Hepatitis E

What is Hepatitis E?

There are several types of hepatitis viruses, including A, B, C, D, and E. They can be divided into 2 categories based on the method of transmission:

• Transmission through consuming contaminated food such as Hepatitis A and E.
• Transmission through blood or sexual contact such as Hepatitis B, C, and D. Additionally, Hepatitis B can also be transmitted from mother to child.

What are the symptoms? When should you suspect Hepatitis E?

     Acute hepatitis from a hepatitis virus often presents with non-specific symptoms, which requires differential diagnosis from other conditions. In the case of "Khun Taa Neng," who presented with fever, severe abdominal pain, and elevated liver enzymes, differential diagnosis from gallstones or bile duct stones is necessary. In addition to blood tests, doctors may need to perform imaging studies such as an ultrasound.

      If the ultrasound is negative but suspicion remains, the doctor may consider more detailed imaging such as CT or MRI. Furthermore, differential diagnosis from other infections not directly caused by the hepatitis virus, which can also cause fever and elevated liver enzymes, may be necessary.

Common symptoms of acute hepatitis

• Fever, which can be low-grade to high-grade, and body aches.
• Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
• May experience pain in the liver area, which is under the right rib cage or the epigastrium.
• Abnormally dark urine or pale stools.
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

How to prevent acute hepatitis?

1) Prevent exposure to the virus

Acute hepatitis types A and E are transmitted through consuming contaminated food or water.

Therefore, the important preventive measures are:

• Eat freshly cooked food.
• Eat food that is "cooked thoroughly," especially pork and offal.
• Avoid drinking water, ice, or food where the cleanliness is uncertain.
• Wash your hands before every meal.

2) Prevention by vaccination

     Vaccines are available for Hepatitis types A and B. Especially for Hepatitis A, which is transmitted through food and is difficult to avoid, vaccination is recommended for prevention.

Treatment

     Treatment for acute hepatitis is mostly non-specific, as there is no direct antiviral medication. Treatment primarily focuses on symptomatic relief, and close monitoring of liver function is essential. Although most patients recover on their own, a small number may develop acute liver failure, which is a dangerous condition and may require a liver transplant. During the period of hepatitis, it is recommended to rest, avoid exercise, and maintain adequate hydration.