Hepatitis D – What it is, Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
Hepatitis D – What it is, Causes, Symptoms and Treatments that we should be aware of . In addition, hepatitis D , also known as the delta virus , is an infection that causes the liver to become inflamed.
This swelling can impair liver function and cause long-term liver problems, including liver scarring and cancer .
The condition is caused by the hepatitis D virus ( HDV ). HDV is contracted through direct contact with infected blood. Hepatitis D is a rare form of hepatitis that only occurs in conjunction with hepatitis B infection . The hepatitis D virus can not multiply without the presence of hepatitis B.
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Hepatitis D contamination can occur through sexual intercourse without condoms, sharing intimate objects such as razors, epilators and toothbrushes, blood transfusion and breastfeeding.
Pregnant women can also contaminate the baby with the virus . HDV is one of the many forms of hepatitis. Other types include:
- Hepatitis A , which is transmitted through direct contact with feces or indirect fecal contamination of food or water
- Hepatitis B , which is spread through exposure to body fluids, including blood, urine, and semen
- Hepatitis C , which is spread by exposure to blood or contaminated needles
- Hepatitis E , which is a short-term, self-resolving version of hepatitis transmitted through indirect fecal contamination of food or water
Hepatitis D can be acute or chronic. Acute hepatitis D occurs suddenly and typically causes more severe symptoms. It can disappear on its own.
If the infection lasts for six months longer, the condition is known as chronic hepatitis D. The long-term version of the infection develops gradually over time. The virus can be present in the body for several months before symptoms occur.
As chronic hepatitis D progresses, the chances of complications increase. Many people with the condition potentially develop cirrhosis or severe scarring of the liver .
There is currently no cure or vaccine for hepatitis D , but it can be prevented in people who are not already infected with hepatitis B. Treatment can also help prevent liver failure when the condition is caught early.
Hepatitis D Symptoms : Hepatitis B and Hepatitis D symptoms are similar, so it can be difficult to determine which disease is causing your symptoms. In some cases, hepatitis D can make hepatitis symptoms worse. Hepatitis D does not always cause symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they usually include:
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes, which is called jaundice
- joint pain
- abdominal pain
- vomit
- loss of appetite
- dark urine
- fatigue
Causes of Hepatitis D: Hepatitis D is caused by HDV . The infection is contagious and spread through direct contact with the body fluids of an infected person. It can be transmitted via:
Once you have hepatitis D , you can infect others before your symptoms even appear. However, you can only get hepatitis D if you already have hepatitis B.
Treatment For Hepatitis D: There are no known treatments for hepatitis D. acute or chronic. Unlike other forms of hepatitis , antiviral drugs do not appear to be very effective in treating HDV .
You may be given large doses of a drug called interferon for up to 12 months. Interferon is a type of protein that can stop the virus from spreading and lead to disease remission. However, even after treatment, people with hepatitis D can still test positive for the virus . This means that it is still important to use preventative measures to prevent transmission. You should also remain proactive by watching for recurring symptoms.
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If you have cirrhosis or other liver damage , you may need a liver transplant . A liver transplant is a major surgical operation that involves removing the damaged liver and replacing it with a healthy liver from a donor. In cases where a liver transplant is needed , approximately 78% of people live five years or more after the operation.