Contents:
- Medical Video: Hepatitis A and B | Nucleus Health
- What causes hepatitis D?
- Who is at high risk for hepatitis D infection?
- What are the signs and symptoms of hepatitis D?
- What are the complications of hepatitis D that might occur?
- How do doctors diagnose hepatitis D?
- What are the available hepatitis D treatments?
- Can transmission of hepatitis D be prevented?
Medical Video: Hepatitis A and B | Nucleus Health
Hepatitis D is a liver disease caused by a virus caused by the hepatitis D virus, also called the delta virus. Hepatitis D infection can occur as a co-infection, which means it coincides with hepatitis B infection. This virus is one of several types of hepatitis virus that causes inflammation and affects the ability of the liver to function.
What causes hepatitis D?
HDV is transmitted through needle puncture (medical or drug) that is not sterile or used concurrently. This virus can also be transmitted through exposure to infected blood or other body fluids, such as urine, vaginal secretions, semen, blood, and labor (from mothers who are positive for hepatitis D to newborns).
However, it should be noted that you can only get hepatitis D if you have had hepatitis B before. You can be infected with HDV and HBV at the same time. According to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, about 5% of people with hepatitis B will get hepatitis D.
Who is at high risk for hepatitis D infection?
Everyone can get hepatitis. But there are several factors that can increase your risk of getting hepatitis D, namely::
- Have hepatitis B
- Is a man who has sex with other men
- Having unprotected sex
- Often receive blood transfusions
- Using injecting drugs, like heroin
What are the signs and symptoms of hepatitis D?
Symptoms of hepatitis D are similar to the symptoms of hepatitis B, so it can be difficult for doctors to determine the diagnosis of the disease from your symptoms. General symptoms HDV, including:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Pain in the liver (on the right side of the abdomen)
- Muscle and joint pain
- Stunning eyes and skin, dark urine and pale stools (symptoms of jaundice, signs of liver damage)
Most people who are infected with HDV as adults can recover fully, even though the signs and symptoms experienced are severe.
What are the complications of hepatitis D that might occur?
People infected with hepatitis D and hepatitis B are at high risk for chronic liver disease, such as liver cancer, and cirrhosis (liver tissue damage).
How do doctors diagnose hepatitis D?
Doctors usually advise you to take blood tests to detect the presence of hepatitis viruses in the body, and whether there are antibodies in the body.Blood tests can help doctors start treatment or advocate lifestyle changes that can slow down the process of liver damage.
What are the available hepatitis D treatments?
There is no HDV vaccine to prevent infection before or after exposure. Patients can sometimes improve with α-interferon. There is also no effective antiviral therapy available for the treatment of HDV, so patients with acute and end-stage acute hepatitis D may be recommended for liver transplantation.
Can transmission of hepatitis D be prevented?
The only way you can prevent hepatitis D is to avoid hepatitis B infection. You can take the following precautions to reduce your risk of getting hepatitis B:
- Get vaccinated. There is a hepatitis B vaccine for all children. Adults who are at high risk for hepatitis D must also be vaccinated, such as those who use injecting drugs such as heroin or cocaine. Vakination is usually given in a series of three injections per six months. Be sure to use a sterile needle every time you inject the drug. Never use the same needle with someone else.
- Perform sexual activity with a condom with all sexual partners. You should not be involved in unprotected sex unless you are sure that your partner is not infected with hepatitis or other sexually transmitted infections.
- Be careful when doing tattoos and body piercing. Go to a trusted store every time you tattoo or pierce the body. Ask how they clean their equipment and make sure employees use sterile needles.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
