Condition Lookup

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Sub-Category:

Hepatitis

Number of Conditions: 2

Viral Hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E)

Specialty: Gastrointestinal

Category: Liver Disorders

Sub-category: Hepatitis

Symptoms:
jaundice; fatigue; abdominal pain; nausea; vomiting; loss of appetite; dark urine; pale stools

Root Cause:
Infection of the liver caused by hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, or E), leading to liver inflammation and, in some cases, chronic liver disease.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests to identify viral markers (e.g., HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HAV), liver function tests, imaging studies like ultrasound, and sometimes liver biopsy.

Treatment:
Treatment depends on the type of hepatitis. Includes antiviral medications, supportive care (hydration, rest), and, in severe cases, liver transplantation.

Medications:
Hepatitis B - Tenofovir (antiviral, nucleotide analog), Entecavir (antiviral, nucleoside analog). Hepatitis C - Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir (direct-acting antiviral agents). Hepatitis A & E - No specific antiviral treatment; supportive care. Hepatitis D - Pegylated interferon-alpha (antiviral, immune modulator).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects millions globally; Hepatitis B and C are the most common chronic forms, with over 250 million and 70 million people affected worldwide, respectively.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Unprotected sex, intravenous drug use, sharing needles, blood transfusions, close contact with infected individuals, and poor sanitation.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Acute hepatitis often resolves with supportive care, but chronic hepatitis (especially B and C) can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, or hepatocellular carcinoma if untreated.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure.

Autoimmune Hepatitis

Specialty: Gastrointestinal

Category: Liver Disorders

Sub-category: Hepatitis

Symptoms:
fatigue; jaundice; abdominal discomfort; joint pain; skin rashes; spider angiomas; loss of appetite

Root Cause:
The immune system attacks healthy liver cells, leading to inflammation and progressive liver damage.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests (autoantibodies like ANA, ASMA, LKM-1), liver function tests, imaging studies, and liver biopsy.

Treatment:
Immunosuppressive therapy and monitoring of liver function.

Medications:
Prednisone (corticosteroid to reduce inflammation). Azathioprine (immunosuppressant to maintain remission). Mycophenolate mofetil or tacrolimus (alternative immunosuppressants for refractory cases).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, with an estimated prevalence of 10–20 per 100,000 people worldwide; more common in females.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition, female gender, environmental triggers like infections or certain medications.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with early treatment; untreated cases can progress to cirrhosis or liver failure.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cirrhosis, liver failure, and increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.