| Topic: | Digestive Diseases (DD) |
| Title: | Viral Hepatitis and Exercise. |
| Author: | Harrington, D.W. |
| Source: | Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 32(7 Supplement): S422-S430. July 2000. |
| Availability: | Available from Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. P.O. Box 1600, Hagerstown, MD 21741. (800) 638-3030 or (301) 223-2300. Fax: (301) 223-2365. Website: www.lww.com. |
| Abstract: | Increased awareness and publicity of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has fostered a heightened sense of concern regarding the transmission of infectious agents during sports and athletic competition. Although the potential risk is low, there are other unanswered questions and issues regarding infectious disease and sports. Viral hepatitis is a common infection and predominantly affects the young who are most likely to lead active lives and engage in both amateur and competitive sport related activity. This article summarizes the common forms of viral hepatitis and the associated clinical syndromes. In addition, the author presents a review of the literature addressing the effect of exercise and the various states of liver disease. The author finally addresses the question regarding participation and return to physical activity following acute viral hepatitis, as well as during chronic hepatitis. Athletes are likely to acquire viral hepatitis as a result of their off the field activity and not from on the field or locker room contact. Teenaged and college aged youth at risk are those who are sexually active, share personal items, use intravenous drugs, or get tattoos or body piercings. In addition, competitive athletes may be exposed to enteric pathogens by consumption of infected food material, especially during travel. Persons with acute viral hepatitis may continue physical activity and mild to moderate training as tolerated by overall well being and clinical condition, but should not participate in strenuous activity or competitive sports until liver function tests have returned to normal. Persons with chronic persistent hepatitis should be allowed to participate in moderate physical activity. Persons with chronic active hepatitis and cirrhosis (liver scarring) should not participate in strenuous competitive sports but should be encouraged to partake in a low level and graduated training program under the supervision of an experienced physician. 4 figures. 4 tables. 27 references. |
| Format: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English. |
| Major Keywords: | Digestive System Diseases. Human Viral Hepatitis. Exercise. Transmission. Risk Factors. Sports. |
| Minor Keywords: | Patient Selection. Activities of Daily Living. Cirrhosis. Hepatitis A. Hepatitis B. Hepatitis C. Chronic Hepatitis. |
| Publication Number: | DDJA08393 |
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