Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis B and C typically have long incubation times (up to 6 months) and relatively asymptomatic acute courses. These factors can make early diagnosis difficult. Chronic cases exhibit a variety of potential symptoms as described below. Coinfection with both hepatitis B and C also sometimes happens.
Coinfection with HIV is also a common finding in hepatitis diagnosis. All patients with a diagnosis of hepatitis should be screened for HIV. Fortunately, some of the treatments for hepatitis can also treat HIV, and our ID specialists have expertise in treating both types of viruses.
Hospitals have had hepatitis outbreaks as documented by the CDC. Due to long incubation times, mild acute course, and irregular reporting, the actual number of outbreaks is probably much higher than recorded.
Risk factors for hepatitis include:
- Injection drug use
- Unprotected sex
- Blood exposure to infected blood (through needle sticks or mucosal membrane exposure, such as via the mouth, nose, or urethra)
Symptoms of Hepatitis:
- Abdominal pain and bloating
- Nausea
- Achy muscles and joints
- Loss of appetite and fatigue
- Mild fever
- Loose stool or constipation
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
- Brown or orange urine
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
Treatment for hepatitis can vary by virus type (genotype), pre-existing medical conditions, results of several lab studies obtained before treatment, chronicity of the infection, presence of cirrhosis (liver scarring), and other factors. Our providers have expertise in evidence-based protocols for both simple and complicated hepatitis cases.
If you would like to learn more about how IDS specialists can help you or your hospital facility with diagnosing and treating hepatitis, request an appointment today online or call (833) 967-2464.
