Treatment of chronic hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammatory liver disease. Most often, the disease develops due to infection with one of the five types of hepatitis viruses or other infections. However, it can also be caused by prolonged use of certain medications, alcohol abuse, autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders, and other factors.

There are two main forms of hepatitis: acute and chronic. The latter is diagnosed when the disease lasts for more than six months and degenerative changes occur in the liver. The most common types of chronic hepatitis include viral hepatitis B and C, as well as drug-induced and toxic forms.

According to the World Health Organization data from 2017, chronic hepatitis affects 325 million people worldwide.

Hepatitis symptoms may vary depending on the form and stage of the disease. Acute forms are usually accompanied by more pronounced symptoms, while chronic hepatitis tends to have a sluggish course — the patient may not notice the development of the disease for a long time.

Signs of hepatitis include:

• Yellowing of the skin;

• Induration, tenderness, and a feeling of heaviness in the right side;

• Periodic intense pain in the liver area;

• Severe itching;

• Nausea;

• Abdominal bloating;

• Periodic fever;

• Darkening of urine and lightening of stool;

• Chapped lips;

• Loss of appetite;

• General weakness;

• Frequent nosebleeds;

• Bruising after minor injuries.

The symptoms of hepatitis are nonspecific, making it difficult to detect the disease early without medical evaluation. A thorough diagnosis is required to confirm the condition.

According to clinical course and symptom severity, hepatitis is classified as:

• Acute hepatitis – accompanied by strong intoxication and, in many cases, can be completely cured;

• Chronic hepatitis – may develop independently or follow an acute stage of the disease.

Based on the cause, hepatitis can be:

• Viral – types A, B, C, D, and others;

• Bacterial;

• Parasitic;

• Toxic (alcoholic, drug-induced);

• Autoimmune, and others.

The manifestations of different types of hepatitis vary. One of the most important differences is the possibility of complete recovery — this is achievable in almost all types of the disease except for hepatitis C and D. These tend to become chronic and cause significant liver damage.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B mainly occurs in an acute form with pronounced symptoms. With timely and properly selected treatment, full recovery is possible. In adults, the disease progresses to the chronic form in only 5–10% of cases, although it may lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Vaccination can protect against hepatitis B. It is usually administered in childhood.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C often develops asymptomatically. According to various data, it progresses to chronic hepatitis in 30–70% of patients. Of those, 10–30% gradually develop cirrhosis.

Currently, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C, but research is ongoing.

Treatment is usually long-term and nonspecific, aimed at slowing the disease progression, supporting liver function, and alleviating symptoms.

The main causes of hepatitis include:

• Hepatitis viruses of different types;

• Other bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections;

• Toxic liver damage caused by alcohol abuse, long-term medication use, poisoning by toxins, etc.;

• Radiation sickness (caused by ionizing radiation);

• Metabolic disorders;

• Autoimmune and some other diseases.

Only viral hepatitis is transmissible from person to person. Other forms of the disease are non-infectious and thus not contagious.

Hepatitis A can be contracted through everyday contact: dirty hands, shared utensils, unwashed vegetables and fruits, etc. Hepatitis B, C, and some other types can be transmitted through non-sterile medical instruments, scissors, syringes, blood transfusions, hemodialysis, and more.

Viral hepatitis can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy.

To diagnose hepatitis and determine its type, a series of blood tests are performed. These include liver function tests and tests for different hepatitis virus types. Liver ultrasound (US) is also an important part of the diagnosis, as it helps assess the extent of liver damage. In rare cases, a liver biopsy may be required — a tissue sample is taken for cytological and histological analysis.

Chronic hepatitis is treated with medication. Infectious forms require long-term use of antiviral or antibacterial drugs. Treatment may last 3–6 months or longer. Diet prescribed by the physician plays an essential role. The patient must avoid alcohol, fried, smoked, fatty, spicy, and other foods that put a strain on the liver.

The main goals of therapy are to eliminate the cause of the disease and restore normal liver function.

At Oxford Medical, highly qualified physicians with years of experience treat patients with various types of hepatitis. The treatment program is developed individually by the doctor, taking into account the form and stage of the disease, presence of comorbidities, and the patient’s personal characteristics. Specialists prescribe only high-quality, evidence-based medications that improve the patient’s condition and reduce the risk of relapse and complications.

Chronic hepatitis increases the risk of developing liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, as well as inflammation of the bile ducts. This impairs liver function, affects overall well-being, and disrupts the functioning of other organs.

To prevent hepatitis, it is recommended to follow hygiene rules: wash fruits and vegetables, wash hands before eating, use sterile or disposable medical instruments (e.g., syringes), disinfect manicure tools in salons, etc.

To prevent toxic hepatitis, it is important to avoid alcohol, maintain a balanced diet, and take medications only as prescribed by a doctor. If long-term treatment is required or other liver damage risk factors are present, regular liver ultrasound and blood tests are advised.

To make an appointment with a doctor at Oxford Medical, call our contact center or submit an online request.