Acute Hepatitis: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Hepatitis Aqua is an inflammation of the liver and caused primarily by a virus, but it can also be caused by long-term use of drugs, excessive alcohol consumption, and changes in immunity, starting suddenly, lasting only a few weeks.

For a variety of reasons, the symptoms of acute hepatitis are often the same, including discomfort, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and yellowing of the skin and eyes.  Usually, the swelling does not become severe and heals after a few weeks or months.  However, in some cases it can be more serious, and cause death.

For this reason, it is always necessary that in the presence of symptoms of suspected hepatitis, the person consults a physician for a clinical evaluation and testing is requested, such as blood samples for liver enzymes (ALT and AST) and abdominal ultrasound.  Depending on the cause, treatment may include rest, hydration, and in some cases home remedies.

Symptoms of acute hepatitis

Although they may vary depending on the cause, the main symptoms of hepatitis are:

• Fatigue or fatigue;
• Anorexia;
• Fever;
• Joint and muscle pain;
• Headaches;
• Nausea;
• Vomiting,

A few days after the onset of symptoms, in some cases yellowing of the skin and eyes, called jaundice, may occur, with itchy skin, dark urine, and white stools.  Subsequently, it is common to follow a recovery period with a reduction in the signs and symptoms that develop with the cure of the disease.  In some cases, the inflammatory process of hepatitis can last up to 6 months, turning into chronic hepatitis.

When can it be serious?

Although not common, any type of acute hepatitis can become serious, especially when it is not detected in time or when not properly treated.  When hepatitis is severe, it can compromise the functioning of the liver and bile ducts, increase the risk of bleeding, interfere with protein production, and compromise the immune system and affect other parts of the body.

In addition, in the acute stage of hepatitis, acute liver failure may develop, which should be diagnosed early, as urgent intervention, such as liver transplantation, may be required.

When can it be explosive?

Fullminous acute hepatitis or acute liver failure occurs in very rare cases of hepatitis that progresses too fast and disrupts the body's complete metabolism.  Fulminant hepatitis is one of the most serious liver diseases, and it can kill 70 to 90% of patients, increasing the risk with age.

The initial symptoms of fulminant hepatitis are similar to those of normal hepatitis, which are associated with the risk of other complications, including the presence of very dark urine, yellow eyes, sleep disturbances, voice disturbances, mental confusion, and slow reasoning.  Such as multiple organ failure.

These complications can lead to death, and it is important to seek emergency medical help whenever there are signs of the disease.

Causes of acute hepatitis

The main causes of acute hepatitis include:

• Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E virus infections;
• Other infections, such as adenovirus, cytomegalovirus, parvovirus, herpes and yellow fever;
• Use of drugs, such as specific antibiotics, antidepressants, statins or anticonvulsants;
• use of paracetamol;
• Autoimmune disease, when the body produces antibodies against itself improperly.
• Changes in the metabolism of copper or iron;
• Change of circulation;
• Acute gallbladder obstruction;
• Deterioration of chronic hepatitis;
• changes in fat metabolism;
• Cancer;

Contact with toxic agents, such as drugs, chemical products or certain teas.

In addition, there is transinfectious hepatitis, which is caused by an infection that does not occur directly in the liver, but is accompanied by serious common infections such as septicemia.

How to diagnose

In order to confirm the diagnosis of acute hepatitis, in addition to analyzing the clinical picture and the symptoms presented by the individual, the doctor may request tests capable of detecting lesions in liver tissue or changes in the function of the liver and bile ducts, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT).  Aspartate aminotransferase (AST, formerly known as TGP), gamma GT, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, albumin and coagulogram.

In addition, imaging tests may be requested to monitor the appearance of the liver, such as ultrasound and tomography, and a liver biopsy may be required if the diagnosis is not clear.  Learn about tests that evaluate liver function.

Treatment for acute hepatitis

Treatment for acute hepatitis varies depending on the cause of the inflammation, and doctors may recommend rest, increased fluid intake, suspension of alcoholic beverages, and a light, balanced, and low-fat diet.  In cases where acute hepatitis is caused by medication, the doctor may also prescribe a suspension of the medication responsible for the inflammation.

In some cases, doctors may recommend the use of drugs that promote symptomatic relief, if not related to hepatitis drugs, and / or drugs that reduce inflammation of the liver, such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, or that work directly reduces virus replication.