Description
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. Causes of liver inflammation includes: infection, toxic ingestion, alcohol, or an autoimmune disease. Infections are most often caused by viruses. There are many types of viral hepatitis but types A, B and C are the most common. Types B and C can cause chronic infection and result in cirrhosis and death.
Symptoms
In mild cases, there may be no symptoms. When symptoms are present, they include: right upper abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite vomiting, fever, yellow skin, dark urine.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests include: blood tests to measure liver function and to identify the type of virus causing the infection (hepatitis profile). In some cases, a liver biopsy may be recommended.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Hepatitis profile
Other Specific Tests: liver biopsy
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Gastroenterology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests include: blood tests to measure liver function and to identify the type of virus causing the infection (hepatitis profile). In some cases, a liver biopsy may be recommended.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Hepatitis profile
Other Specific Tests: liver biopsy
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Gastroenterology
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause and severity but many cases require no specific treatment other than avoiding liver toxins (including alcohol). When treatment is recommended, it may include: anti-viral medications, corticosteroids (for autoimmune hepatitis), or even liver transplant for severe cases.