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Cures for Hepatitis

Hepatitis is the common term for five specific viral infections that cause inflammation of the liver. Depending on the form of the disease involved, the effects of the illness are either short-term or chronic, with potential consequences that range from mild inconvenience to fatality. Cures for hepatitis vary with the particular virus involved, and some types may be prevented altogether through timely vaccination.

  1. Hepatitis A

    • Hepatitis A is a form of the disease spread most commonly through fecal contamination of food or water sources. It is also contracted, infrequently, through contact with contaminated blood. There is no specific cure for hepatitis A, and if you contract the disease, treatment will focus on ensuring you receive adequate nutrition and rest. Your liver function will also be monitored. As with all forms of hepatitis, tell your doctor about any drugs you may be taking and avoid drinking alcohol. Hepatitis A does not develop into chronic illness, and cases of the disease typically resolve on their own in a few weeks.

    Hepatitis B

    • Hepatitis B is a more serious form of the disease, and can develop into a chronic condition. Possible results of chronic illness include liver disease and liver cancer. If you are an adult, hepatitis B infection is usually short-term (acute), and even serious cases tend to resolve on their own. Chronic infections more frequently afflict children. Chronic hepatitis B cannot be cured, but treatments to limit the effects of the disease have been developed. If you or your child have this disease, you may receive any one of a number of antiviral compounds, as well the drugs alpha interferon and peginterferon.

    Hepatitis C

    • Hepatitis C is most commonly spread through contact with infected blood, and can also be contracted through sexual contact or during childbirth. Some cases of this disease are acute, but most often it results in chronic illness. Chronic cases are treated with peginterferon combined with ribavirin, an antiviral compound. If you have an acute case of hepatitis C that does not improve after several months, you may also be treated with these medications.

    Hepatitis D

    • Hepatitis D only occurs if you are either simultaneously or previously infected with hepatitis B. It is usually acute, but chronic hepatitis D is a potentially serious ailment that may worsen hepatitis B's effects. Acute cases typically resolve themselves in several weeks, but chronic cases must be treated. Potential medications include pegylated interferon and alpha interferon.

    Hepatitis E

    • Hepatitis E (like hepatitis D) is uncommon in the U.S. It is spread through fecal contamination, and does not develop into chronic illness. Treatment for hepatitis E centers on support of the body during the disease process, and your symptoms will usually resolve in a number of weeks or months.

    Vaccination

    • Prevention through vaccination is a significant factor in hepatitis treatment. Effective vaccines currently exist for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Experts recommend hepatitis A vaccination for all people over the age of 1. Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for infants, children, teenagers and at-risk adults. Consult your doctor for details of vaccination, and for a full explanation of the risk factors involved in contracting hepatitis.

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