Viral Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by different viruses such as Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. These infections interfere with normal liver function, cause jaundice, and may lead to severe complications like cirrhosis or liver cancer. Jaundice is a visible yellowing of the skin and eyes due to increased bilirubin in the blood, often linked with viral hepatitis. Understanding the types, symptoms, treatment, and prevention helps manage the condition effectively.
1. Types of Viral Hepatitis
1. Hepatitis A (HAV)
- Spread through contaminated food and water (fecal–oral route)
- Usually acute and self-limiting
- No chronic infection
2. Hepatitis B (HBV)
- Spread through blood, sexual contact, and from mother to baby
- Can be acute or chronic
- Chronic infection may lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer
3. Hepatitis C (HCV)
- Transmitted mainly through blood
- High chance of developing chronic infection
- Leading cause of liver transplantation
4. Hepatitis D (HDV)
- Occurs only with Hepatitis B infection
- Causes more severe symptoms
5. Hepatitis E (HEV)
- Spread through contaminated water
- Usually acute
- Severe in pregnant women
2. Causes of Jaundice
- Viral hepatitis
- Alcoholic liver disease
- Drug-induced liver damage
- Gallstones blocking the bile duct
- Hemolytic anemia
3. Symptoms of Viral Hepatitis
Early Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Mild fever
- Abdominal pain
Progressive Symptoms
- Jaundice (yellow eyes and skin)
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- Itching
- Joint pain
Severe Symptoms
- Confusion (hepatic encephalopathy)
- Fluid accumulation in abdomen (ascites)
- Bleeding tendencies
4. Diagnosis
- Liver Function Tests: Elevated bilirubin, ALT, AST, ALP
- Serology tests: Detect HAV IgM, HBsAg, HBeAg, HBV DNA, HCV antibodies
- Ultrasound: Checks for liver swelling and bile duct obstruction
- Viral load tests: HBV DNA, HCV RNA
- Liver biopsy: In chronic or unclear cases
5. Treatment of Viral Hepatitis
1. Hepatitis A and E
- Self-limiting infections
- Supportive care with rest, hydration, and nutritional support
- Avoid alcohol and hepatotoxic drugs
2. Hepatitis B
- Acute cases usually require supportive care
- Chronic cases need antiviral therapy
Common Antivirals:
- Tenofovir
- Entecavir
- Interferon injections (in selected patients)
3. Hepatitis C
Treated with Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs):
- Sofosbuvir
- Velpatasvir
- Ledipasvir
- Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir
Cure rates are above 95% with proper treatment.
4. Hepatitis D
- Treated with interferon-based therapy
- Prevention relies on hepatitis B vaccination
6. Management of Jaundice
- Treat underlying cause (viral hepatitis, stones, drugs)
- Ensure hydration and nutrition
- Avoid alcohol completely
- Use hepatoprotective agents (as prescribed)
- Monitor liver function regularly
7. Complications
- Chronic hepatitis (B, C)
- Cirrhosis
- Liver failure
- Portal hypertension
- Liver cancer
8. Prevention
- Vaccination for Hepatitis A and B
- Maintaining hygiene and clean drinking water
- Safe sex practices
- Avoid sharing needles or razors
- Screening blood before transfusion
9. Role of the Pharmacist
- Educate patients about treatment adherence
- Monitor for hepatotoxic drugs
- Guide patients to avoid alcohol and unhealthy foods
- Support vaccination campaigns for HAV and HBV
- Help monitor side effects of antivirals
- Refer patients with warning signs like confusion or bleeding
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