Effects of Hepatitis C on the Body Musty Mouth Skin and Eyes Hepatitis C is a viral disease that primarily causes inflammation of the liver, but the effects can be felt throughout the body. The Effects of Hepatitis C on the Body Hepatitis C is caused by a virus that is passed through contact with the blood of an infected person. The infection leads to inflammation of the liver. The liver processes blood and filter toxins so they don’t cause damage to your body. The liver also produces bile, which helps you to digest food and stores glucose and vitamins. Inflammation makes it difficult for the liver to perform these vital functions. In time, the hepatitis C infection can affect the entire body. Early symptoms, including yellowing skin and fatigue, may be mild and easily dismissed. Chronic infection can cause scarring of the liver (cirrhosis). As the disease progresses, symptoms such as skin problems, blood disorders, and fever may appear. In the long term, hepatitis C can lead to severe liver damage, liver cancer, and liver failure. Early treatment can help delay or prevent serious damage. Digestive System A healthy liver performs many functions that are crucial to your health. The liver is responsible for producing bile, a substance needed to break down fats.

The body stores bile in the gallbladder, then sends it to the beginning section of the small intestine (duodenum). Bile is then combined with stomach acids and digestive fluids from the pancreas, which help the intestines absorb nutrients into the bloodstream. Hepatitis C can severely hinder the liver’s ability to produce bile. Inflammation of the gallbladder can make it painful to digest fatty foods. Therefore, people with hepatitis C may feel some pain in the upper right portion of the abdomen. This may be due to a build-up of fluid in the stomach (ascites). This occurs when the damaged liver doesn’t produce enough albumin, a substance that regulates the amount of fluid in cells. Other digestive symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Stool may become pale or clay-colored, and urine may darken. Central Nervous System When the liver doesn’t filter toxins from the blood, they can damage the central nervous system (hepatic encephalopathy). This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including sweet or musty breath, weakening of small motor skills, and sleep disturbances. Dry eyes and mouth are sometimes associated with hepatitis C.

A build-up of toxins in the brain can cause confusion, forgetfulness, poor concentration, and personality changes. Advanced symptoms include abnormal shaking, agitation, disorientation, and slurred speech. Severe cases may cause coma. Circulatory System The liver filters toxins out of your bloodstream. It also produces proteins needed for healthy blood and helps to regulate blood clotting. A poorly functioning liver can create blood flow problems and increase pressure in the vein that leads to the liver (portal vein). This can cause portal hypertension, which may force blood to find an alternate vein. The vein can burst if it’s too small, causing serious internal bleeding (variceal bleeding). A poorly functioning liver is unable to properly extract iron from the blood and store it for later use. This can result in anemia. A healthy liver also helps convert sugars into glucose and store it for energy. Too much sugar in the bloodstream can lead to insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. Blood tests can reveal the presence of hepatitis C antibodies in the bloodstream. If you have antibodies, it means you’ve been exposed to the virus. In most cases, a second blood test is used to confirm a hepatitis C diagnosis.

Skin, Hair, and Nails (Integumentary System) A protein molecule called hemoglobin is found in red blood cells. Hemoglobin transports oxygen and iron to cells throughout the body. Iron is crucial in sustaining cells that make up healthy skin, fingernails, toenails, and hair. Bilirubin is another important substance in hemoglobin. When the liver can’t do its job, bilirubin can build up and cause your skin and the whites of your eyes to turn yellow (jaundice). Endocrine and Immune Systems The endocrine system regulates hormones. As part of the endocrine system, the thyroid gland delivers hormones into the bloodstream. Sometimes hepatitis C can cause the immune system to mistakenly attack or damage thyroid tissue. This can cause an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), which can lead to sleep disorders and weight loss. Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can make you feel sluggish. According to The Hepatitis Trust , this is more common in women than in men. Overall Health Many people infected with hepatitis C have no symptoms, especially in the earliest stages. Some report general fatigue, fever, or non-specific aches and pains.

Recommended for You Hepatitis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia Infections from viruses (such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C), bacteria, or parasites Liver damage from alcohol or poison Medicines, such as an overdose of acetaminophen Fatty liver Liver disease can also be caused by inherited disorders such as cystic fibrosis or hemochromatosis, a condition that involves having too much iron in your body. Other causes include Wilson's disease, a disorder in which the body retains too much copper. Symptoms Hepatitis may start and get better quickly. It may also become a long-term condition. In some cases, hepatitis may lead to liver damage, liver failure, or even liver cancer. There are several factors that can affect how severe the condition is. . These may include the cause of the liver damage and any illnesses you have. Hepatitis A, for example, is most often short-term and does not lead to chronic liver problems. The symptoms of hepatitis include: Pain or bloating in the belly area Dark urine and pale or clay-colored stools Fatigue When to Contact a Medical Professional Seek care immediately if you: Have symptoms from too much acetaminophen or other medicines.

You may need to have your stomach pumped Vomit blood Have bloody or tarry stools Are confused or delirious Call your health care provider if: You have any symptoms of hepatitis or believe that you have been exposed to hepatitis A, B, or C. You cannot keep food down due to excessive vomiting. You may need to receive nutrition through a vein (intravenously). You feel sick and have travelled to Asia, Africa, South America, or Central America. Prevention Talk to your provider about having a vaccine to prevent hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Steps for preventing the spread of hepatitis B and C from one person to another include: Avoid sharing personal items, such as razors or toothbrushes. DO NOT share drug needles or other drug equipment (such as straws for snorting drugs). Clean blood spills with a mixture of 1 part household bleach to 9 parts water. DO NOT get tattoos or body piercings with instruments that have not been cleaned properly. To reduce your risk of spreading or catching hepatitis A: Always wash your hands well after using the restroom, and when you come in contact with an infected person's blood, stools, or other bodily fluid. Avoid unclean food and water. Images Liver anatomy References Czaja AJ.

