Permanent hepatitis, more accurately referred to as chronic hepatitis, is inflammation of the liver that lasts for at least six months.
Understanding Chronic Hepatitis
Unlike acute hepatitis, which is a short-term infection, chronic hepatitis persists over a longer period and can lead to significant liver damage if left untreated.
Causes of Chronic Hepatitis
Several factors can cause chronic hepatitis:
- Viral Infections: Hepatitis B and C viruses are the most common causes worldwide. These viruses can persist in the liver and cause ongoing inflammation.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Autoimmune hepatitis occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the liver.
- Alcohol Abuse: Long-term excessive alcohol consumption can lead to alcoholic hepatitis, which can become chronic.
- Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH): These conditions are associated with obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol and can lead to chronic liver inflammation.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as some antibiotics and anti-seizure drugs, can cause drug-induced hepatitis, which may become chronic.
- Genetic Disorders: Some genetic conditions, like Wilson's disease and hemochromatosis, can cause chronic liver damage.
Symptoms of Chronic Hepatitis
Many people with chronic hepatitis experience no symptoms, especially in the early stages. When symptoms do occur, they are often vague and nonspecific. These may include:
- Fatigue
- Poor appetite
- General feeling of illness (malaise)
- Mild abdominal discomfort
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) - less common
Diagnosis of Chronic Hepatitis
Diagnosing chronic hepatitis usually involves a combination of:
- Blood Tests: Liver function tests (LFTs) can detect elevated liver enzymes, indicating liver inflammation. Viral hepatitis tests can identify the presence of hepatitis B or C.
- Liver Biopsy: A small sample of liver tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to assess the extent of liver damage and inflammation.
- Imaging Studies: Ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI can help visualize the liver and identify abnormalities.
Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis
Treatment for chronic hepatitis depends on the underlying cause:
- Antiviral Medications: Used to treat chronic hepatitis B and C. These medications can suppress the virus and prevent further liver damage.
- Immunosuppressant Drugs: Used to treat autoimmune hepatitis. These drugs suppress the immune system's attack on the liver.
- Lifestyle Changes: For NAFLD/NASH, lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise, and a healthy diet are crucial.
- Alcohol Abstinence: Essential for alcoholic hepatitis.
- Management of Underlying Conditions: Addressing underlying conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol can also help improve liver health.
- Liver Transplant: In severe cases of liver damage, a liver transplant may be necessary.
Chronic hepatitis, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver failure, and liver cancer. Therefore, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent these complications and improve outcomes.
