Acute viral hepatitis
๐ก What is Acute Viral Hepatitis?
Acute viral hepatitis is a sudden inflammation of the liver caused by viral infections, most commonly:
- ๐ ฐ๏ธ Hepatitis A (HAV)
- ๐ ฑ๏ธ Hepatitis B (HBV)
- ๐ ฒ Hepatitis C (HCV)
- ๐ ด Hepatitis E (HEV)
โ ๏ธ How is it transmitted?
- ๐ Contaminated food/water โ HAV & HEV
- ๐ฉธ Blood & body fluids โ HBV & HCV
- ๐ Needles / transfusions / unsafe practices
- ๐คฐ Mother to baby (HBV)
๐จ Symptoms
Many patients are asymptomatic, but common signs include:
- ๐ค Fever & fatigue
- ๐คข Nausea & vomiting
- ๐ก Jaundice (yellow eyes & skin)
- ๐ Dark urine
- ๐ฉ Pale stools
- ๐ฃ Right upper abdominal pain
๐ฌ Diagnosis
- ๐งช Liver enzymes (ALT/AST โ)
- ๐งฌ Viral serology (HAV IgM, HBsAg, Anti-HCV, etc.)
- ๐ Bilirubin levels
๐ Treatment
- ๐ Supportive care (rest, hydration)
- ๐ซ Avoid alcohol & hepatotoxic drugs
- ๐ Antivirals in selected cases (especially HBV, HCV)
๐ก๏ธ Prevention
- ๐ Vaccination (HAV & HBV)
- ๐งผ Good hygiene & safe food
- ๐ฉธ Safe blood transfusion practices
- ๐ Avoid needle sharing
โก Complications (rare but serious)
- โ ๏ธ Fulminant hepatic failure
- ๐ Chronic hepatitis (HBV, HCV)
- ๐งฌ Liver cirrhosis & cancer
๐ฏ Key Takeaway
๐ Most cases of acute viral hepatitis are self-limiting, but early recognition and prevention are critical to avoid serious complications.
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๐ DoctorGohari.com