Acute viral hepatitis
π‘ What is Acute Viral Hepatitis?
Acute viral hepatitis is a sudden inflammation of the liver caused by viral infections, most commonly:
- π °οΈ Hepatitis A (HAV)
- π ±οΈ Hepatitis B (HBV)
- π ² Hepatitis C (HCV)
- π ΄ Hepatitis E (HEV)
β οΈ How is it transmitted?
- π Contaminated food/water β HAV & HEV
- π©Έ Blood & body fluids β HBV & HCV
- π Needles / transfusions / unsafe practices
- π€° Mother to baby (HBV)
π¨ Symptoms
Many patients are asymptomatic, but common signs include:
- π€ Fever & fatigue
- π€’ Nausea & vomiting
- π‘ Jaundice (yellow eyes & skin)
- π Dark urine
- π© Pale stools
- π£ Right upper abdominal pain
π¬ Diagnosis
- π§ͺ Liver enzymes (ALT/AST β)
- 𧬠Viral serology (HAV IgM, HBsAg, Anti-HCV, etc.)
- π Bilirubin levels
π Treatment
- π Supportive care (rest, hydration)
- π« Avoid alcohol & hepatotoxic drugs
- π Antivirals in selected cases (especially HBV, HCV)
π‘οΈ Prevention
- π Vaccination (HAV & HBV)
- π§Ό Good hygiene & safe food
- π©Έ Safe blood transfusion practices
- π Avoid needle sharing
β‘ Complications (rare but serious)
- β οΈ Fulminant hepatic failure
- π Chronic hepatitis (HBV, HCV)
- 𧬠Liver cirrhosis & cancer
π― Key Takeaway
π Most cases of acute viral hepatitis are self-limiting, but early recognition and prevention are critical to avoid serious complications.
π Learn medicine the easy & visual way with high-yield notes:
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