Understanding Hepatitis: Causes & Symptoms
Every Year on 28 July world celebrates Hepatitis Day. It is celebrated to show awareness regarding Hepatitis
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver, commonly caused by viral infections. It can be acute, lasting for a short duration, or chronic, persisting for more than six months. However, it can also result from alcohol abuse, certain medications, toxins, and autoimmune diseases. The most common types of viral hepatitis are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, and Hepatitis E.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious viral infection that is usually transmitted through contaminated food and water or close contact with an infected person. It does not lead to chronic liver disease but can cause discomfort and disrupt daily activities during the acute phase.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a serious viral infection transmitted through contact with infected blood, and body fluids, or from mother to child during childbirth. Unlike Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B can become chronic, leading to severe liver damage if left untreated.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through exposure to infected blood, often due to sharing needles or receiving contaminated medical treatment. It is a leading cause of chronic liver disease and can remain asymptomatic for years.
Hepatitis D
Hepatitis D, also known as delta hepatitis, is a unique type of infection that only occurs in individuals who already have Hepatitis B. It is considered the most severe form of viral hepatitis.
Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E is primarily transmitted through contaminated water, especially in areas with poor sanitation. It is more common in developing countries and is usually a self-limiting disease. Africa, China, Taiwan, Japan, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, etc.
Other Types of Hepatitis
There are other forms of hepatitis, including autoimmune hepatitis, drug-induced hepatitis, and alcoholic hepatitis.
Causes of Hepatitis
Viral Infections
The most common cause of hepatitis is viral infections. Hepatitis viruses, especially A, B, and C, are responsible for a significant number of cases worldwide. The virus which causes hepatitis is known as Hep Virus
Alcohol Consumption
Excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption can damage the liver, leading to alcoholic hepatitis. Alcoholic hepatitis is most likely to occur in people who drink heavily over many years. However, the relationship between drinking and alcoholic hepatitis is complex.
- The body’s process for breaking down alcohol produces highly toxic chemicals.
- These chemicals trigger inflammation that destroys liver cells.
- Over time, scars replace healthy liver tissue, interfering with liver function.
- This irreversible scarring (cirrhosis) is the final stage of alcoholic liver disease.
Toxin Exposure
Exposure to certain toxins and chemicals can cause drug-induced hepatitis. The symptoms of toxic hepatitis often go away when exposure to the toxin stops. But toxic hepatitis can permanently damage your liver, leading to irreversible scarring of liver tissue (cirrhosis) and in some cases liver failure, which can be life-threatening.
You know paracetamol is a basic drug that is basically available in every household. Daily consumption of paracetamol can cause severe liver issues and hepatitis is one of them.
Symptoms of Hepatitis
Hepatitis can exhibit a range of symptoms, and they may vary depending on the type and severity of the condition.
Jaundice
Yellowing of the skin and eyes is a common symptom of hepatitis, indicating liver dysfunction.
- Our body forms a fluid called bilirubin.
- Bilirubin gets converted into bile for better functioning in the small intestine.
- Bile helps in digesting food
- But when bile fluids get accumulated in excessive amounts, it can produce a disease called Jaundice.
Fatigue
Persistent tiredness and weakness are often experienced by individuals with hepatitis. Fatigue is a common symptom of each and every disease.
- Fatigue usually occurs when there is sleep loss, high workload, High mental activity, or excessive metabolic activity.
- Central Nervous System controls everything from our heartbeat to our sleep.
- When there is excessive loss our CNS system lacks in response to stimulus
- This causes a lack of motor movement and also sensory movements.
Abdominal Pain
Discomfort and pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen can be a symptom of liver inflammation. There are 9 regions of the abdomen. Each of them shows different signs.
Diagnosing Hepatitis
Blood Tests
Blood tests, including liver function tests and viral hepatitis serology, help diagnose and determine the type of hepatitis.
Imaging Studies
Ultrasound and MRI scans provide valuable information about the liver’s condition and any potential complications.
Liver Biopsy
A liver biopsy may be performed to assess the extent of liver damage and inflammation.
Treatment Options
Antiviral Medications
Antiviral drugs are used to treat chronic viral hepatitis those drugs are Entecavir (Baraclude), Tenofovir (Viread), Lamivudine (Epivir), Adefovir (Hepsera) and Telbivudine
Lifestyle Changes
For alcohol-related hepatitis, lifestyle modifications such as alcohol, beer, fatty food, etc consumptions are vital.
Liver Transplant
In severe cases of liver failure, a liver transplant may be the only viable treatment option. Usually, liver transplant occurs in chronic and fatal conditions.
