Medical Diagnosis: Hepatitis Treatment

HEPATITIS
Treatment

Symptom Checker

Hepatitis A

There is no specific treatment for HAV (Hepatitis "A" Virus) and most people fight off the virus naturally, returning to full health within a couple of months. It is recommended to avoid alcohol and fatty foods as these can be hard for the liver to process and may exacerbate the inflammation.

Hepatitis A immunization is given in a series of injections. The first single injection in the arm gives protection for a year. The second booster injection at 6 to 12 months extends protection for up to 10 years.

Hepatitis B

In most of patients with active HBV (Hepatitis "B" Virus), symptoms will not be severe and treatment will not be required. The patient will be monitored and after a few months the patient’s immune system should fight off the virus, giving the patient natural immunity.

The virus is more deadly to the young and those that are infected at birth have a 25% chance of developing a life-threatening liver-related illness.

Antiviral medication is given as treatment to those with chronic symptoms to help prevent further liver damage.

Regardless of whether the infection is producing symptoms or not, the patient will be advised to avoid alcohol, get plenty of rest and maintain a healthy diet. Three immunization injections are given over a period of 3-6 months.

Hepatitis C

HCV (Hepatitis “C” virus) requires an antiviral drug therapy. There are 6 genotypes of hepatitis C. Therefore, treatment must target the genotype discovered in the patient. Most common combination of drugs are:

- Pegylated interferon alfa-2b, and

- Ribavirin

Hepatitis D

There are no drugs that can effectively treat HDV (Hepatitis “Delta” virus). Treatments remain supportive. For patients with severe liver disease, transplantation should be an option.

Hepatitis E

HEV (Hepatitis “E” virus) usually resolves on its own. There is no effective treatment for HEV but prevention that relies on good sanitation and accesibility to clean drinking water.

More information:

Hepatitis Description
Hepatitis Healthcare Centers

Help other people by commenting on hepatitis treatment: