Treatment of liver(hepatitis)

Granulomatous hepatitis is a condition in which abnormal collections of white blood cells collect in the liver.

Fortunately, most people recover completely from hepatitis A, E and nonviral hepatitis. Mild flare-ups may occur over a period of several months with viral hepatitis. 
Each flare-up is usually less severe than the initial attack, and a relapse does not necessarily indicate that complete recovery will not take place.

Unfortunately, hepatitis B, C and D can linger in the body, producing chronic, perhaps lifelong, infection. Additionally, carriers of the hepatitis virus can infect others, even though they feel perfectly well. 

They may face risks of liver disease (cirrhosis and liver cancer) in the future.

Symptoms of Hepatitis

Hepatitis produces an initial acute phase, often with few if any symptoms. If there are symptoms, they tend to mimic "flu-like" symptoms such as:

• mild fever
• muscle or joint aches
• nausea
• vomiting
• loss of appetite
• slight abdominal pain
• diarrhea
• fatigue

The acute phase and its symptoms is rarely serious or fatal, although occasionally a so-called fulminant or rapidly progressing form leads to death.

As the condition worsens, the person also may experience these additional symptoms:

• jaundice (yellowed skin, mucous membranes and eye-whites)
• dark urine
• light colored stools that may contain pus
• itching
• enlarged spleen (symptom of alcoholic hepatitis only)
• hives
• headache (symptom of toxic/drug-induced hepatitis only)
• dizziness (symptom of toxic/drug-induced hepatitis only)
• drowsiness (symptom of toxic/drug-induced hepatitis only)
• circulation problems (symptom of toxic/drug-induced hepatitis only)

The course of the hepatitis and the different outcomes after the acute phase that distinguish the various types.

Diagnosis of Hepatitis

The doctor will take a thorough medical history with emphasis on the patient�s medications, alcohol consumption, previous surgeries and sexual activity. He or she may palpate the area over the liver to check for tenderness or enlargement.

If the skin becomes jaundiced and the person is exhibiting other symptoms of hepatitis, the doctor will do various lab tests, such as blood tests and liver panel tests. Additional lab tests include the antibody tests (ELISA II, RIBA II) and thehepatitis C RNA test via PCR technology for diagnosis of hepatitis C only.

If needed, the doctor may also perform a liver biopsy where a small portion of the liver would be taken for further examination under a microscope.

Treatment of Hepatitis

There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. The doctor will recommend the abstinence of alcohol and drugs during recovery. Most cases of hepatitis A resolve themselves spontaneously.

The only treatment for hepatitis B is rest, combined with a high protein/high carbohydrate diet to repair damaged liver cells and protect the liver. If hepatitis B persists, the doctor may recommend an antiviral agent called interferon.

The only approved treatment for hepatitis C virus, and the only one with demonstrated efficacy, is interferon alfa-2b (Intron A).

Currently, there is not effective treatment for hepatitis D and E.

For treatment of nonviral hepatitis, the doctor will first remove the harmful substance by flushing out the stomach via inducing vomiting or hyperventilation. If necessary, the patient with drug-induced hepatitis will be treated with corticosteroids.

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