Hepatitis is a health condition in which the liver gets inflamed. There are different types of hepatitis, including hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. A different virus is responsible for each type of hepatitis. Explained below are ways to diagnose this disease and the treatment methods to cure the various types of hepatitis.

1. Diagnosis of hepatitis
Here are the different ways to check for hepatitis:

• Physical examination and history

While conducting a physical examination, the doctor may press the abdomen down in a gentle manner to check if there is any tenderness or pain. He may also wish to check if the liver has become larger. If the eyes or skin is yellow, the doctor will take note of the same during the physical test. The doctor will also consider the patient’s health history to identify any risk factors associated with non-infectious or infectious hepatitis.

• Liver function tests

These tests involve using samples of blood to understand how efficiently the liver functions. Unusual results found in these tests indicate an issue, especially if the patient does not show any symptoms during a physical test. High liver enzyme levels may indicate that the liver is not functioning in a proper manner, is damaged, or is stressed.

• Ultrasound

An abdominal ultrasound makes use of ultrasound waves to form a picture of the organs inside the abdomen. With this test, the doctor can closely view the liver and adjacent organs. An ultrasound can help show the abnormalities of the gallbladder, liver tumors, liver enlargement or damage, and fluid in the abdomen.

2, Treatments for various types of hepatitis

• Hepatitis A

Usually, this form of hepatitis does not need any treatment as the illness lasts for a short duration. If the symptoms result in discomfort, the doctor might suggest bed rest. The patient must follow the doctor’s instructions for adequate and appropriate nutrition and hydration if he/she experiences diarrhea or vomiting.

• Hepatitis B

There is no particular treatment required for acute hepatitis B. Antiviral medications can be used to treat chronic hepatitis B. This kind of treatment can be expensive and needs to be continued for many months or years. Moreover, treatment for chronic hepatitis B call for regular medical monitoring and evaluations to identify whether the virus is responding to the treatment.

• Hepatitis C

Antiviral medications are used to treat both chronic and acute types of hepatitis C. Patients suffering from chronic hepatitis C are treated with antiviral drug therapy combinations. They may require further testing to identify the best type of treatment. People who get a liver disease or cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis C may need to undergo a liver transplant.

• Hepatitis D

A drug named “alpha interferon” can help treat hepatitis D. However, it only shows improvement in approximately 25 to 30% of patients.

• Hepatitis E

Currently, there are no particular medical therapies to treat this type of hepatitis, as it is an acute infection and settles on its own. Patients with this type need to avoid alcohol consumption, take sufficient rest, get plenty of nutrients, and consume fluids.