Autoimmune hepatitis. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 90. Pawlotsky J-M. Chronic viral and autoimmune hepatitis. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine. 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 149. Sjogren MH, Bassett JT. Hepatitis A. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 78. Sorrell MF, Belongia EA, Costa J, et al. National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference Statement: management of hepatitis B. Ann Intern Med. 2009;150(2):104-110. Epub 2009 Jan 5.

PMID: 19124811 . Wedemeyer H. Hepatitis C. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 80. Wells JT, Perrillo R. Hepatitis B. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 79. Yee HS, Chang MF, Pocha C, et al. Update on the management and treatment of hepatitis C virus infection: recommendations from the Department of Veterans Affairs Hepatitis C Resource Center Program and the National Hepatitis C Program Office. Am J Gastroenterol. 2012;107(5):669-689. PMID: 22525303 . Read More Hepatitis B | NIDDK Hepatitis B Hepatitis B What is hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a virus, or infection, that causes liver disease and inflammation of the liver. Viruses can cause sickness. For example, the flu is caused by a virus. People can pass viruses to each other. Inflammation is swelling that occurs when tissues of the body become injured or infected. Inflammation can cause organs to not work properly. What is the liver? The liver is an organ that does many important things. You cannot live without a liver. Hepatitis B is a virus, or infection, that causes liver disease and inflammation of the liver.

The liver removes harmful chemicals from your blood fights infection Anyone can get hepatitis B, but those more likely to are people who were born to a mother with hepatitis B are in contact with blood, needles, or body fluids at work live with someone who currently has an active hepatitis B infection have had more than one sex partner in the last 6 months or have a history of sexually transmitted disease are on kidney dialysis—the process of filtering wastes and extra water from the body by means other than the kidneys are taking medicines that suppress the immune system, such as steroids or chemotherapy medicines have lived in or travel often to parts of the world where hepatitis B is common are from Asian and Pacific Island nations are infected with HIV or hepatitis C have injected illegal drugs work or live in a prison had a blood transfusion or organ transplant before the mid-1980s Also, men who have sex with men are more likely to get hepatitis B. How could I get hepatitis B? You could get hepatitis B through contact with an infected person’s blood, semen, or other body fluid.

This contact could occur by being born to a mother with hepatitis B getting an accidental stick with a needle that was used on an infected person having unprotected sex with an infected person having contact with blood or open sores of an infected person sharing drug needles or other drug materials with an infected person being tattooed or pierced with unsterilized tools that were used on an infected person using an infected person’s razor, toothbrush, or nail clippers You could get hepatitis B from having unprotected sex with an infected person. You cannot get hepatitis B from shaking hands or holding hands with an infected person being coughed or sneezed on by an infected person hugging an infected person sitting next to an infected person sharing spoons, forks, and other eating utensils drinking water or eating food A baby cannot get hepatitis B from breast milk. What are the symptoms of hepatitis B? Most people do not have any symptoms of hepatitis B. Adults and children ages 5 and older may have one or more of the following symptoms: feeling tired light-colored stools yellowish eyes and skin, called jaundice When symptoms occur, they can begin 2 to 5 months after coming into contact with the virus.

See a doctor right away if you or a child in your care has symptoms of hepatitis B. What is acute hepatitis B? Acute hepatitis B is a short-term infection with the hepatitis B virus. Symptoms usually last several weeks but they can last up to 6 months. The infection sometimes clears up because your body is able to fight off the infection and get rid of the virus. Most healthy adults and children older than 5 who have hepatitis B get better without treatment. What is chronic hepatitis B? Chronic hepatitis B is a long-lasting infection with the hepatitis B virus. Chronic hepatitis B occurs when the body can’t get rid of the hepatitis B virus. Children, especially infants, are more likely to get chronic hepatitis B, which usually has no symptoms until signs of liver damage appear. Without treatment, chronic hepatitis B can cause liver cancer or severe liver damage that leads to liver failure. Liver failure occurs when the liver stops working properly. How is hepatitis B diagnosed? A blood test will show if you have hepatitis B. Blood tests are done at a doctor’s office or outpatient facility. A blood sample is taken using a needle inserted into a vein in your arm or hand. The blood sample is sent to a lab to test for hepatitis B.

If you are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B, get tested. If you are pregnant, you should also get tested. Many people with hepatitis B do not know they are infected. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent liver damage. A blood test will show if you have hepatitis B. Your doctor may suggest getting a liver biopsy if chronic hepatitis B is suspected. A liver biopsy is a test to take a small piece of your liver to look for liver damage. The doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medicines before the test. You may be asked to fast for 8 hours before the test. During the test, you lie on a table with your right hand resting above your head. Medicine is applied to numb the area where the biopsy needle will be inserted. If needed, sedatives and pain medicine are also given. The doctor uses a needle to take a small piece of liver tissue. After the test, you must lie on your right side for up to 2 hours. You will stay 2 to 4 hours after the test before being sent home. A liver biopsy is performed at a hospital or outpatient center by a doctor.

