Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a liver condition that can have a significant impact on your overall health. At North Shore Gastroenterology, our specialists are dedicated to helping individuals understand their diagnosis, protect their liver function, and navigate the path to recovery with expert guidance.

A medical illustration of the liver showing signs of inflammation and damage caused by hepatitis

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, a vital organ responsible for processing nutrients, filtering blood, and fighting infections. When the liver becomes inflamed or damaged, its ability to function properly can be impaired.

While many people associate hepatitis with a viral infection, it can also be caused by heavy alcohol use, toxins, certain medications, and autoimmune conditions. Hepatitis can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).

Chronic hepatitis progresses slowly and may not cause symptoms for years, but it can eventually lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver failure, or liver cancer.

Common Types and Causes

Several factors can trigger hepatitis, including:

  • Hepatitis A: Typically contracted through contaminated food or water. It is usually an acute, short-term illness.
  • Hepatitis B: Transmitted through contact with infectious body fluids. It can become a chronic condition.
  • Hepatitis C: Transmitted through direct contact with infected blood. It frequently becomes a long-term, chronic infection.
  • Hepatitis E: Typically spread through contaminated drinking water and is more common in regions with poor sanitation.

Autoimmune hepatitis is a condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks liver cells.

This form of hepatitis results from excessive alcohol consumption, leading to liver inflammation.

This type of hepatitis can be caused by exposure to certain toxins, chemicals, or medications.

Symptoms of Hepatitis

Symptoms can vary greatly depending on the cause and whether the infection is acute or chronic. In many chronic cases, symptoms may not appear until liver damage has occurred.

Common signs of hepatitis include:

  • Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.
  • Fatigue: Persistent tiredness or weakness.
  • Abdominal Pain: Discomfort or pain in the upper right side of the abdomen.
  • Dark Urine: Urine that looks brownish or tea colored.
  • Pale Stool: Stools that are clay colored.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Loss of appetite.

Diagnosing Hepatitis

Early diagnosis is crucial for preventing long-term liver damage. Because symptoms can be vague, specific testing is often required to confirm the presence of hepatitis and identify its type.

Diagnostic evaluations typically include:

A series of blood tests can check liver function (liver enzymes), detect specific viruses, and identify antibodies that indicate an autoimmune cause.

Ultrasound, CT scans, or MRIs may be used to look for inflammation or tumors in the liver.

In some cases, a small sample of tissue is removed from the liver to determine the extent of inflammation and scarring.

Treatment and Management of Hepatitis

Treatment for hepatitis depends entirely on the underlying cause. Our goal at North Shore Gastroenterology is to reduce inflammation, clear viral infections where possible, and manage symptoms to prevent further liver damage.

Acute cases may only require rest and hydration. Chronic viral hepatitis (like Hep B and Hep C) is often treated with antiviral medications. Hepatitis C is now curable in most cases with modern oral therapies.

Typically managed with medications that suppress the immune system, such as corticosteroids.

Regardless of the type, protecting your liver is essential. This includes avoiding alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and being cautious with medications that affect the liver.

Schedule a Consultation in Westlake or Brooklyn, OH

Your liver health is essential to your overall well-being. At North Shore Gastroenterology, our expert team can provide the expert diagnosis and supportive care you need.

Contact us today at (440) 808-1212 or request an appointment online to schedule a visit.