Hepatitis is a serious health condition, but it does not always make itself known through obvious symptoms. The two types of Hepatitis, A and B, have specific differences that are important to identify in order to seek proper treatment. Timely testing and medical treatment is critical to protecting your health for the future.
What Is Hepatitis?
In general, hepatitis is defined as inflammation of the liver. Some cases of hepatitis are short lived, but others develop chronically over months or years. Viruses, alcoholism, and certain medications are all linked to the development of hepatitis.
Symptoms and Treatment for Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is caused by a virus that spreads through the fecal-oral route. Infected people shed a large quantity of the virus in their stool, which makes it all too easy to spread to others through shaking hands, turning door knobs, answering the phone, and touching other common surfaces.
The most common symptoms of Hepatitis A include the following:
- Nausea
- Poor Appetite
- Abdominal Pain
- Fatigue
- Dark Urine
A blood test is needed to identify hepatitis A, but no specific treatment exists. Instead, the body needs time to recover from the virus on its own. In most cases, the liver can recover in six months with no lasting damage.
Symptoms and Treatment for Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B differs from hepatitis A because it is considered a more serious infection that lasts chronically and increases the risk of liver failure, liver cancer, and permanent scarring of the liver. Though a vaccine can prevent hepatitis B, nothing can cure it once it develops. Symptoms include the following:
- Abdominal pain
- Dark urine
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of eyes
If you suspect you have an STD, get tested immediately so you can seek proper treatment. Call (631) 357-3332 now to schedule your lab test at 24-7 Labs in Tampa, Florida.
