Hepatitis (Liver Infection)
Description
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. The inflammation can be caused by: infection, toxic ingestion, alcohol, or an autoimmune disease. Infections are most often caused by viruses. There are many types of viral hepatitis but types A, B and C are the most common. Types B and C can cause chronic infection and result in cirrhosis and death.
Symptoms
Right upper quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, yellow skin, dark urine.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests include: liver function blood tests, blood tests to identify the type of virus causing the infection (hepatitis profile) and a liver biopsy.
- CBC
- Chem 12
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause but may include: anti-viral medications, interferon and liver transplant for severe cases. Some cases do not need any treatment. More information available from the Hepatitis foundation International (800)891-0707.
Related Videos
Research
News
A recent study maps the pathway that leads from inf...
According to Victoria’s chief health officer yester...
As public health officials continue to investigate ...
Share Your Experience
Do you have experience with this disease? Do you or someone
you know suffer from Hepatitis (Liver infection)?
Please share you experience with other members of the iTriage community.