Acute hepatitis is defined as an inflammation of the liver that, in most cases, begins suddenly and lasts only a few weeks. There are several causes of hepatitis, including viral infections, drug use, alcoholism, or immune disorders.
Despite the various causes, symptoms in acute hepatitis are generally similar, including discomfort, headache, fatigue, lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, yellow skin and eyes. Generally, this inflammation progresses slightly, with cure after a few weeks or months, however, some cases may become severe and progress to death.
- Therefore.
- It is always necessary that in the presence of symptoms suggestive of hepatitis.
- The person undergoes a medical assessment.
- Clinical assessment and request for tests.
- Such as the measurement of liver enzymes (ALAT and AST) and an abdominal ultrasound.
- Treatment includes rest.
- Hydration and medication use in specific cases.
- Depending on the cause.
Although they may vary by cause, the main symptoms of hepatitis are
A few days after the onset of discomfort, in some cases, a yellow color may appear on the skin and eyes called jaundice, with or without itching on the skin, dark urine and whitish stools. Subsequently, it is common to follow a recovery period, with decreased signs and symptoms, evolving frequently to cure the disease.
In some cases, the inflammatory process of hepatitis can take more than 6 months and develop into chronic hepatitis. Learn more about chronic hepatitis.
Although not common, all acute hepatitis can become severe, especially if they are not detected in time and when treatment does not start properly. If hepatitis worsens, it can compromise the functioning of the liver and bile ducts, increasing the risk of bleeding, interfering with protein production or immune system functioning, and can affect the functioning of other organs in the body.
In addition, during the acute phase of hepatitis, there may be acute liver failure, which must be diagnosed early as rapid therapeutic interventions, such as liver transplantation, may be necessary.
Acute fulminant hepatitis is also known as acute liver failure and occurs only in rare cases of hepatitis that progress very intensely and impair the body’s overall metabolism. It is one of the most serious liver diseases and can die in 70 to 90% of patients, with an increased risk depending on age.
The initial symptoms of fulminant hepatitis are the same as those of common hepatitis, adding the presence of dark urine, yellow eyes, sleep disturbances, inaccurate voice, mental confusion and slow thinking, with risk of complications such as multiorgan failure. . These complications can lead to death, and it is very important to seek medical attention as long as symptoms indicate the onset of this disease. Learn more about the causes and treatment of fulminant hepatitis.
The main causes of acute hepatitis include
In addition, there is transinfectic hepatitis, which is caused by infections that do not occur directly in the liver, but accompany serious generalized infections, such as sepsis.
Assista ao vídeo seguinte, à conversa entre a nutricionista Tatiana Zanin e o Dr. Drauzio Varella sobre como prevenir e tratar alguns tipos de hepatite:
To confirm acute hepatitis, in addition to analyzing the clinical picture and symptoms presented by the person, your doctor may order tests that can detect liver tissue lesions or alterations in liver and bile duct function, such as aminotransfer alanine (ALT, formerly known as TGP), aminotransfer aspartate (AST), formerly known as TGO. , GT range, alkaline phosphatase, bilibins, albumin and coagulogram.
In addition, imaging tests may be needed to look at the appearance of the liver, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, and if the diagnosis is not cleared up, a liver biopsy may even be performed.Learn more about liver tests.