The liver tissue is sent to a special lab where a doctor looks at the tissue with a microscope and sends a report to your doctor. How is hepatitis B treated? Hepatitis B is not usually treated unless it becomes chronic. Chronic hepatitis B is treated with medicines that slow or stop the virus from damaging the liver. Medicines for Chronic Hepatitis B Your doctor will choose medicines or a combination of medicines that are likely to work for you. The doctor will closely watch your symptoms and schedule regular blood tests to make sure treatment is working. Medicines given by shots include interferon Medicines taken by mouth include adefovir swollen stomach or ankles spiderlike blood vessels, called spider angiomas, that develop on the skin Liver transplant is surgery to remove a diseased or injured liver and replace it with a healthy one from another person, called a donor. If your doctors tell you that you need a transplant, you should talk with them about the long-term demands of living with a liver transplant. A team of surgeons—doctors who specialize in surgery—performs a liver transplant in a hospital. You will learn how to take care of yourself after you go home and about the medicines you’ll need to take to protect your new liver.

Medicines taken after liver transplant surgery can prevent hepatitis B from coming back. Testing for Liver Cancer Having hepatitis B increases your risk for getting liver cancer, so your doctor may suggest an ultrasound test of the liver every 6 to 12 months. Finding cancer early makes it more treatable. Ultrasound is a machine that uses sound waves to create a picture of your liver. Ultrasound is performed at a hospital or radiology center by a specially trained technician. The image, called a sonogram, can show the liver’s size and the presence of cancerous tumors. How can I avoid getting hepatitis B? You can avoid getting hepatitis B by receiving the hepatitis B vaccine. Vaccines are medicines that keep you from getting sick. Vaccines teach the body to attack specific viruses and infections. The hepatitis B vaccine teaches your body to attack the hepatitis B virus. Since the 1980s, a hepatitis B vaccine has been available and should be given to newborns and children in the United States. Adults at higher risk of getting hepatitis B should also get the vaccine. The hepatitis B vaccine is given in three shots over 6 months. You must get all three hepatitis B vaccine shots to be fully protected.

You can avoid getting hepatitis B by receiving the hepatitis B vaccine. If you are traveling to countries where hepatitis B is common, try to get all the shots before you go. If you don’t have time to get all the shots before you travel, get as many as you can. Even one shot may provide some protection against the virus. You can protect yourself and others from getting hepatitis B if you use a condom during sex do not share drug needles and other drug materials do not donate blood or blood products wear gloves if you have to touch another person’s blood or open sores do not share or borrow a toothbrush, razor, or nail clippers make sure any tattoos or body piercings you get are done with sterile tools tell your doctor and your dentist if you have hepatitis B If you are pregnant and have hepatitis B, tell the doctor and staff who deliver your baby. The hepatitis B vaccine and hepatitis B immune globulin should be given to your baby right after birth. The vaccine will greatly reduce the chance of your baby getting the infection. Wear gloves if you have to touch another person’s blood or open sores. What should I do if I think I have been in contact with the hepatitis B virus?

See your doctor right away if you think you have been in contact with the hepatitis B virus. A dose of the hepatitis B vaccine taken with a medicine called hepatitis B immune globulin may protect you from getting sick if taken shortly after coming into contact with the hepatitis B virus. Eating, Diet, and Nutrition If you have chronic hepatitis B, you should do things to take care of yourself, including eating a healthy diet. Avoid drinking alcohol, which can harm the liver. Talk with your doctor before taking vitamins and other supplements. Points to Remember Get protected from hepatitis | The Medicare Blog by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Get protected from hepatitis Did you know that hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus, kills nearly 1.4 million people worldwide every year? Hepatitis is contagious. For example, the Hepatitis B virus spreads through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person. People can also get infected by coming in contact with a contaminated object, where the virus can live for up to 7 days. Hepatitis B can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious illness that can lead to liver disease or liver cancer. Medicare can help keep you protected from the most common types of hepatitis.

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers Hepatitis B shots , which usually are given as a series of 3 shots over a 6-month period (you need all 3 shots for complete protection). Your risk for Hepatitis B increases if you have hemophilia, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), diabetes, or certain conditions that lower your resistance to infection. Generally, Medicare Part D ( prescription drug coverage ) covers Hepatitis A shots when medically necessary. There’s a third type of Hepatitis—Hepatitis C. Medicare covers a one-time Hepatitis C screening test if your primary care doctor or practitioner orders it. It also covers yearly repeat screening if you meet one of these conditions: You’re at high risk because you have a current or past history of illicit injection drug use You had a blood transfusion before 1992, or You were born between 1945 and 1965 You pay nothing for the Hepatitis C screening test if the doctor or other qualified health care provider accepts assignment. May is Hepatitis Awareness month. To find out more about preventing and treating hepatitis visit the Centers for Disease Control’s Hepatitis web page and check out our video . WHO | What is hepatitis?

What is hepatitis? Reviewed July 2016 Q: What is hepatitis? A: Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. The condition can be self-limiting or can progress to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis or liver cancer. Hepatitis viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis in the world but other infections, toxic substances (e.g. alcohol, certain drugs), and autoimmune diseases can also cause hepatitis. There are 5 main hepatitis viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. These 5 types are of greatest concern because of the burden of illness and death they cause and the potential for outbreaks and epidemic spread. In particular, types B and C lead to chronic disease in hundreds of millions of people and, together, are the most common cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer. Hepatitis A and E are typically caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B, C and D usually occur as a result of parenteral contact with infected body fluids.

