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Hepatitis, Social Security Disability, and Applying for Benefits

For more information on: Social Security Disability and SSI Disability.

Hepatitis is a swelling of the liver that hinders proper function. It is usually caused by viruses that are transmitted through unprotected sex, sharing of needles and other activities that can cause a sharing of blood, but toxins such as medical drugs and alcohol and other infections can also lead to Hepatitis. Hepatitis is acute when it lasts for less than six months or it can be chronic when it last longer than six months. The disease can go away on its own after a short period of time or last a lifetime. There are several different types of hepatitis, but the most common types in the United States are hepatitis A, B and C, though sometimes hepatitis D and E are found.

While some people experience no symptoms of hepatitis, others may experience diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, headaches, fever, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite, stomach pain, dark urine and jaundice. Hepatitis is diagnosed through medical evaluation and blood tests. Most cases of hepatitis go away on their own. Occasionally one will need to take medications for certain symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting and rarely it may be treated with the drugs interferon, lamivudine, or adefovir. Not all drugs work on everyone and usually doctors simply recommend getting plenty of rest, drinking a lot of water, abstaining from alcohol and medicines that may harm the liver such as acetaminophen.

Hepatitis A can cause swelling of the liver, but it doesn’t usually cause permanent liver damage and usually gets better on its own. Nearly everyone who contracts hepatitis A gets better. It is usually transmitted through drinking water or food that is contaminated with feces from an infected person. It can also be caused by anal-oral sexual contact. If you feel you are at a high risk for hepatitis A you may get a vaccine.

Hepatitis B makes the liver swell and damage can occur. Although many people are rid of the virus within a few months, it can last a lifetime. If major damage occurs to the liver due to hepatitis B, cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer can occur. It is transmitted through having sex with an infected person, sharing needles (drugs, tattoos, body piercing), exposure to infected blood and through birth, if an infected mother has a child. There is also a vaccine for hepatitis B.

Hepatitis C causes swelling and damage to the liver and oftentimes leads to chronic infection. This can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. While it does get better on its own sometimes, other times treatment is needed through a combination of ribavirin and pegylated interferon. It is most commonly transmitted through unprotected sex and the sharing of needles or other person items that can carry blood, such as razors, nail clippers and toothbrushes. Hepatitis D, E and F are similar, but less common in the United States.