Anon - Hepatitis A and C are both infections caused by viruses that attack the liver. These conditions can be managed and, with treatment, you are not likely to die. What you do need to do is to learn about the causes, diagnostic processes and treatment options before you go to the doctor so that you know what to expect and how these conditions are typically treated.
Hepatitis A is highly contagious. There are no specific treatments.The goals of hepatitis A treatments are to:
* Keep the patient as comfortable as possible
* Prevent the infection from being passed to others
* Prevent more liver damage by helping the patient avoid substances (eg, medications, alcohol) which might stress the liver while it's healing
The disease will usually go away without treatment within 2 to 5 weeks. About 15% of people who are infected by hepatitis A will have relapsing symptoms. This can happen for up to 9 months. In almost all cases, once you recover, there are no lasting effects. You will also be immune to the virus. In rare cases, the infection is very severe. A liver transplant may be needed.
Hepatitis C is usually treated with combined therapy, consisting of :
* Interferon—given by injection
* Ribavirin —given orally
These medications can cause difficult side effects. They also have limited success rates.
In unsuccessful cases, chronic hepatitis C can cause cirrhosis (scarring) and serious liver damage. A liver transplant may be needed.
You can find more information on each condition by doing a search for them on our site, and you can also find comprehensive information here:
Hepatitis A - http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hepatitis-a/DS00397
Hepatitis C - http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hepatitis-c/DS00097
I hope you will see your doctor soon. Good luck!
Pat
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Anon - Hepatitis A and C are both infections caused by viruses that attack the liver. These conditions can be managed and, with treatment, you are not likely to die. What you do need to do is to learn about the causes, diagnostic processes and treatment options before you go to the doctor so that you know what to expect and how these conditions are typically treated.
Hepatitis A is highly contagious. There are no specific treatments.The goals of hepatitis A treatments are to:
* Keep the patient as comfortable as possible
* Prevent the infection from being passed to others
* Prevent more liver damage by helping the patient avoid substances (eg, medications, alcohol) which might stress the liver while it's healing
The disease will usually go away without treatment within 2 to 5 weeks. About 15% of people who are infected by hepatitis A will have relapsing symptoms. This can happen for up to 9 months. In almost all cases, once you recover, there are no lasting effects. You will also be immune to the virus. In rare cases, the infection is very severe. A liver transplant may be needed.
Hepatitis C is usually treated with combined therapy, consisting of :
* Interferon—given by injection
* Ribavirin —given orally
These medications can cause difficult side effects. They also have limited success rates.
In unsuccessful cases, chronic hepatitis C can cause cirrhosis (scarring) and serious liver damage. A liver transplant may be needed.
You can find more information on each condition by doing a search for them on our site, and you can also find comprehensive information here:
Hepatitis A - http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hepatitis-a/DS00397
Hepatitis C - http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hepatitis-c/DS00097
I hope you will see your doctor soon. Good luck!
November 24, 2010 - 6:15pmPat
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