Hepatitis-its types
Hepatitis is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation. It can range from a little disease that lasts a few weeks to a serious, life-long condition that can cause liver damage, cancer, or even death. The virus can spread by blood, sperm, vaginal fluids, and other bodily fluids.
The infection can be caused by one of five viruses: A, B, C, D, or E. According to the World Health organisation (WHO), over 354 million people are suffering from chronic hepatitis B and C. Each virus can induce a slightly distinct variety of hepatitis, with various symptoms, means of transmission, and therapies. All kinds of hepatitis, however, share a similar symptom of liver inflammation.
The said infection is a dangerous viral infection that can cause liver inflammation, damage, malignancy, and even death. While some varieties of hepatitis have vaccines and treatments, prevention through proper hygiene practices and avoiding risky behaviours such as sharing needles or having unprotected sex is still the best approach to avoid catching the disease.
In the following article, we will dive deep into the types of hepatitis and their symptoms.
Types of Hepatitis
Hepatitis A
The hepatitis A virus causes a viral liver illness known as hepatitis A. It is transmitted by contaminated food or water, as well as through personal contact with an infected individual.
Symptoms of hepatitis A are,
- Fever,
- Exhaustion,
- loss of appetite,
- nausea,
- abdominal discomfort,
- dark urine, and
- Jaundice
The virus usually clears up on its own within a few weeks, and no special therapy is available. Vaccination is the most effective strategy to prevent the infection, particularly for those at high risk, such as travellers visiting countries with poor sanitation or people with chronic liver disease. Good hand hygiene and food safety standards can also help to decrease hepatitis A transmission.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which can cause both acute and chronic illness. Contact with infected blood and bodily fluids distributes the virus. The infction can also be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth.
Symptoms include
- Fever,
- vomiting,
- abdominal discomfort,
- dark urine,
- clay-coloured bowel movements,
- joint pain, and
- Jaundice
Although most adults with acute hepatitis B recover completely, some may develop chronic hepatitis B, which can cause liver damage, cirrhosis, or liver cancer. The most effective method of preventing hepatitis B infection is vaccination.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a frequent kind of viral infection transmitted through the blood. It is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is typically transmitted through contact with contaminated blood. Sharing needles or other injecting equipment, blood transfusions, getting a tattoo or piercing with unsterile equipment, and having medical treatment with poorly sterilised equipment are all major sources of infection. Many patients with the said condition do not develop symptoms until the virus has severely damaged their liver.
Symptoms include,
- Lethargy,
- jaundice,
- abdominal pain,
- loss of appetite, and
- joint pain
This type can be healed with correct therapy, but if left untreated, it can lead to significant problems such as liver failure and liver cancer.
Hepatitis D
Hepatitis D is caused by the hepatitis D virus and can only infect persons who are already infected with the hepatitis B virus; it affects about 5% of the world’s population. It is spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids.
Symptoms include,
- Fatigue,
- Fever,
- stomach ache,
- joint pain, and
- jaundice
Persistent hepatitis D infection can cause liver damage and raise the chance of developing liver cancer. The easiest approach to avoid hepatitis D is to get vaccinated against hepatitis B and avoid contact with infected blood and body fluids.
Hepatitis E
Another type of liver illness caused by the hepatitis E virus is hepatitis E. (HEV). The virus spreads by contaminated food and water and is particularly common in places with inadequate sanitation, resulting in faecal matter ingestion.
Hepatitis E symptoms are as same as others and they include,
- weariness,
- nausea,
- abdominal discomfort, and
- jaundice.
Often, the sickness is self-limiting and disappears on its own within a few weeks to months. However, it can cause abrupt liver failure in some situations, notably in pregnant women and people with pre-existing liver disease. Hepatitis E has no specific treatment, however supportive care can help manage the symptoms. Vaccines are available in some countries and can help prevent the disease.
From the information above we can conclude that hepatitis is a serious type of inflammatory disease and is caused by virus, but there are certain types that leads to the hepatitis infection in a person
Non Infectious hepatitis
Noninfectious hepatitis occurs when the liver becomes inflamed for reasons other than viral or bacterial infection. Inflammation of the liver can damage liver cells and result in problems such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Excessive alcohol intake, medications, and autoimmune illnesses are the most common causes of noninfectious hepatitis.
Alcohol usage
Excessive alcohol use can harm liver cells and trigger an inflammatory reaction that leads to hepatitis. In fact, one of the primary causes of noninfectious hepatitis is alcohol-related liver disease.
Drugs usage
Some drugs and medications can also induce noninfectious hepatitis, especially if taken in large quantities or over an extended period of time. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the widely recommended medications that might cause noninfectious hepatitis, antibiotics, antifungal medications and chemotherapy drugs.
Noninfectious hepatitis can be caused by autoimmune illnesses such as lupus and autoimmune hepatitis. The immune system of the body targets the liver cells in autoimmune hepatitis, causing inflammation and damage.
Noninfectious hepatitis symptoms include exhaustion, jaundice, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and loss of appetite, and are comparable to infectious hepatitis. The treatment for noninfectious hepatitis, on the other hand, is determined by the underlying aetiology of the disorder. In certain circumstances, abstaining from drugs or alcohol and other lifestyle adjustments will help cure liver damage. In other circumstances, anti-inflammatory medicines and immunosuppressants may be administered to treat the inflammation and avoid further liver damage.
It is essential to be on the lookout for suspected hepatitis symptoms in order to prevent it from progressing. Hepatitis can cause major liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer in some circumstances. If the liver ceases to function normally, consequences may include blood disorders, renal failure, cancer, and, in the worst-case scenario, death.
If you are already suffering from this critical ailment, consulting the top experts available is the greatest option. As a result, MediPocket World has taken the effort to connect Indian patients with doctors in the United States. We ensure that everyone receives high-quality healthcare directly from the United States. Subscribe now to find out more.