Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a Viral liver condition caused by different variants of the Hepatitis virus, which refers to the inflammation of the liver. The liver is a detoxifying organ, meaning it processes harmful substances such as ammonia. It also helps blood clot and store glucose (a source of energy) in the form of glucagon. Due to Hepatitis, these functions of the liver are greatly affected. Hepatitis can be acute as well as chronic.

1.0Types of Hepatitis

Hepatitis A (HAV) 

Hepatitis A is caused by Hepatitis A Virus. It is an acute liver condition that is primarily transmitted via faecal or oral route by consuming contaminated water or food. It is a mild condition that requires no specific treatment and, most of the time, resolves on its own.

Hepatitis B (HBV) 

It is caused by Hepatitis B Virus, which is a DNA virus. It is a chronic condition that transmits through contact with infected blood, sexual contact, sharing needles, or from mother to child during birth. It is a lethal condition which most commonly requires a liver transplant. Hepatitis B Immunization is the preventive measure that is taken to reduce the chances of suffering from Hepatitis B. 

Hepatitis B is diagnosed by detecting the presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the bloodstream; specifically, prolonged presence of more than 6 months is a sign of Chronic Hepatitis B infection. 

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Hepatitis C is caused by the Hepatitis C virus (it is an RNA Virus). Transmission is mainly through blood-to-blood contact, especially by sharing needles and unsafe medical practices. It is commonly an acute disorder, but when untreated, it can persist for a long time and sometimes lead to liver cancer. 

Hepatitis D (HDV) 

Hepatitis D comes from the Hepatitis D Virus or the delta virus, which is a unique RNA virus. It is a rare type of Hepatitis because it requires HBV to multiply. Hence, Hepatitis B virus is the primary condition required for Hepatitis D infection.

Hepatitis E (HEV)

Hepatitis E is caused by the specific Hepatitis E virus (HEV), which is also an RNA virus. Hepatitis E is commonly found in poorly sanitised water and is transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated water via the faecal or oral route. 

2.0Hepatitis Causes

The causes of Hepatitis depend upon the type of hepatitis. Some of the most common are: 

• Viral Infection: The main cause of hepatitis is viral infection by Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E virus. Each type of Viral hepatitis has a specific virus that is exposed to a healthy person via different modes of transmission, such as: 

• Alcohol Consumption: Chronic heavy drinking can cause alcoholic hepatitis, which is a specific type of liver inflammation caused by alcohol toxicity.
• Medications & Toxins: Certain medications (for example, acetaminophen overdose) and toxins can cause drug-induced hepatitis.
• Autoimmune diseases: Diseases such as autoimmune hepatitis occur when the immune system of a body fights against its own tissues of the liver.
• Metabolic Disorders: Conditions such as Wilson's disease or hemochromatosis can lead to inflammation of the liver due to the accumulation of copper or iron, respectively.

3.0Hepatitis Symptoms 

Symptoms of hepatitis also depend upon the type of viral infection and whether the infection is acute or chronic. Some of them are: 

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain (especially in the upper right side of the abdomen (location of the liver))
• Dark urine
• Pale stools
• Fever (especially in viral hepatitis)

4.0Hepatitis Treatments and Prevention

Hepatitis Treatments 

Hepatitis Preventions

1. Vaccination: Vaccination is the most accurate way for the prevention of hepatitis. There are different vaccines for each hepatitis type that are recommended according to the individual’s requirements. The Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended to everyone as it can also fight Hepatitis D. 
2. Safe Injection Practices: Hepatitis B, C, and D are transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, so it is necessary to use sanitised and sterile injection needles to avoid this disease. 
3. Good Hygiene: Hepatitis A and E are spread via contaminated food and water; hence, it is always advised not to eat raw or undercooked food and to drink clean and treated water. 

Safe Sex Practices: Unprotected intercourse can increase the risk of Hepatitis B, C, and D; hence, it is advised to use condoms to avoid transmission of these diseases.

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