Common modes of transmission for these viruses include receipt of contaminated blood or blood products, invasive medical procedures using contaminated equipment and for hepatitis B transmission from mother to baby at birth, from family member to child, and also by sexual contact. Acute infection may occur with limited or no symptoms, or may include symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Q: What are the different hepatitis viruses? A: Scientists have identified 5 unique hepatitis viruses, identified by the letters A, B, C, D, and E. While all cause liver disease, they vary in important ways. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is present in the faeces of infected persons and is most often transmitted through consumption of contaminated water or food. Certain sex practices can also spread HAV. Infections are in many cases mild, with most people making a full recovery and remaining immune from further HAV infections. However, HAV infections can also be severe and life threatening. Most people in areas of the world with poor sanitation have been infected with this virus. Safe and effective vaccines are available to prevent HAV.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted through exposure to infective blood, semen, and other body fluids. HBV can be transmitted from infected mothers to infants at the time of birth or from family member to infant in early childhood. Transmission may also occur through transfusions of HBV-contaminated blood and blood products, contaminated injections during medical procedures, and through injection drug use. HBV also poses a risk to healthcare workers who sustain accidental needle stick injuries while caring for infected-HBV patients. Safe and effective vaccines are available to prevent HBV. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is mostly transmitted through exposure to infective blood. This may happen through transfusions of HCV-contaminated blood and blood products, contaminated injections during medical procedures, and through injection drug use. Sexual transmission is also possible, but is much less common. There is no vaccine for HCV. Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infections occur only in those who are infected with HBV. The dual infection of HDV and HBV can result in a more serious disease and worse outcome. Hepatitis B vaccines provide protection from HDV infection. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is mostly transmitted through consumption of contaminated water or food.

HEV is a common cause of hepatitis outbreaks in developing parts of the world and is increasingly recognized as an important cause of disease in developed countries. Safe and effective vaccines to prevent HEV infection have been developed but are not widely available. Autoimmune Hepatitis - Causes of Autoimmune Hepatitis - Autoimmune Hepatitis Symptoms - Autoimmune Hepatitis Treatment | Canadian Liver Foundation Autoimmune Hepatitis What is autoimmune hepatitis? Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the liver. The best way to describe this disease is to break the term down into its composite words. Autoimmune refers to the body’s own immune system attacking another part of the body. Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, which can range from mild to severe. In the vast majority of patients, autoimmune hepatitis is marked by fluctuating levels of intensity, with relapses and remissions. What causes this condition? The exact mechanism whereby the body’s own immune system attacks the liver is not yet known. It appears that certain types of white blood cells (the type of blood cell that usually fights infection), in addition to attacking foreign substances (e.g. germs and viruses) misread liver cells as foreign substances and start attacking these cells.

The type of damage that follows is known as chronic hepatitis. A number of other conditions can cause identical patterns of liver damage. These include viruses such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C, certain types of drugs, and overload of certain metals such as copper and iron in the liver. There are also much rarer causes of chronic active hepatitis. Is it contagious, or are my children at risk of inheriting this disease? It is absolutely not contagious. It is generally not considered an inherited disease but a tendency to autoimmune diseases may run in some families. That is, children of patients with autoimmune hepatitis may be at slightly increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases of the thyroid or liver or arthritis. The risk, however, is only slightly greater than the normal population and thus genetic counselling is not necessary. What are the symptoms of this condition? In many patients there will be no symptoms at all. The patient will feel perfectly healthy. The condition may be detected on a routine blood test by an elevation in levels of certain enzymes that the liver makes. Other patients may experience fatigue, decreased appetite, drowsiness, or even aches or pains in the muscles or joints.

Some patients may notice jaundice or yellowish discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes as the first symptom. What are the other clues to the diagnosis? Blood tests will almost always reveal elevations of ALT and AST enzymes that the liver makes. In addition, other blood tests will reveal antibodies directed against parts of different cells, such as anti-smooth muscle antibody and antinuclear factor. Your doctor, on examining you, may find abnormalities suggestive of chronic liver disease such as a large liver, jaundice, and certain signs noticeable on the skin. Finally, a liver biopsy is usually necessary to confirm the diagnosis. What is a liver biopsy? A liver biopsy involves passing a small hollow-core needle into the liver after appropriate freezing with local anaesthetic. There is a very small risk of bleeding from the biopsy and some modest discomfort associated with this procedure, but it is generally well tolerated by the vast majority of patients. What is the treatment for autoimmune hepatitis? Some patients with very mild or inactive disease may not need any type of active treatment. When active drug treatment is needed, corticosteroids are the treatment of first choice. Corticosteroids are completely different from anabolic steroids used to build muscle mass.

Corticosteroids such as prednisone are potent anti-inflammatory drugs which will reduce inflammation in all sites, including the liver. Your doctor may choose in addition to, or in place of corticosteroids, other drugs with anti-inflammatory activity, such as azathioprine, mycophenilate mofetil or methotrexate. All these anti-inflammatory drugs have some side effects which your doctor will explain to you in detail. Approximately 90% of patients require some form of treatment (usually azathioprine) to maintain remission after the steroids have reduced the initial inflammation. About 10% do not require any maintenance therapy and remain in remission with no symptoms and no active inflammation in the liver, for many years. Due to the variable intensity of the disease, even with maintenance treatment, patients may suffer from relapses of inflammation periodically. Such relapses are usually treated by a temporary course of steroids. What about alternative or complementary therapies? No alternative or complementary therapies have been shown to be effective in treating autoimmune hepatitis. In particular, milk thistle or its active ingredient, silymarin, has been studied, and has no beneficial effect.

