Hepatitis D is a viral liver infection that is contracted by intravenous drug users, people with multiple sex partners, and those with unprotected sex. It spreads through infected blood or body fluids. Symptoms include fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal pain. Prevention includes getting the hepatitis B vaccine and avoiding unprotected sex. Treatment includes antiviral drugs and hospitalization for severe cases.
Hepatitis D, also known as delta hepatitis, is a viral infection of the liver that is contracted by intravenous drug users, people who have multiple sex partners, people who have unprotected sex, and hemophiliacs. Employees of medical institutions and those working in tattoo parlors are also often at high risk of contracting the virus. A person who contracts this virus must also be infected with the hepatitis B virus.
The person may already have chronic hepatitis B virus before getting hepatitis D, or the viruses may be contracted at the same time. People who have both viruses experience more severe symptoms than those who have hepatitis B alone. Those with hepatitis D also have a higher risk of liver failure.
The virus spreads through the exchange of infected blood or body fluids. If people share toothbrushes, nail clippers or razors, they can also pass on the hepatitis virus to each other. Even pregnant women can pass the virus to their unborn babies.
Symptoms of hepatitis D include fatigue, jaundice, nausea, loss of appetite, dark urine, abdominal pain, and joint pain. More serious symptoms include severe jaundice, enlarged spleen, enlarged liver, impaired brain function, and aplastic anemia. If a patient is suspected to have the hepatitis D virus, the doctor will do a physical exam, liver function tests, and blood tests. Liver biopsies may also be needed to determine the severity of the condition.
People can prevent the hepatitis delta virus if they avoid getting hepatitis B. Using sterile needles, avoiding unprotected sex, and getting the hepatitis B vaccine are all ways to protect yourself from hepatitis delta. If a person gets hepatitis D but doesn’t get treatment, they can develop cirrhosis of the liver that may require a liver transplant. It is possible to die of hepatitis D if patients do not receive medical treatment.
Those with chronic delta hepatitis can receive the antiviral drug interferon alpha if there is no cirrhosis present within the liver. On the other hand, patients suffering from a severe form of this particular type of hepatitis require hospitalization. Vitamin K injections, antibiotics, fluids, and blood transfusions are some of the treatments. Patients with this virus need adequate bed rest and a balanced diet designed for those with liver disease. They should also consume extra fluids but avoid alcohol, as this can make their condition worse.
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