Hepatitis D and E

Overview

Hepatitis D only happens with hepatitis B and can make liver disease worse.

Hepatitis E is spread by contaminated water and is usually short-lived.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Yellow skin

Less common

• Tiredness
• Nausea
• Dark urine

When to get medical care

Causes

Viruses.

Does it spread or run in families?

• Yes, it can spread from person to person.
• How it spreads: blood, sex; only infects people who also have hepatitis b, germs from poop getting into the mouth, or animals.
• Washing hands often and staying home when sick help protect others.

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Blood tests:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Avoid alcohol
• Rest

Prevention

To lower your risk or catch problems early:

• Hepatitis B vaccine

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a gastroenterologist or hepatologist (liver doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• American Liver Foundation: Helpline and support groups for liver disease.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Stay home until 2 days after vomiting and diarrhea stop, especially if you work with food, children, or patients.
• Wash hands well after using the toilet.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Pregnancy: Hepatitis E can be severe.
• Pregnant women: Hepatitis E is riskier.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Hepatitis E usually clears on its own.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• Should I be tested for hepatitis B?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Hepatitis D and E