Chronic Hepatitis Treatment Cost in Pune: Dr. Abhishek Yadav

Dr. Abhishek Yadav

Treatment Overview

Hepatitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the liver tissue which manifests in several forms, including hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. It can have a wide range of causes. The distinction between acute and chronic hepatitis helps to manage the disease accordingly. If the body is unable to get rid of the virus after six months, it is diagnosed as chronic hepatitis.

Over 1.1 million people worldwide pass away each year from complications related to their hepatitis, including liver cancer and liver cirrhosis, and an estimated 354 million people worldwide are living with chronic hepatitis B and C. A number of people who get infected with hepatitis remain unaware of it, which is why it is designated as the ‘silent killer'. Antiviral medications can treat chronic hepatitis B and cure the majority of hepatitis C cases, while safe and effective vaccinations can prevent hepatitis B. However, access to timely and accurate testing is necessary to achieve these hepatitis free outcomes and eradicate it as a threat to overall public health.

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Causes of Chronic Hepatitis

Chronic hepatitis happens due to both infectious and non-infectious causes:

Infectious causes

Viral infections are the most common causes of chronic hepatitis. These are:

Hepatitis B & C: In many cases, the infected individual is not aware of any early symptoms or the patient chose to avoid seeking medical attention because the symptoms seemed so minor. This is particularly valid for long-term hepatitis C. Due to the continuous destruction of liver cells and the resulting scarring, both types may eventually result in certain serious complications of cirrhosis, possibly within ten or more years. Liver cancer occurs in a small percentage of cirrhosis patients over time.
Hepatitis D: Only those who have previously contracted hepatitis B are susceptible to hepatitis D, which typically causes an active hepatitis flare.

Non-infectious causes

Chronic hepatitis may also happen due to non-infective causes:

Alcohol: Chronic hepatitis can be caused by habit of excessive alcohol intake, particularly if it is coupled with poor nutrition. Furthermore, even a moderate alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis from any other cause (particularly hepatitis C).
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH is one of the relatively common causes of long-standing liver inflammation. Fat accumulation and active liver tissue damage is the hallmark of NASH. Most people do not exhibit any symptoms. It is typically detected when liver enzyme levels are found to be higher than normal during a routine blood test.
Autoimmune hepatitis: When the immune system unintentionally kills the body's own liver cells is called autoimmune hepatitis. The triggering causes of this hepatitis is not unknown. It's a degenerative condition that may lead to cirrhosis if left untreated. It may manifest along with other autoimmune diseases, like Sjögren's syndrome and autoimmune haemolytic anemia. Although it can affect people of all ages, young women are the ones who are most frequently affected by autoimmune hepatitis.

Certain rare but inherited metabolic disorders

May also cause chronic hepatitis, such as:

Wilson's disease
Hemochromatosis

Drug Induced Hepatitis

Chronic hepatitis is another side effect of certain drugs. However, prevalence of such hepatitis is rare. When patients are prescribed medications that are known to cause hepatitis, periodic blood tests are necessary. Early liver inflammation can be reversed when the medication is stopped.

Dr. Abhishek Yadav

Symptoms of Chronic Hepatitis

Chronic hepatitis typically shows no symptoms initially. Fatigue is the most common complaint from those who exhibit symptoms. Fatigue worsens more during the day, and may become debilitating. Other commonly occurring symptoms may include:

Dull pain or discomfort in upper abdomen
Poor appetite
Nausea
Body aches

People may develop more symptoms if their chronic hepatitis gets worse. These are:

Dark urine
Jaundice or yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes
Easy bruising & spontaneous bleeding
Swelling in abdomen
Weakness in muscles
Confusion that may manifest in coma

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Diagnosis of Chronic Hepatitis

Chronic hepatitis generally gets identified during a routine blood test because it rarely exhibits any early symptoms. Your doctor may check you for jaundice, tenderness in the abdomen (particularly in the right upper corner above the liver), and visible signs of fluid retention in the abdomen during liver failure if you are suspected to have chronic hepatitis. The blood tests are performed to measure following:

Liver enzymes that are indicative of liver inflammation
Bile duct enzymes
High bilirubin levels
Protein levels
Clotting factors

Causes of Chronic Hepatitis

Blood tests for hepatitis B and C as well as for antibodies that indicate autoimmune hepatitis will be performed if these tests reveal evidence of liver inflammation. Your doctor will examine any current or past medication regimens to see if they may be contributing to your chronic hepatitis. Additional blood tests will be ordered to look for unusual causes if the cause is still unknown. To determine the size of the liver, a computed tomography (CT) scan or ultrasound may be performed. The presence of scarred liver tissue is indicative of cirrhosis. A liver biopsy is advised in certain cases. A biopsy involves taking a tiny sample of tissue from your liver, which is then examined under a microscope for detailed investigation for:

Cause of the chronic hepatitis
Severity of the inflammation
Extent of scarring
Severity & type of liver damage

With the use of this information, a liver surgery specialist in Pune, India can evaluate your risk of developing liver failure and cirrhosis as well as decide on the best course of treatment. A liver biopsy can also be used to screen for other conditions like fatty liver or alcohol-related liver damage.

Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis

Treatment for chronic hepatitis is intended to prevent liver failure and cirrhosis as well as to stop the disease from getting worse.
Antiviral drugs are used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B and C. The success rates of the novel drugs are really high.
Vaccinations can be done to prevent hepatitis A and B infections if you have hepatitis C
Total abstinence from alcohol is the treatment for alcoholic hepatitis.
Individuals with NASH typically need to increase their exercise and lose weight.
Furthermore, a large number of NASH patients have high blood sugar levels and frequently develop type 2 diabetes. Maintaining appropriate blood sugar regulation can aid in reducing hepatic inflammation and fatty buildup.
In the event that you already exhibit signs of cirrhosis, you should get an endoscopy to check for esophageal varices, which are enlarged veins in the esophagus that have the potential for fatal bleeding. An endoscope (flexible viewing tube) is put into your esophagus through your mouth during an endoscopy.
Additionally, to check for liver cancer early on, you should undergo routine screenings with an ultrasound study and an alpha fetoprotein blood test.
For autoimmune chronic hepatitis, corticosteroids and other immune-suppressive drugs like azathioprine are the mainstay of care. These medications typically improve survival, lessen liver inflammation, and minimize symptoms.
The focus of treatment for the less common types of chronic hepatitis is on the underlying illness. Chronic hepatitis caused by medication requires stopping or switching the medication.
In the event that liver failure or cirrhosis occur, a liver transplant might be required.
Avoiding alcohol and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help prevent further liver damage if you have chronic hepatitis. Talk to your doctor about your possible acetaminophen dosage. Keep in mind that acetaminophen is also an ingredient in some cold remedies and pain relievers.
Living a healthy lifestyle is crucial for those who have chronic hepatitis. A healthy diet and level of physical fitness can help you combat fatigue and enhance your general well-being. If you tend to retain fluid due to cirrhosis, you might need to cut back on your salt intake.
Additionally, before taking any additional medications, prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal, always consult your doctor. It's possible that your damaged liver can't detoxify these.

Conclusion

Over the past few years, there has been a significant improvement in the prognosis for chronic hepatitis. In fact, many people can now be cured of hepatitis C. The severity of the illness and how well a patient responds to treatment determine the chance of developing cirrhosis. The prognosis is also influenced by age, other medical conditions, the type of virus, and alcohol consumption. Liver cancer risk is increased in individuals with cirrhosis. Early detection is improved with periodic screening that includes a liver ultrasound and blood tests. Talk to your doctor if you suspect symptoms associated with hepatitis immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is there a cure for alcoholic hepatitis?

A: Liver scarring is irreversible. However, the liver can frequently reverse some of the effects of alcohol so that you can lead a normal life. You might receive outpatient care or be admitted to the hospital. Alcohol-related hepatitis cannot be cured with medication.

Q2: How long can someone with alcoholic hepatitis survive?

A: While complete alcohol cessation is often effective in treating mild to moderate forms of acute alcoholic hepatitis. But patients with severe acute alcoholic hepatitis have a poor prognosis.

Q3: Is hepatitis caused by alcohol reversible?

A: If alcohol consumption persists, alcoholic hepatitis typically develops into cirrhosis. Hepatitis returns to normal in a few months for those who stop drinking, but the cirrhosis that has already set in does not go away.

Q4: What is the initial phase of hepatitis caused by alcohol?

A: The first phase is characterized by the buildup of fat within the liver cells, which is also referred to as fatty liver or steatosis. Alcohol use can occasionally result in alcoholic hepatitis if it continues past this point.

Q5: What are the effects of End-stage alcoholic hepatitis?

A: Alcohol consumption may result in hepatitis or liver edema and inflammation. This can eventually result in liver cirrhosis, the last stage of alcoholic liver disease. The cirrhosis results in irreversible damage.

Chronic Hepatitis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Dr. Abhishek Yadav

Treatment Overview

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