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Sri Venus Gastro & Liver HospitalSri VenusGastro & Liver
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Condition

Viral Hepatitis (A–E)

Diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care for hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.

Overview

Viral hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by hepatitis A, B, C, D, or E viruses. Each type behaves differently: A and E are usually self-limiting infections from contaminated food or water; B, C, and D can become chronic and lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer if untreated. Modern antiviral treatments have made hepatitis B highly manageable and hepatitis C curable in most cases.

Common symptoms

  • Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)
  • Dark urine and pale stools
  • Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting
  • Fatigue and general weakness
  • Pain in the upper right abdomen
  • Many people with chronic hepatitis B or C have no symptoms — testing is the only way to know

When to see a doctor

See us if you have jaundice, have been exposed to someone with hepatitis, or routine blood tests show abnormal liver function. Anyone with a family history of hepatitis B, prior blood transfusions before screening was standard, or risk factors for hepatitis C should be screened — these infections are often silent.

How we help

We test for the specific virus, assess liver function and damage with blood tests and FibroScan, and stage the disease. For acute hepatitis A or E, we provide supportive care and monitor for rare complications. For chronic hepatitis B, we offer long-term antiviral suppression with regular monitoring. For hepatitis C, modern direct-acting antivirals achieve cure in over 95% of patients with a 2–3 month tablet course. For all chronic hepatitis, we coordinate cirrhosis and liver cancer surveillance.

This is general information, not a substitute for medical advice. For guidance specific to your case, please consult Dr. Ch. Saikumar or another qualified specialist.

Patient questions

Viral Hepatitis (A–E) — common questions

Answers to the questions we hear most often about viral hepatitis (a–e).

How is hepatitis spread?
It depends on the type. Hepatitis A and E spread through contaminated food and water. Hepatitis B and C spread through blood and bodily fluids. Hepatitis D only co-infects with B.
Is hepatitis C curable?
Yes — modern direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) cure over 95% of hepatitis C patients with a 2–3 month tablet course. The challenge is finding patients with chronic hepatitis C, because most have no symptoms until liver damage is advanced.
Can hepatitis B be cured?
Not cured in the traditional sense, but highly manageable. Long-term antiviral therapy suppresses the virus, prevents liver damage, and dramatically reduces the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Is the hepatitis vaccine available?
Yes — hepatitis A and B vaccines are both effective and widely available in India. We recommend hepatitis B vaccination for all unvaccinated adults, and hepatitis A in select situations.
How often should chronic hepatitis B be monitored?
Typically every 6 months — liver function tests, hepatitis B viral load, and ultrasound for liver cancer surveillance in those at risk.
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