be mild, and many people never even realize they have the disease. Most people who contract hepatitis B never experience any symptoms. Symptoms usually last anywhere from six weeks to 6 months.