- 1. Hepatitis A
- 2. Hepatitis B
- Preventive treatment after exposure to the virus
- Treatment for acute hepatitis B
- Treatment for chronic hepatitis B
- 3. Hepatitis C
- 4. Autoimmune hepatitis
- 5. Alcoholic hepatitis
The treatment for hepatitis depends on the type of hepatitis that the person has, as well as the signs, symptoms and evolution of the disease, which can be done with medication, lifestyle changes or in more severe chaos, it may be necessary to perform a transplant. liver.
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, which can be caused by viruses, medications or due to an over-reaction of the immune system. Learn all about hepatitis.
1. Hepatitis A
There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. Generally, the body eliminates the virus that causes hepatitis alone without the need for medication.
So, it is very important to rest as long as possible, because this disease leaves the person more tired and with less energy, control the nausea characteristic of this type of infection, eating more meals, but with less amount in each one and drinking a lot water to prevent dehydration that can occur during periods of vomiting.
In addition, the consumption of alcohol and medication should be avoided as much as possible, as these substances overload the liver and hinder the cure of the disease.
2. Hepatitis B
Treatment for hepatitis B depends on the stage of the disease:
Preventive treatment after exposure to the virus
If the person knows that they have been exposed to the hepatitis B virus and are not sure if they have been vaccinated, they should see the doctor as soon as possible, in order to prescribe an injection of immunoglobulins, which must be administered within a period of 12 hours after exposure to the virus, which can help prevent the disease from developing.
In addition, if the person has not yet received the hepatitis B vaccine, it should be done simultaneously with the injection of antibodies.
Treatment for acute hepatitis B
If the doctor diagnoses acute hepatitis B, it means that it is short-lived and that it cures on its own and therefore no treatment may be necessary. However, in severe cases, the doctor may advise treatment with antiviral drugs or there may be cases where hospitalization is recommended.
In addition, it is important for the person to rest, eat properly and drink plenty of fluids.
Treatment for chronic hepatitis B
Most people diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B need treatment for life, which will help to reduce the risk of liver disease and prevent transmission of the disease to others.
Treatment includes antiviral drugs such as entecavir, tenofovir, lamivudine, adefovir and telbivudine, which help fight the virus and decrease its ability to damage the liver, injections of interferon alfa 2A, which help fight infection and in more cases You may need to have a liver transplant.
Learn more about human interferon alfa 2A.
3. Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C can also be treated with antiviral drugs, such as ribavirin associated with human interferon alfa 2A, in order to eliminate the virus completely within a maximum of 12 weeks after completing treatment. See more about ribavirin.
The most recent treatments include antivirals such as simeprevir, sofosbuvir or daclatasvir, which can be associated with other medications.
If a person develops serious complications from chronic hepatitis C, it may be necessary to have a liver transplant. Even so, the transplant does not cure hepatitis C, because the infection can come back and therefore treatment with antiviral drugs should be carried out, in order to prevent damage to the new liver.
4. Autoimmune hepatitis
To prevent damage to the liver or decrease the activity of the immune system on it, drugs that reduce its activity should be used. Generally, treatment with prednisone is performed and then azathioprine can be added.
When medications are not sufficient to prevent the development of the disease, or when the person suffers from cirrhosis or liver failure, it may be necessary to have a liver transplant.
5. Alcoholic hepatitis
If the person has alcoholic hepatitis, they should immediately stop drinking alcohol and never drink again. In addition, the doctor can advise an adapted diet to correct nutritional problems that can be caused by the disease.
The doctor may also recommend medications that reduce inflammation of the liver such as corticosteroids and pentoxifylline. In more severe cases, a liver transplant may be necessary.
Watch the following video, the conversation between nutritionist Tatiana Zanin and Dr. Drauzio Varella, about how transmission occurs and how to prevent hepatitis:
