Diagnosing hepatitis involves a thorough evaluation using several methods to confirm the condition and determine its severity. Here’s a streamlined approach:

1. Patient History: The diagnosis starts with a detailed discussion about the patient’s symptoms, such as fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal pain. The doctor will also ask about risk factors, including recent travel, potential exposure to contaminated substances, and behaviours like unprotected sex or needle sharing.

2. Physical Examination: During the physical exam, the healthcare provider looks for signs of liver disease, including jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal tenderness, and any signs of liver enlargement or fluid buildup.

3. Blood Tests: Blood tests are crucial for diagnosing hepatitis. Liver Function Tests (LFTs) measure enzyme levels and other substances to assess liver inflammation. Specific serology tests identify the presence of hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, E) and determine whether the infection is acute or chronic. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests can quantify the viral load, providing insight into the activity of the infection.

4. Imaging Studies: Ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI may be used to visualise liver damage or complications. These imaging techniques help detect abnormalities such as inflammation, fibrosis, or tumours.

5. Liver Biopsy or FibroScan: A liver biopsy, where a small tissue sample is examined microscopically, can assess the extent of liver damage. Alternatively, FibroScan, a non-invasive test, measures liver stiffness to evaluate fibrosis or cirrhosis.

6. Genotyping: For Hepatitis B and C, genotyping helps determine the specific strain of the virus, which guides treatment decisions.

Early and accurate diagnosis of hepatitis is vital for effective treatment and management.

Treating hepatitis involves a multifaceted approach tailored to the type and severity of the disease. Here’s how medical professionals typically manage hepatitis:

1. Antiviral Medications: For viral hepatitis, the primary treatment involves antiviral drugs. For Hepatitis B, medications such as tenofovir, entecavir, and lamivudine help suppress viral replication and reduce liver inflammation. For Hepatitis C, direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications like sofosbuvir, ledipasvir, and velpatasvir are used, which can often cure the infection with a high success rate and shorter duration compared to older treatments.

2. Supportive Medications: In cases of autoimmune hepatitis, corticosteroids like prednisone or other immunosuppressants are prescribed to reduce inflammation and immune system activity. Medications to manage symptoms like nausea, pain, or itching may also be used to improve patient comfort.

3. Dietary Modifications: Patients are advised to follow a liver-friendly diet, which typically includes reducing intake of fatty foods, alcohol, and processed sugars. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support liver health and overall well-being.

4. Avoiding Alcohol: Avoiding alcohol is crucial for all types of hepatitis, as alcohol can exacerbate liver damage and impede healing.

5. Regular Monitoring: Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor liver function, track treatment progress, and adjust medications as needed. This helps in managing the disease effectively and preventing complications.

6. Lifestyle Adjustments: Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are recommended, especially for those with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or Hepatitis B/C, as these changes can improve liver function and overall health.

7. Liver Transplant (for Severe Cases): In advanced cases of hepatitis, particularly when the liver has become severely damaged or cirrhotic, a liver transplant may be considered. This procedure involves replacing the diseased liver with a healthy donor liver. A liver transplant is usually a last resort after other treatments have failed, and it is suitable for patients with end-stage liver disease or liver cancer not amenable to other treatments. Candidates for liver transplant undergo a thorough evaluation to determine their suitability for the procedure.

8. Interferon Therapy: For some cases of Hepatitis B or C, especially when newer antiviral therapies are not suitable, interferon therapy may be used. This therapy helps boost the immune system’s ability to fight the virus, although it is less commonly used today due to the availability of more effective treatments.

Effective management of hepatitis requires a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and ongoing monitoring. In severe cases where the liver is extensively damaged, a liver transplant may be the best option to restore liver function and improve quality of life.