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Hepatitis in the elderly
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Chronic hepatitis in the elderly is a disease that occurs due to various causes. In 28% of cases, acute viral hepatitis in the elderly is the cause of ironic hepatitis. Currently, there are 2 forms of the disease: persistent and active (aggressive) chronic hepatitis.
[How does hepatitis occur in the elderly?
In elderly and old people, mostly persistent chronic hepatitis occurs. It is distinguished by an asymptomatic course, blurred clinical manifestations. Patients complain of rapid fatigue, general weakness, decreased appetite, bloating and a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, dull pain in the liver, a tendency to constipation or diarrhea.
In an objective examination, often observed decrease in nutrition, subic tincture skin sclera, yellowish, brownish coating on the tongue. Palpation is determined by soreness in the upper abdomen and in the liver. The staining of the feces becomes lighter. The prognosis for this form of hepatitis is favorable.
With chronic active hepatitis, the clinical picture is diverse. The course of the disease is severe. Pain in the epigastric region of the abdomen is so intense that it makes one think of cholelithiasis or peptic ulcer. Often noted dyspeptic phenomena, muscle weakness, insomnia, increased irritability. There are signs of allergies - itching, hives, arthralgia. In severe forms, jaundice increases, palpated enlarged painful liver, spleen. However, in older people, chronic active hepatitis progresses more slowly than in young adults. With frequent relapses of the disease, cirrhosis develops.
How is hepatitis treated in the elderly?
Treatment of chronic persistent hepatitis is the observance of a rational mode of work, rest and nutrition, in the treatment of concomitant diseases. From medicamentous agents appoint tamines, lipotropic, cholagogue, antispastic drugs. In the inflammatory process in the bile ducts, antibacterial therapy is indicated. A good effect is provided by sanatorium-and-spa treatment.
With the exacerbation of hepatitis shows the use of corticosteroids. The main therapy is the same as with persistent hepatitis.