Standard treatments such as prednisone have been proven to delay or prevent progression to cirrhosis and thus save lives. It is ill-advised to delay or not take standard treatments in the hope that alternative remedies may work. Is there a cure for autoimmune hepatitis? Not yet. Since we do not know exactly what causes autoimmune hepatitis, we do not yet have a medical cure for the condition. Steroids and other anti-inflammatory drugs can certainly control the inflammation in the majority of cases. However, in certain patients in whom the inflammation continues or who have not been detected and diagnosed until very late in the course, cirrhosis can occur. Cirrhosis is a condition characterized by increased scar tissue that destroys the normal architecture of the liver. Even if cirrhosis occurs, patients who have a mild disease without active inflammation generally do well and can live many years or decades without problems. If inflammation continues, the cirrhosis usually worsens, eventually reaching a stage called end-stage liver failure. If this stage has been reached, liver transplantation can be used in some patients to successfully treat the condition. Does the disease recur in the new liver after liver transplantation? Yes, this can occur but is very uncommon.

The drugs used to prevent rejection of the new liver by the body’s immune system are the same or similar to those used to treat autoimmune hepatitis so recurrence is usually blocked. Is there anything I can do to help the liver heal itself? No, not directly. However, you can help by giving your liver favourable working conditions, by eating a healthy well-balanced diet, not smoking, and drinking alcohol only in modest amounts or abstaining altogether. Obesity may result in fat deposits in the liver and increases the surgical risk with transplantation. Therefore, if you are overweight, strive for a gradual and sustained weight loss. Introduce exercise into your routine: you can enjoy walking, swimming, gardening, stretching. Please remember that a healthy diet and exercise are important components of any weight-loss regimen. Will we find a cure one day? Research into all aspects of autoimmune hepatitis, but particularly into its causes and treatment is going on in many different laboratories in the world. The Canadian Liver Foundation is at the forefront of funding this important research. Someday we will have a cure. For more information about autoimmune hepatitis, liver diseases or liver health, please contact us. Help us help you!

If you are not satisfied with the information you just read or any information on our website, please take a moment to send us your comments and suggestions on the type of content you would like to find on liver.ca. Please include the page you are commenting about in the subject line of your email. Websitefeedback@liver.ca Hepatitis - NHS Choices Hepatitis Hepatitis Introduction Hepatitis is the term used to describe inflammation of the liver. It's usually the result of a viral infection or liver damage caused by drinking alcohol. There are several different types of hepatitis, most of which are outlined below. Some types will pass without any serious problems, while others can be long-lasting (chronic) and cause scarring of the liver (cirrhosis) , loss of liver function and, in some cases, liver cancer . This page covers: Short-term (acute) hepatitis often has no noticeable symptoms, so you may not realise you have it. If symptoms do develop, they can include: feeling unusually tired all the time a general sense of feeling unwell loss of appetite yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice) See your GP if you have any persistent or troublesome symptoms that you think could be caused by hepatitis.

Long-term (chronic) hepatitis also may not have any obvious symptoms until the liver stops working properly (liver failure) and may only be picked up during blood tests . In the later stages it can cause jaundice, swelling in the legs, ankles and feet, confusion , and blood in your stools or vomit. Hepatitis A Hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus. It's usually caught by consuming food and drink contaminated with the poo of an infected person and is most common in countries where sanitation is poor. Hepatitis A usually passes within a few months, although it can occasionally be severe and even life-threatening. There's no specific treatment for it, other than to relieve symptoms such as pain, nausea and itching. Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended if you're travelling to an area where the virus is common, such as the Indian subcontinent, Africa, Central and South America, the Far East and Eastern Europe. Read more about hepatitis A . Hepatitis B Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus, which is spread in the blood of an infected person. It's a common infection worldwide and is usually spread from infected pregnant women to their babies, or from child-to-child contact.

In rare cases, it can be spread through unprotected sex and injecting drugs. Hepatitis B is uncommon in the UK and most cases affect people who became infected while growing up in part of the world where the infection is more common, such as Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Most adults infected with hepatitis B are able to fight off the virus and fully recover from the infection within a couple of months. However, most people infected as children develop a long-term infection. This is known as chronic hepatitis B and it can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Antiviral medication can be used to treat it. In the UK, vaccination against hepatitis B is recommended for people in high-risk groups, such as healthcare workers, people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men, and people travelling to parts of the world where the infection is more common. Read more about hepatitis B . Hepatitis C Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus and is the most common type of viral hepatitis in the UK. It's usually spread through blood-to-blood contact with an infected person. In the UK, it's most commonly spread through sharing needles used to inject drugs. Poor healthcare practices and unsafe medical injections are the main way it’s spread outside the UK.

