Hepatitis

Expert Treatment for Hepatitis in Chicago

The University of Chicago Medicine offers state of the art diagnosis and treatment of viral hepatitis. Our team of liver specialists includes pharmacists, nurses and physicians, many of whom serve on national guidelines committees to ensure efficient, highly effective, patient-centered care for hepatitis.

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. There are several different types of hepatitis, and some can cause lasting damage to your liver. Hepatitis symptoms generally include jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), belly or abdominal pain, loss of appetite, fatigue, dark urine, fever or chills, joint pain, upset stomach, vomiting, clay-colored stools and diarrhea.

Types of Hepatitis

Viral Hepatitis (A, B, C, D)

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is highly contagious and is usually spread when objects, food or drinks that are contaminated by the stool of an infected person come into contact with your mouth. The virus can also be contracted by having unprotected sex with someone who is infected. In most cases, hepatitis A does not cause a long-term infection; however, it may take weeks to months to fully recover. Some people, especially children under six years old, may have no symptoms.

The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is spread through contact with infected blood, vaginal fluid or semen. Babies can also catch the disease from infected mothers during childbirth. Because the virus can live for an extended time outside of the body, it can also be contracted by sharing razors, needles or accidentally pricking yourself on a syringe. Most adults can clear the virus out of their body in six months. However, children are more likely to develop long-term hepatitis B. This chronic infection can cause cirrhosis and liver cancer.

The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C spreads through exposure to infected blood, which can happen if you share needles or razors with someone who’s infected, prick yourself with an infected syringe or have sex without a condom with someone who’s infected. Some people have immune systems capable of overcoming the initial infection; most people, however, go on to develop a long-term infection that can cause serious complications, including cirrhosis or liver cancer. Because hepatitis C causes mild, if any, symptoms, most people don’t realize they’re infected until they have liver problems. People born between 1945 and 1965, and anyone with risk factors for exposure, should be tested for hepatitis C.

There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.

Hepatitis D

Autoimmune Hepatitis

Unlike the numerous viruses that can cause hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis occurs when the immune system turns against the body’s own liver cells. Autoimmune hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Diagnosing Hepatitis

Your healthcare provider will give you a physical exam and ask about your past health. In order to diagnose hepatitis, your doctor may:

Give you a blood test to look for infection-fighting cells (antibodies) specific to your hepatitis. If you have those antibodies, you may have an infection.
Test your blood for abnormal levels of liver enzymes to see if your liver is damaged.
Have you undergo an imaging scan, such as ultrasound, CT or MRI, to see your liver and check how it’s functioning.
Order another type of scan called transient elastography to measure how much scarring or damage there is in your liver
Recommend a liver biopsy, in which small tissue samples are taken from your liver with a needle. These samples are checked under a microscope to find out the amount and type of liver damage you have.

Hepatitis Treatment

Your doctor will create a care plan with you based on your health, type of hepatitis, severity of symptoms, and how well you handle certain treatments. Your doctor may recommend:

Stopping a medicine that might be causing liver damage.
A liver transplant if your liver is severely damaged.

How Well Does Hepatitis Treatment Work?

Depending on the type of hepatitis you have, you may be able to be cured. Or, you may need to learn how to manage your hepatitis as a lifelong condition. If you have advanced liver disease, your doctor may recommend a liver transplant.

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