How to Diagnose Hepatitis D

Hepatitis D (HDV) is caused by the hepatitis D virus, and it occurs only in people who are carrying the hepatitis B virus (another form of hepatitis). Hepatitis D affects the liver and can lead to other health-related problems. People usually acquire this virus from infected blood, from needles or through sexual contact with a person who is infected with the virus. It is very important to know if you have HDV, and you should be aware of the signs and symptoms of this disease.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide if you are at risk for having hepatitis D. The main risk factors include a hepatitis B infection, exposure to blood, contact with infected needles used for body piercing or tattoos, multiple sexual partners, intravenous drug abuse and multiple blood transfusions.

2. Determine if you have any of the signs or symptoms of hepatitis D, such as nausea, fatigue, jaundice, loss of appetite, joint pain, dark-colored urine, abdominal pain, vomiting, sore throat, diarrhea, low-grade fever or a light-colored stool. If you are displaying any of these symptoms and you suspect hepatitis D, you will need to immediately seek medical attention.

3. Schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Only a doctor can confirm whether or not you actually have the virus.

4. Go to your scheduled appointment. Your doctor will begin by asking you a series of questions about your symptoms, medical history, your family's medial history, current medications, sexual history, previous surgeries and questions about alcohol and/or drug consumption. In addition, you must have blood, lab and liver panel tests done and possibly a liver biopsy, too. The tests will identify if your liver enzymes are high, if the anti-delta agent antibody is in your body and if there is any liver inflammation present.

5. Wait for your test results to come in from the lab. The doctor or nurse will contact you when your results are back. It may take around 5 to 7 days to receive your test results, so be patient.

6. Confirm with your doctor whether or not you have hepatitis D. If you have this virus, your doctor will probably prescribe you an alpha interferon (or a similar medication), or you may have to undergo a liver transplant. It depends upon your test results and the severity of the virus.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to get the hepatitis B vaccine because this protects you from getting both hepatitis B and D.
• If you have the hepatitis D virus, it is important to get plenty of rest and follow a well-balanced and high-protein diet.
• An acute form of hepatitis D usually gets better within 2 to 3 weeks, and your liver enzyme levels should return to normal within 16 weeks.
• You can still have the hepatitis D virus, even if you do not have any symptoms.

Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• eMedTV

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[andrewjwilson]

on 7/4/2009 read here for your health http://superedpack.com/category/men-s-health.html