Hepatitis C often causes no noticeable symptoms, or only flu-like symptoms, so many people are unaware they're infected. Around one in four people will fight off the infection and be free of the virus. In the remaining cases, it will stay in the body for many years. This is known as chronic hepatitis C and can cause cirrhosis and liver failure. Chronic hepatitis C can be treated with very effective antiviral medications, but there's currently no vaccine available. Read more about hepatitis C . Hepatitis D Hepatitis D is caused by the hepatitis D virus. It only affects people who are already infected with hepatitis B, as it needs the hepatitis B virus to be able to survive in the body. Hepatitis D is usually spread through blood-to-blood contact or sexual contact. It's uncommon in the UK, but is more widespread in other parts of Europe, the Middle East, Africa and South America. Long-term infection with hepatitis D and hepatitis B can increase your risk of developing serious problems, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. There's no vaccine specifically for hepatitis D, but the hepatitis B vaccine (see above) can help protect you from it. Hepatitis E Hepatitis E is caused by the hepatitis E virus.

It's usually caught by consuming food and drink contaminated with the poo of an infected person. It's now the most common cause of short-term (acute) hepatitis in the UK. Hepatitis E is generally a mild and short-term infection that doesn't require any treatment, but it can be serious in a small number of people. It can become chronic in people who have a suppressed immune system, such as those who have had an organ transplant. There's no vaccine for hepatitis E, but you can reduce your risk by practising good food and water hygiene measures , particularly when travelling to parts of the world with poor sanitation. The British Liver Trust has more information about hepatitis E . Alcoholic hepatitis Alcoholic hepatitis is a type of hepatitis caused by drinking excessive amounts of alcohol over many years. The condition is common in the UK and many people don't realise they have it because it doesn't usually cause any symptoms, although it can cause sudden jaundice and liver failure in some people. Stopping drinking will usually allow your liver to recover, but if you continue to drink alcohol excessively, there's a risk you could eventually develop cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer. You can reduce your risk of developing alcoholic hepatitis by controlling how much you drink.

It's recommended that you don't regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week. Read more about alcohol-related liver disease and the health risks associated with alcohol . Autoimmune hepatitis Autoimmune hepatitis is a rare cause of long-term hepatitis in which the immune system attacks and damages the liver. Eventually, the liver can become so damaged that it stops working properly. Treatment for autoimmune hepatitis involves very effective medicines that suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. It's not clear what causes autoimmune hepatitis and it's not known whether anything can be done to prevent it. The British Liver Trust has more information about autoimmune hepatitis . Page last reviewed: 07/03/2016 Viral Hepatitis and HIV - TheBody.com Viral Hepatitis and HIV About the Liver and Hepatitis The Liver and Its Many Functions The liver is the largest organ in the human body. Approximately the size of a football, it is located in the upper right part of the abdomen. We can't live without a functioning liver. It's the body's filter and warehouse. Almost all cells and tissues in the body depend on the liver. When something goes wrong with the liver, it can have a serious effect on almost every other organ in the body.

A little over 1-1/2 quarts of blood pump through the liver every minute, allowing the liver to quickly and effectively remove toxins and waste products from the bloodstream. At the same time, the liver stores important nutrients such as vitamins , minerals, and iron. The liver also plays a role in managing levels of certain substances in the body, such as cholesterol, hormones, and sugars, which are all necessary for survival and are potentially harmful when out of balance. The liver also has a key role in digesting food through the production of bile and controls blood-clotting factors, which prevent excessive bleeding. Advertisement What Is Hepatitis? Hepatitis is a general term that means inflammation of the liver. "Hepa" refers to the liver and "itis" means inflammation (as in arthritis, dermatitis, and pancreatitis). Inflammation of the liver -- hepatitis -- has several possible causes, including: Toxins and chemicals such as excessive amounts of alcohol; Autoimmune diseases that cause the immune system to attack healthy tissues in the body; and Microorganisms, including viruses. HAV, HBV , and HCV infect liver cells -- called hepatocytes -- that provide the best conditions for these viruses to reproduce.

In response to the infection, the body's immune system targets the liver, causing inflammation (hepatitis). If the hepatitis is severe (which can happen with HAV and HBV) or goes on for a long period of time (which can happen with HBV and HCV), hardened fibers can develop in the liver, a condition called fibrosis. Over time, more and more normal liver tissue can be replaced by hardened scar tissue, which can obstruct the normal flow of blood through the liver and seriously affect its structure and ability to function properly. This is called cirrhosis. If the liver is severely damaged, blood can back up into the spleen and the intestines, which can result in high pressure in these organs. Consequences of this condition -- called portal hypertension -- include bleeding (variceal bleeding) and fluid in the abdomen (ascites). Significant liver damage can also reduce the production of bile needed for proper digestion and decrease the liver's ability to store and process nutrients needed for survival. Other effects of a damaged liver include the inability to remove toxins from the bloodstream, which can eventually lead to mental confusion and even coma (encephalopathy).

There are five viruses known to affect the liver and cause hepatitis: HAV, HBV, HCV, the delta hepatitis virus (HDV, which only causes problems for people infected with HBV), and hepatitis E virus (HEV). There is no hepatitis F virus. The hepatitis G virus (HGV) was originally thought to cause liver damage, but has since been found to be an apparently harmless virus and has been renamed GB virus-C (GBV-C). Hepatitis C FAQs for the Public | Division of Viral Hepatitis | CDC Hepatitis C FAQs for the Public Overview What is hepatitis? “Hepatitis” means inflammation of the liver. Toxins, certain drugs, some diseases, heavy alcohol use, and bacterial and viral infections can all cause hepatitis. Hepatitis is also the name of a family of viral infections that affect the liver ; the most common types are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. What is the difference between Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C? Hepatitis A , Hepatitis B , and Hepatitis C are diseases caused by three different viruses. Although each can cause similar symptoms, they have different modes of transmission and can affect the liver differently.

