Chronic hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that lasts for more than six months and, in most cases, is caused by the hepatitis B virus. However, chronic hepatitis can also be caused by the hepatitis C and D viruses, consumption excessive alcohol consumption or being a consequence of autoimmune diseases, for example.
Although in most cases, chronic hepatitis does not cause any obvious symptoms, and is often identified during routine examinations, some people may present some symptoms, such as general malaise, decreased appetite or frequent tiredness for no apparent reason.
Still, even if it does not cause symptoms, hepatitis should always be treated, as if it continues to worsen, it can cause more serious complications, such as cirrhosis or liver failure. Therefore, whenever there is a suspicion of a liver problem, it is advisable to consult a hepatologist to assess the presence of a problem and initiate the most appropriate treatment.
Main symptoms
The symptoms of chronic hepatitis are progressive, appearing as liver inflammation occurs, the main ones being:
- Nausea;
- Vomiting;
- Swollen belly;
- Redness in the hands;
- Yellow skin and eyes;
- Constant feeling of general discomfort;
- Decreased appetite;
- Frequent tiredness for no reason;
- Constant low fever;
- Discomfort in the upper right side of the belly.
As symptoms of hepatitis arise as inflammation occurs, it is more common for chronic hepatitis to be identified only during routine blood tests, with changes being noted in the levels of TGP and TGO, gamma-GT (GGT), alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin.
How to confirm the diagnosis
If the doctor suspects chronic hepatitis, in addition to new, more specific blood tests for liver enzymes and antibodies, he or she may also request imaging tests, such as ultrasound or computed tomography.
There are also situations in which a biopsy may be requested, in which a small sample of liver tissue is sent to the laboratory to try to confirm the cause of the hepatitis or to try to understand the level of damage to the liver, helping to better adapt the treatment.
Possible causes of chronic hepatitis
In most cases, chronic hepatitis is caused by an infection with the Hepatitis B virus, however, other relatively common causes include:
- Hepatitis C virus;
- Hepatitis D virus;
- Excessive alcohol consumption;
- Autoimmune diseases.
Although it is rarer, chronic hepatitis can also be caused by the use of some types of medication, especially Isoniazid, Methyldopa or Phenytoin. When this happens, it is usually enough to change the medication for the liver inflammation to improve.
How the treatment is carried out
Treatment for chronic hepatitis depends on the severity of liver damage and its causes. However, it is relatively common for treatment to begin with the use of some type of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms, until the specific cause is known.
Once the cause has been identified, treatment must be appropriate to cure the disease, whenever possible, and prevent complications from arising. Thus, in the case of hepatitis caused by the hepatitis B or C viruses, the doctor may advise the use of some antiviral medicines. If the hepatitis is caused by an autoimmune disease, it is important to start treatment for that disease, and if it is caused due to excess alcohol or the use of medication, their use must be stopped.
At the same time, it may also be necessary to treat some complications that arise with increased inflammation, such as encephalopathy or the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen.
In more serious cases, where liver damage is very advanced, it is usually necessary to have a liver transplant. Understand how the transplant is performed and recovery.
