Hepatitis

What Is Hepatitis?

The liver is one of the vital organs in the human body performing various essential functions. The liver is frequently exposed to various chemicals, pathogens, and toxic substances. When these substances attack the liver cell causing inflammation, the condition is termed as Hepatitis. The most common cause of hepatitis is viral infections; however, the condition may also be caused due to toxic substances, drugs, and their metabolites and prolonged and heavy intake of alcohol. Certain medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases also cause hepatitis.

What Are The Various Typrs Of Hepatitis Virus?

There are five types of viruses that have been identified as a possible cause of liver inflammation. These are denoted by the letters A, B, C, D, and E. These forms of virus vary in severity of disease and mode of transmission.

Hepatitis A Virus (HAV): This virus causes infection when the person has an unhygienic lifestyle. Vaccines are available to prevent the infection. The virus is present in feces of an infected person and contaminates the water or food.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV): HBV is transmitted through blood or semen. Effective vaccines are available for preventing HBV infection.

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV): There is no effective vaccine to prevent HCV infection. The disease can be transmitted through infected blood.

Hepatitis D Virus (HDV): This infection occurs only in those people who have HBV infection. Combination of both the infection increases the severity of the disease. HBV vaccine can prevent this infection.

Hepatitis E Virus (HEV): HEV infection is commonly found in developed countries and spread through contaminated food or water. Although the vaccine for preventing HEV infection is developed but has poor availability. 

What Is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is caused by the Hepatitis B virus. It is a serious infection and may cause chronic inflammation in the liver. This prolongs liver inflammation increases the risk of liver cancer, liver cirrhosis or liver failure. Although this infection has severe symptoms, most people recover fully from this condition with proper treatment. The virus does not spread through coughing. The virus spread through sexual contact, accidental exposure to infected needles, sharing needles and passing of virus from mother to child.

What Are The Symptoms Of Hepatitis B?

Symptoms occur within 1 to 4 months after infection although the patient may feel discomfort after 15 days of getting infected. The symptoms of HBV are mild to severe. Symptoms experienced by the patient include:

• Weakness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal discomfort and pain
• Joint pain

How Hepatitis B Is Prevented And Treated?

Hepatitis B vaccination done at the scheduled interval is the best way to prevent Hepatitis B infection.

In the case of acute infection, the doctor recommends rest and intake of fluids as the infection will cure of its own. However, in chronic infection, antiviral medications and interferon injections are prescribed. In the case of liver failure, a liver transplant is recommended.

What Is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C infection is a serious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis C virus. People infected with this condition do not know as the symptoms take decades to get appear. This infection, if left untreated, may lead to liver failure. As the condition remains asymptomatic for years, it is recommended to undergo a screening test if the person is at increased risk of getting infected.

What Are The Symptoms Of Hepatitis C?

Symptoms occur at a later stage in HBV infection. Following are the symptoms experienced by the patient:

• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Easy bleeding and bruising
• Weight loss
• Swelling in extremities
• Hepatic encephalopathy

How Hepatitis C Is Prevented And Treated?

Hepatitis C infection can be prevented by taking care while body piercing or tattooing, avoiding sharing needles and following a safer sex practice.

Antiviral medications are the preferred treatment method for hepatitis C infection which aims to get clear the body from infection. In case the liver is severely damaged, the doctor may advise for liver transplantation.