Hepatitis A appears only as an acute or newly occurring infection and does not become chronic. People with Hepatitis A usually improve without treatment. Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C can also begin as acute infections, but in some people, the virus remains in the body, resulting in chronic disease and long-term liver problems. There are vaccines to prevent Hepatitis A and B; however, there is not one for Hepatitis C. If a person has had one type of viral hepatitis in the past, it is still possible to get the other types. What is Hepatitis C? Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease that ranges in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness that attacks the liver. It results from infection with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is spread primarily through contact with the blood of an infected person. Hepatitis C can be either “acute” or “chronic.” Acute Hepatitis C virus infection is a short-term illness that occurs within the first 6 months after someone is exposed to the Hepatitis C virus. For most people, acute infection leads to chronic infection.

Chronic Hepatitis C virus infection is a long-term illness that occurs when the Hepatitis C virus remains in a person’s body. Hepatitis C virus infection can last a lifetime and lead to serious liver problems, including cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) or liver cancer. Statistics How common is acute Hepatitis C in the United States? In 2014, there were an estimated 30,500 cases of acute hepatitis C virus infections reported in the United States. How common is chronic Hepatitis C in the United States? An estimated 2.7-3.9 million people in the United States have chronic hepatitis C. How likely is it that acute Hepatitis C will become chronic? Approximately 75%–85% of people who become infected with Hepatitis C virus develop chronic infection. Transmission / Exposure How is Hepatitis C spread? Hepatitis C is usually spread when blood from a person infected with the Hepatitis C virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. Today, most people become infected with the Hepatitis C virus by sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs.

Before 1992, when widespread screening of the blood supply began in the United States, Hepatitis C was also commonly spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants. People can become infected with the Hepatitis C virus during such activities as Sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs Needlestick injuries in health care settings Being born to a mother who has Hepatitis C Less commonly, a person can also get Hepatitis C virus infection through Sharing personal care items that may have come in contact with another person’s blood, such as razors or toothbrushes Having sexual contact with a person infected with the Hepatitis C virus Can Hepatitis C be spread through sexual contact? Yes, but the risk of transmission from sexual contact is believed to be low. The risk increases for those who have multiple sex partners, have a sexually transmitted disease, engage in rough sex, or are infected with HIV. More research is needed to better understand how and when Hepatitis C can be spread through sexual contact. Can you get Hepatitis C by getting a tattoo or piercing? A few major research studies have not shown Hepatitis C to be spread through licensed, commercial tattooing facilities.

However, transmission of Hepatitis C (and other infectious diseases) is possible when poor infection-control practices are used during tattooing or piercing. Body art is becoming increasingly popular in the United States, and unregulated tattooing and piercing are known to occur in prisons and other informal or unregulated settings. Further research is needed to determine if these types of settings and exposures are responsible for Hepatitis C virus transmission. Can Hepatitis C be spread within a household? Yes, but this does not occur very often. If Hepatitis C virus is spread within a household, it is most likely a result of direct, through-the-skin exposure to the blood of an infected household member. How should blood spills be cleaned from surfaces to make sure that Hepatitis C virus is gone? Any blood spills — including dried blood, which can still be infectious — should be cleaned using a dilution of one part household bleach to 10 parts water. Gloves should be worn when cleaning up blood spills. How long does the Hepatitis C virus survive outside the body? The Hepatitis C virus can survive outside the body at room temperature, on environmental surfaces, for up to 3 weeks. What are ways Hepatitis C is not spread?

Hepatitis C virus is not spread by sharing eating utensils, breastfeeding, hugging, kissing, holding hands, coughing, or sneezing. It is also not spread through food or water. Who is at risk for Hepatitis C?

Some people are at increased risk for Hepatitis C, including: Current injection drug users (currently the most common way Hepatitis C virus is spread in the United States) Past injection drug users, including those who injected only one time or many years ago Recipients of donated blood, blood products, and organs (once a common means of transmission but now rare in the United States since blood screening became available in 1992) People who received a blood product for clotting problems made before 1987 Hemodialysis patients or persons who spent many years on dialysis for kidney failure People who received body piercing or tattoos done with non-sterile instruments People with known exposures to the Hepatitis C virus, such as Health care workers injured by needlesticks Recipients of blood or organs from a donor who tested positive for the Hepatitis C virus HIV-infected persons Children born to mothers infected with the Hepatitis C virus Less common risks include: Having sexual contact with a person who is infected with the Hepatitis C virus Sharing personal care items, such as razors or toothbrushes, that may have come in contact with the blood of an infected person What is the risk of a pregnant woman passing Hepatitis C to her baby?

Hepatitis C is rarely passed from a pregnant woman to her baby. About 6 of every 100 infants born to mothers with Hepatitis C become infected with the virus. However, the risk becomes greater if the mother has both HIV infection and Hepatitis C. Can a person get Hepatitis C from a mosquito or other insect bite? Hepatitis C virus has not been shown to be transmitted by mosquitoes or other insects. Can I donate blood, organs, or semen if I have Hepatitis C? No, if you ever tested positive for the Hepatitis C virus (or Hepatitis B virus), experts recommend never donating blood, organs, or semen because this can spread the infection to the recipient. Symptoms What are the symptoms of acute Hepatitis C? Approximately 70%–80% of people with acute Hepatitis C do not have any symptoms. Some people, however, can have mild to severe symptoms soon after being infected, including: Fever Jaundice (yellow color in the skin or eyes) How soon after exposure to Hepatitis C do symptoms appear? If symptoms occur, the average time is 6–7 weeks after exposure, but this can range from 2 weeks to 6 months.

