Hepatitis refers to an inflammatory condition of the liver. It is usually the result of a viral infection, but there are other possible causes of hepatitis. These include autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis that occur as a second side effect of drugs, drugs, poisons, and alcohol. Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease that occurs when your body makes antibodies against the tissues of your liver. The five main stages of hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. A different virus is responsible for each type of hepatitis B virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 354 million people currently live with chronic hepatitis B and C worldwide. Hepatitis A; hepatitis A is the result of a hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection. This type of hepatitis is a serious, temporary disease. Hepatitis B; hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes hepatitis B. This is usually a chronic, incurable condition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there are an estimated 826,000 people living with chronic hepatitis B in the United States and an estimated 257 million people worldwide. Hepatitis C; hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV is one of the most common viral infections in the United States and often presents as a chronic condition. According to the CDC, about 2.4 million Americans currently live with the incurable disease of this infection. Hepatitis D; this is a rare form of hepatitis B disease that only occurs in conjunction with hepatitis B. The hepatitis D virus (HDV) causes inflammation of the liver as in other types, but one cannot get HDV without existing hepatitis B infection. Globally, HDV affects about 5 percent of the most reliable source of people with chronic hepatitis B. Hepatitis E; hepatitis E is a waterborne disease caused by exposure to the hepatitis E virus (HEV). Hepatitis E is most common in areas where poor sanitation is often caused by eating sewage that contaminates water supply. The disease is rarely a Reliable Source in the United States, according to the CDC. Hepatitis E is usually severe but can be especially dangerous for pregnant women. How hepatitis is diagnosed? It is important to understand what causes hepatitis so that you can treat it properly. Doctors will progress with a series of tests to accurately diagnose your condition. History and physical examination; to diagnose all types of hepatitis, your doctor will first take your history to determine any risk factors you may have. During a physical examination, your doctor may gently press down on your abdomen to detect any signs of pain or tenderness. Your doctor may also check for any inflammation of the liver and any yellow aging on your eyes or skin. Liver function tests; liver function tests use blood samples to determine how effective your liver is. The unusual results of these tests may be the first indication that there is a problem, especially if you do not show any symptoms in a physical examination for liver disease. High liver enzyme levels may indicate that your liver is under stress, damaged, or malfunctioning. Another blood test; if your liver function tests are abnormal, your doctor will likely order another blood test to determine the source of the problem. This test can determine, if you have infectious hepatitis by looking at the presence of hepatitis B virus or antibodies produced by your body to fight it. Doctors can also use blood tests to diagnose any symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis. Liver biopsy; When you diagnose hepatitis, doctors will re-examine your liver for possible damage. Liver biopsy is a procedure that involves taking a tissue sample from your liver. A medical professional may take this sample from your skin with a needle, which means that there is no need for surgery. They will usually use an ultrasound scan to get guidance during the procedure. This test allows your doctor to determine how an infection or inflammation has affected your liver. Ultrasound; abdominal ultrasound uses ultrasound waves to create an image of the internal organs of your abdomen. These tests allow your doctor to monitor your liver and nearby organs. It can produce fluid in your stomach, liver damage or enlargement and abnormalities of your gallbladder. Sometimes the pancreas is exposed to ultrasound images. This can be a helpful test to find out the cause of your abnormal liver function.
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