Diagnosis and Testing for Hepatitis
How is hepatitis A diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, a blood test called IgM ant-HAV is needed to diagnose hepatitis A.
Treatment for hepatitis A:
Specific treatment for hepatitis A will be determined by your physician based on:
* your age, overall health, and medical history
* extent of the disease
* your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
* expectations for the course of the disease
* your opinion or preference
Most people recover from hepatitis A infection without medical intervention; however, bedrest and some medications may be suggested.
What causes hepatitis A?
This type of hepatitis is usually spread by fecal-oral contact or fecal-infected food and water, and may also be spread by blood-borne infection (which is rare). The following is a list of modes of transmission for hepatitis A:
* consuming food made by someone who touched infected feces
* drinking water that is contaminated by infected feces (a problem in developing countries with poor sewage removal)
* touching an infected person's feces, which may occur with poor handwashing
* outbreaks may occur in large childcare centers, especially when there are children in diapers
* residents of American Indian reservations or Native Alaskan villages where hepatitis A may be more common
* sexual contact with an infected person
Generally, casual contact in school or the workplace does not cause spread of the virus.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis A?
The following are the most common symptoms of hepatitis A. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms of hepatitis A often resemble flu-like symptoms. Symptoms may include:
* fever
* chills
* general feeling of weakness
* loss of appetite
* nausea
* abdominal discomfort
* dark urine
* jaundice - yellowing of the skin and eyes
* diarrhea
In some adults, and in children, especially in those younger than 6 years of age, there are often no symptoms. The symptoms of hepatitis A may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
How is hepatitis B diagnosed?
In addition to a complete physical examination and laboratory tests for blood and urine, diagnostic procedures for hepatitis B may involve a liver biopsy (a procedure performed to remove tissue or cells from the body for examination under a microscope).
How is hepatitis B transmitted?
Transmission of hepatitis B virus occurs through blood and body fluid exposure such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions, or saliva. Infants may also develop the disease if they are born to a mother who has the virus. Infected children often spread the virus to other children if there is frequent contact or a child has many scrapes or cuts.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B has a wide range of symptoms. It may be mild, without symptoms, or it may cause chronic hepatitis. In some cases, hepatitis B can lead to full-blown liver failure and death. The following are the most common symptoms of hepatitis B. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
* loss of appetite
* nausea
* fatigue
* vomiting
* jaundice - yellowing of the skin and eyes.
* dark urine
* clay colored or light stools
* abdominal pain
* occasionally, skin rashes, arthralgias (joint pain), and arthritis occur
* enlarged liver
The symptoms of hepatitis B may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
How is hepatitis C diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for hepatitis C may include the following:
* blood tests
* liver biopsy - a procedure performed to remove tissue or cells from the body for examination under a microscope.
What causes hepatitis C?
Transmission of hepatitis C occurs primarily from contact with infected blood, but can also occur from sexual contact or from an infected mother to her baby. Blood transfusions prior to 1992 and the use of shared needles are other significant causes of the spread of hepatitis C.
Who is at risk for hepatitis C?
The following describes persons who may be at risk for contracting hepatitis C:
* children born to mothers who are infected with the virus
* persons who have a blood-clotting disorder such as hemophilia and received clotting factors before 1987
* persons who require dialysis for kidney failure
* individuals who received a blood transfusion before 1992
* persons who may participate in high-risk activities such as intravenous (IV) drug use and/or unprotected heterosexual or homosexual sexual contact
There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. Persons who are at risk should be checked regularly for hepatitis C. Persons who have hepatitis C should be monitored closely for signs of chronic hepatitis and liver failure.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis C?
The following are the most common symptoms for hepatitis C. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
* loss of appetite
* fatigue
* nausea and vomiting
* vague stomach pain
* jaundice - yellowing of the skin and eyes.
* fever
* dark yellow urine
* light-colored stools
* muscle and joint pain
Symptoms may occur from two weeks to six months