Hepatitis is an inflammation of the Liver often caused by viral infection and other factors like alcohol, toxins, or autoimmune diseases. It can be self-limiting or progress to more severe conditions such as liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer. Understanding the types, causes, symptoms, and preventive measures is essential for maintaining liver health and preventing complications.
What is Hepatitis?
It can be characterized as an inflammation of the Liver commonly caused by viral infections and extends due to several other factors like autoimmune diseases, toxins, medications, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Types of Hepatitis
There are five primary types of viral Hepatitis, each caused by a different virus:
1. Hepatitis A (HAV)
- Hepatitis A is usually a short-term illness caused by the Hepatitis A virus. It spreads through contaminated food, water, or sexual contact.
2. Hepatitis B (HBV)
Caused by the hepatitis B virus, this type can be acute or chronic. It spreads through contact with infectious body fluids, such as blood, sharing needles, direct blood contact, needle stick injuries, semen or from mother to baby during childbirth.
3. Hepatitis C (HCV)
This type is mainly transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, such as sharing needles or unsterilized medical equipment. Hepatitis C often becomes chronic and may lead to liver damage.
4. Hepatitis D (HDV)
Hepatitis D only occurs in people already infected with hepatitis B, as it needs the HBV virus to replicate. It is considered a co-infection and can worsen the liver disease caused by HBV.
5. Hepatitis E (HEV)
This type is generally spread through contaminated drinking water. Hepatitis E is typically acute but can be severe in pregnant women.
Causes of Hepatitis
Hepatitis can be caused by a variety of factors, resulting in inflammation of the Liver. The primary causes include:
- Viral infections: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, each transmitted in different ways.
- Excessive alcohol consumption: This can cause alcoholic Hepatitis due to damage to the Liver.
- Medications and toxins: Certain drugs and environmental toxins may provoke Hepatitis.
- Autoimmune Diseases: When the immune system mistakenly attacks the Liver, it leads to autoimmune Hepatitis.
- Metabolic Conditions: Conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can contribute to Hepatitis.
- Genetic Factors: Inherited disorders, such as haemochromatosis or Wilson’s disease, can lead to liver inflammation.
- Other Infections: Infections like mononucleosis or cytomegalovirus (CMV) may also cause Hepatitis.
Common Symptoms of Hepatitis
Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity, but common signs include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain, especially around the liver area
- Dark urine
- Pale-colored stools
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Fever (more common in HAV and HEV)
Some people may not experience symptoms of Hepatitis B and C, and symptoms appear as the disease progresses.
Diagnosis and Testing
Diagnosis is often made through Blood tests, Liver function tests, Liver Biopsy or Ultrasound imaging.
Treatment:
- Hepatitis A and E usually resolve on their own with rest and supportive care.
- Hepatitis B and C may require antiviral medications to control or cure the infection.
- Autoimmune Hepatitis is treated with corticosteroids and immune-suppressing drugs.
- Alcoholic and drug-induced Hepatitis require eliminating the triggering substance and supporting liver recovery.
Prevention strategies against Hepatitis
Vaccinations can Prevent Hepatitis. Limiting the substances that trigger this disease is another way to avoid this chronic condition.
Vaccinations: The Hepatitis A vaccine is typically given to children aged 12 to 23 months, but it is also available for adults, sometimes alongside the hepatitis B vaccine.
- The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all newborns, with a series of three doses over the first six months. It is also advised for healthcare workers, as hepatitis B vaccination can help prevent hepatitis D.
- Currently, there are no vaccines available for hepatitis C or E.
Reducing Exposure: Hepatitis viruses can spread through bodily fluids, contaminated water, and food. To reduce the risk of exposure:
- Maintain good hygiene, especially when travelling.
- Washing hands thoroughly.
- Avoid consuming local water, ice, raw or undercooked shellfish, and unwashed fruits and vegetables.
- Refrain from sharing needles, razors, and other sharp objects of an infected person and other personal items.
- Avoid contact with blood spills.
- Take care when getting tattoos or body piercings.
- Hepatitis B and C can also spread through sexual contact. Using barrier methods, such as condoms and dental dams, can reduce the risk of transmission.
Conclusion
Early detection, vaccination and preventive lifestyle can help cure and relieve Hepatitis infection.
