This infection is also known as delta hepatitis. Hepatitis D is a critical liver disease caused by hepatitis D virus. If you have chronic hepatitis B, you can easily get hepatitis D.
The infection occurs when one becomes infected with hepatitis B and D simultaneously or when one gets hepatitis D virus after being infected with hepatitis B. This combination can lead to kidney damage or liver cirrhosis.
Always know that hepatitis D infection cannot multiply when there is no hepatitis B. Hepatitis D has severe symptoms and illness that leads to chronic liver damage or death. At the moment, there is no treatment for hepatitis B. However, hepatitis B virus vaccination will largely protect you from hepatitis D virus.
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Symptoms of Hepatitis D
Hepatitis D can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Acute hepatitis D occurs fast and the symptoms are severe. Luckily, these symptoms can go away on their own. However, if the symptoms last more than 6 months, that becomes chronic hepatitis that develops slowly over time.
Whether your hepatitis D is acute or chronic, you will notice the following symptoms:
- Pale-colored stools
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Vomiting & nausea
- Dark urine
- Yellow eyes and skin (jaundice)
- Joint pain
- Abdominal pain
When you pay close attention, you will notice that the symptoms of hepatitis B and D are similar, making it difficult to know the main cause of your symptoms. If you are not protected from hepatitis B, hepatitis D makes the symptoms of hepatitis B worse.
Hepatitis D Diagnosis
If you notice you have hepatitis D symptoms, you should seek fast medical attention. If the symptoms appear with no jaundice (yellowish skin and eyes), it can be hard for your doctor to suspect hepatitis.
For accurate diagnosis and results, doctors conduct a blood test that detects the presence of anti-hepatitis D antibodies in the blood. If there is presence of antibodies, you have been exposed to the virus.
The blood test will measure the level of liver enzymes, proteins, and bilirubin levels in the blood. Moreover, a liver test can be done so that your doctor can know how it works and if there is any damage. The results after the liver test will show if your liver is healthy, stressed, or damaged.
How is Hepatitis D Treated?
Up to now, there is no treatments for hepatitis D. However, until doctors come with a better option, pegylated interferon alpha is the recommended treatment for hepatitis D.
According to WHO, this treatment lasts for up to 48 weeks irrespective of your response. However, even after using this treatment, you can still test positive for hepatitis D virus.
Moreover, this treatment doesn’t work well for everyone and it causes side effects, such as flu-like symptoms, lack of energy, depression, and weight loss. If you have autoimmune diseases, active psychiatric conditions, and decompensated cirrhosis, don’t date taking this treatment.
More effects are required to reduce the global burden of hepatitis B and develop medicines that will effectively protect you against hepatitis D.
Hepatitis D Prevention
While there are no reliable treatment options for hepatitis D, prevention is the best method. Below are important preventive measures that will reduce the risk of hepatitis D:
- You should get vaccinated against hepatitis B at birth
- If you are not sure of your partner’s sexual health, always practice safe sex
- Avoid using recreational drugs that need to be injected, such as cocaine and heroin
- If it is a must you inject drugs, use a sterile needle and never share with anyone
- Get your tattoos and piercings done in a trustworthy shop
- Pregnant women should be vaccinated against hepatitis B
It is good to note that being vaccinated against hepatitis B doesn’t offer protection against hepatitis D if you are already infected with hepatitis B virus. The best way to prevent hepatitis D infection is by following all the preventive measures above.
What are the Risk Factors of Hepatitis D
The chances of getting hepatitis D virus are high if you:
- If you have sex with someone with hepatitis B or D
- Multiple sex partners
- Have sex with other men
- Inject drugs, such as heroin and cocaine
- HIV positive
- Often receive blood transfusions
- If you have hepatitis B.
Wrapping Up
Hepatitis D is not curable. However, early diagnosis will help prevent serious liver problems. If you suspect you have the symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately. If hepatitis is left untreated, it leads to fatal complications, such as liver cancer, liver cirrhosis, and liver disease.