HEPATITIS, ACUTE VIRAL |
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GENERAL INFORMATION
DEFINITION--Inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. Hepatitis can be a devastating illness for an athlete and may prevent sports participation for a long period of time. It is easily transmitted among teammates who share locker facilities.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS EARLY STAGES:
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Flulike symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite. SEVERAL DAYS LATER:
Jaundice (yellow eyes and skin) caused by a buildup of excess bile in the blood.
Dark urine from bile in the urine.
Light, "clay-colored" or whitish stools.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORSCaused by any of 3 different but related viruses that may infect the liver:
Type A: Usually enters the body through water or food, especially raw shellfish, that has been contaminated by sewage.
Type B: Usually enters the body through blood transfusions contaminated with the virus or from injections with non-sterile needles.
Type Non-A, Non-B: Usually enters the body by contaminated blood transfusions.
ADDITIONAL RISK FACTORS INCLUDE:
Travel to areas with poor sanitation.
Oral-anal sexual practices.
Use of intravenous drugs such as heroin.
Blood transfusions.
Employment in a hospital.
Close personal contact in locker rooms.
Poor nutrition.
Previous illness that has lowered resistance.
Alcoholism.
HOW TO PREVENT
If you are exposed to someone with hepatitis, consult your doctor about receiving gamma- globulin injections to prevent or decrease the risk.
If you are in a high-risk group, such as hospital workers or male homosexuals, consult your doctor about receiving a vaccine for Type-B hepatitis. Vaccines are not available for other forms.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and exam by a doctor.
Laboratory blood tests to identify infection (Type A and Type B) and study liver function.
Urine and stool examinations.
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESSJaundice and other symptoms peak and then gradually disappear over 3 to 16 weeks. Most people in good general health recover fully in 1 to 4 months. A small percentage (1% to 2%) infected with hepatitis virus B may proceed to chronic hepatitis. Recovery from other forms of viral hepatitis usually provides permanent immunity against it. You may expect not to be able to participate fully in athletics or vigorous physical activity for up to 1 year.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONSLiver failure in severe cases. If vigorous activities are resumed too soon, permanent liver damage is likely.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
MEDICAL TREATMENTHospitalization (severe cases).
HOME TREATMENT
Most persons with hepatitis can be cared for at home without undue risk. Bed rest, time and good nutrition are essential for a complete recovery. Strict isolation is not necessary, but the ill person should have separate eating and drinking utensils, or use disposable ones.
If you are caring for someone with hepatitis, wash your hands carefully and often. If you have hepatitis, wash your hands often-- especially after bowel movements.
MEDICATIONYour doctor may prescribe corticosteroid drugs for severe cases to reduce liver inflammation.
ACTIVITY
Bed rest is necessary until jaundice disappears and appetite returns.
Don't resume your normal activities until:
You have clearance from your doctor.
Results of laboratory liver-function studies are normal.
Normal, hearty appetite returns. You should begin to regain weight lost during illness.
DIETDespite poor appetite, small well- balanced meals help promote recovery. Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. Avoid alcohol.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You have symptoms of hepatitis, or have been exposed to someone who has it.
The following occurs during treatment:
Increasing loss of appetite.
Excessive drowsiness or mental confusion.
Vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain.
Deepening jaundice.
Skin rash or itching.
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