However, many people infected with the Hepatitis C virus do not develop symptoms. Can a person spread Hepatitis C without having symptoms? Yes, even if a person with Hepatitis C has no symptoms, he or she can still spread the virus to others. Is it possible to have Hepatitis C and not know it? Yes, many people who are infected with the Hepatitis C virus do not know they are infected because they do not look or feel sick. What are the symptoms of chronic Hepatitis C? Most people with chronic Hepatitis C do not have any symptoms. However, if a person has been infected for many years, his or her liver may be damaged. In many cases, there are no symptoms of the disease until liver problems have developed. In persons without symptoms, Hepatitis C is often detected during routine blood tests to measure liver function and liver enzyme (protein produced by the liver) level. How serious is chronic Hepatitis C? Chronic Hepatitis C is a serious disease that can result in long-term health problems, including liver damage, liver failure, liver cancer, or even death. It is the leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer and the most common reason for liver transplantation in the United States.

Approximately 19,000 people die every year from Hepatitis C related liver disease. What are the long-term effects of Hepatitis C? Of every 100 people infected with the Hepatitis C virus, about 75–85 people will develop chronic Hepatitis C virus infection; of those, 60–70 people will go on to develop chronic liver disease 5–20 people will go on to develop cirrhosis over a period of 20–30 years 1–5 people will die from cirrhosis or liver cancer Tests Can a person have normal liver enzyme (e.g., ALT) results and still have Hepatitis C? Yes. It is common for persons with chronic Hepatitis C to have a liver enzyme level that goes up and down, with periodic returns to normal or near normal. Some infected persons have liver enzyme levels that are normal for over a year even though they have chronic liver disease. If the liver enzyme level is normal, persons should have their enzyme level re-checked several times over a 6–12 month period. If the liver enzyme level remains normal, the doctor may check it less frequently, such as once a year.

Who should get tested for Hepatitis C? Talk to your doctor about being tested for Hepatitis C if any of the following are true: You were born from 1945 through 1965 You are a current or former injection drug user, even if you injected only one time or many years ago. You were treated for a blood clotting problem before 1987. You received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before July 1992. You are on long-term hemodialysis treatment. You have abnormal liver tests or liver disease. You work in health care or public safety and were exposed to blood through a needlestick or other sharp object injury. You are infected with HIV. If you are pregnant, should you be tested for Hepatitis C? No, getting tested for Hepatitis C is not part of routine prenatal care. However, if a pregnant woman has risk factors for Hepatitis C virus infection, she should speak with her doctor about getting tested. What blood tests are used to test for Hepatitis C? Several different blood tests are used to test for Hepatitis C. A doctor may order just one or a combination of these tests.

Typically, a person will first get a screening test that will show whether he or she has developed antibodies to the Hepatitis C virus. (An antibody is a substance found in the blood that the body produces in response to a virus.) Having a positive antibody test means that a person was exposed to the virus at some time in his or her life. If the antibody test is positive, a doctor will most likely order a second test to confirm whether the virus is still present in the person's bloodstream. Treatment Can acute Hepatitis C be treated? Yes, acute hepatitis C can be treated. Acute infection can clear on its own without treatment in about 25% of people. If acute hepatitis C is diagnosed, treatment does reduce the risk that acute hepatitis C will become a chronic infection. Acute hepatitis C is treated with the same medications used to treat chronic Hepatitis C. However, the optimal treatment and when it should be started remains uncertain. Can chronic Hepatitis C be treated? Yes. There are several medications available to treat chronic Hepatitis C, including new treatments that appear to be more effective and have fewer side effects than previous options. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains a complete list of approved treatments for Hepatitis C .

Is it possible to get over Hepatitis C? Yes, approximately 15%–25% of people who get Hepatitis C will clear the virus from their bodies without treatment and will not develop chronic infection. Experts do not fully understand why this happens for some people. What can a person with chronic Hepatitis C do to take care of his or her liver? People with chronic Hepatitis C should be monitored regularly by an experienced doctor. They should avoid alcohol because it can cause additional liver damage. They also should check with a health professional before taking any prescription pills, supplements, or over-the-counter medications, as these can potentially damage the liver. If liver damage is present, a person should check with his or her doctor about getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. Vaccination Is there a vaccine that can prevent Hepatitis C? Not yet. Vaccines are available only for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. Research into the development of a vaccine is under way. Hepatitis C and Employment Should a person infected with the Hepatitis C virus be restricted from working in certain jobs or settings?

CDC's recommendations for prevention and control of the Hepatitis C virus infection state that people should not be excluded from work, school, play, child care, or other settings because they have Hepatitis C. There is no evidence that people can get Hepatitis C from food handlers, teachers, or other service providers without blood-to-blood contact. Hepatitis C and Co-infection with HIV What is HIV and Hepatitis C virus coinfection? HIV and Hepatitis C virus coinfection refers to being infected with both HIV and the Hepatitis C virus. Coinfection is more common in persons who inject drugs. In fact, 50%–90% of HIV-infected persons who use injection drugs are also infected with the Hepatitis C virus. To learn more about coinfection, read HIV and Viral Hepatitis [PDF - 2 pages] . Quick Links to Hepatitis ...

Question: Hepatitis is the inflammation of which part of the body?
Answer: Liver