Hepatitis: Care Instructions

Overview

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. It's caused most often by a virus. It can also be caused by heavy drinking over a long time. Certain medicines can cause hepatitis. And some medicines can make it worse. When the condition is severe, it interferes with the liver's normal functions, such as removing waste from the body.

• Hepatitis A is spread by food or water that has the virus. This type doesn't lead to long-term liver problems.
• Hepatitis B is spread through infected blood, semen, or other body fluids during sex. It can be passed to a baby during childbirth. It's also spread by sharing needles to inject drugs. Most people who have it get better after 4 to 8 weeks. After you have had this virus, you will not get it again. It can sometimes cause serious liver damage.
• Hepatitis C is spread by sharing needles to use drugs. It is sometimes spread through infected blood, semen, or other body fluids during sex. Most people who have this virus have a long-term infection. Sometimes it causes severe liver damage.
• Hepatitis from alcohol use can lead to severe liver problems. If drinking is stopped before the liver is severely damaged, your liver may get better.
• Some medicines can cause liver damage. These include over-the-counter and herbal remedies. The infection most often goes away when you stop taking the medicine. But it can sometimes cause more long-term liver problems.
• Hepatitis also can be caused when the body's defenses (immune system) attack the liver. This is called autoimmune hepatitis.

You can help your liver heal—or lower the chance of liver damage—by following your doctor's advice.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Contact your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
• Make sure your doctor knows all the medicines you take. Some medicines, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), can make liver problems worse. Do not take any new medicines, and do not stop taking prescribed medicines, unless your doctor says it is okay.
• Be as active as you can every day. For many people, walking is a good choice.
• Avoid alcohol. Tell your doctor if you need help to quit. Counseling, support groups, and sometimes medicines can help you stay alcohol-free.
• Follow your doctor's instructions about healthy eating. You may need a low-salt or low-fat diet.
• If you have itchy skin, keep cool and stay out of the sun. It may help to wear cotton clothing. Talk to your doctor about medicines that can be used for itching. Follow the instructions on the label.

To prevent hepatitis A

• Always wash your hands after you use the bathroom. And be sure to wash them before you touch food.
• If you have been exposed to someone who may have hepatitis A, ask your doctor about a shot of immune globulin. (This is also called gamma globulin.) It can help your body fight the infection.

To prevent spreading hepatitis B or C

• Tell the people you live with or have sex with about your illness as soon as you can.
• Don't donate blood or blood products, organs, semen, or eggs (ova).
• Stop all sexual activity or use latex condoms until your doctor tells you that you can no longer give the virus to others. Avoid anal contact with a sex partner while you are infected.
• Don't share your personal items. These include razors, toothbrushes, towels, and nail files.
• Tell your doctor, dentist, and anyone else who may come in contact with your blood about your illness.
• If you are pregnant, tell the doctor who will deliver your baby about your illness. If you have hepatitis B, be sure your baby gets medicine to prevent infection. This should start right after birth.
• Clean or carefully get rid of anything that has your blood on it. This includes clothing and sanitary pads.
• Make sure to clean surfaces that have your blood or any other body fluid on them. Examples are semen and menstrual blood. Use a solution of bleach and water. To dilute household bleach, follow the directions on the label. Clean toilet seats, countertops, and floors.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You passed out (lost consciousness).
• You have trouble breathing.
• You vomit blood or what looks like coffee grounds.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You feel very sleepy or confused.
• You have new or worse belly pain.
• You have a fever.
• There is a new or increasing yellow tint to your skin or the whites of your eyes.
• You have any abnormal bleeding, such as:
  • Nosebleeds.
  • Vaginal bleeding that is different (heavier, more frequent, at a different time of the month) than what you are used to.
  • Bloody or black stools or rectal bleeding.
  • Bloody or pink urine.
• You have symptoms of dehydration, such as a dry mouth and passing only a little urine.
• You cannot keep fluids down.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• Your belly is getting bigger.
• You are gaining weight.
• Your symptoms get worse.