Understanding Hepatitis: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment

Hepatitis is a disease that affects the liver, causing inflammation. There are many types of hepatitis, which are caused by different reasons. Some are mild, and you may not know that you are infected. Your body will fight it off in a few weeks to months, but there are serious types that may lead to severe liver damage. A brief description of each is given below to help you identify them and take timely treatment.

Types of Hepatitis 

There are three major types of Hepatitis: Viral, Autoimmune, and Alcoholic

Viral Hepatitis

Viral hepatitis is a liver infection caused by one of five hepatitis viruses: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.

Hepatitis A and E

• Mode of Transmission: Food and waterborne.
• Severity:
  • Typically self-limiting.
  • It can cause severe liver damage if the immune system is compromised.

Hepatitis B and C

• Mode of Transmission:
  • Through infected blood and blood products.
  • Risk factors include:
    • Sharing needles, razors, and toothbrushes.
    • Unsterilized medical equipment.
    • Unprotected sex.
    • Mother-to-child transmission during childbirth.
• Outcomes:
  • May clear from the body within a few months.
  • Can become chronic infections if they persist for more than 6 months.

Hepatitis D

• Dependency:
  • Occurs only in people who are infected with Hepatitis B, either currently or in the past.
• Severity:
  • Considered very serious due to its potential to accelerate liver damage.

Chronic Hepatitis (B, C, and D)

• Complications:
  • Cirrhosis: Progressive scarring of the liver due to continuous damage.
  • Liver Cancer: Increased risk with long-term chronic infection.

Symptoms of Viral Hepatitis

• Fatigue
• Nausea/ vomiting
• Pale stool
• Dark urine
• Pain in the abdomen
• Jaundice – yellow skin and eyes
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Itching

Prevention of Viral Hepatitis

• Avoid food and water prepared in unhygienic conditions
• Do not share needles, razors, etc.
• Be careful while handling blood, blood products, needles, etc.
• Get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. Vaccination against hepatitis B will also protect against Hepatitis D.

Autoimmune Hepatitis

Liver inflammation occurs when your body’s immune system attacks your liver cells. This is a chronic condition with no known cure. It has to be monitored for life, and with treatment, you can manage symptoms and prevent liver damage. This type of hepatitis can be kept under control with regular monitoring and lifelong treatment if diagnosed in the early stages. Usually, females are affected more than males. In most cases, there are no symptoms.

Symptoms of Autoimmune Hepatitis, When Present

• Joint/ muscle pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea/ vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Jaundice- Yellow skin and eyes
• Abnormal menstrual cycles

Prevention of Autoimmune Hepatitis

The cause of Autoimmune Hepatitis is not known. Genes may be responsible, as in many cases, it can be inherited from your parents. Certain medicines, stress, or infections can also trigger your immune system to attack your liver. There is no way to prevent it, but you can manage it with proper medical care and lifestyle modifications, so you can lead a normal and healthy life.

Alcoholic Hepatitis

Alcoholic Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that is caused by drinking alcohol in excess for a prolonged period. It is not clear why all heavy drinkers do not develop alcoholic hepatitis, and some people who drink moderately develop hepatitis. It is caused when liver cells are damaged by toxins produced when the liver breaks down alcohol.

Risk Factors That Increase Your Chances of Developing Alcoholic Hepatitis

• Binge drinking- having five or more drinks within two hours for men and four or more for women
• Those who have been drinking heavily for a long time (>10 years)
• Women are at more risk than men
• Obesity increases risk
• A genetic component may increase your risk

Symptoms of Alcoholic Hepatitis

• Jaundice – yellow eyes and skin
• Poor appetite
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting
• Swelling over the legs and abdomen
• Confusion, drowsiness
• Anxiety, tremors

Prevention of Alcoholic Hepatitis

• Avoid alcohol or limit intake of alcohol
• Protect yourself from Hepatitis C and B
• Do not mix any medication and alcohol

Expert Care is the Key to Fighting Hepatitis

Hepatitis, if left untreated, will cause liver cell death and scarring, leading to cirrhosis or liver cancer. Get tested if you have any symptoms to treat hepatitis and prevent liver damage. Contact Dr. Rela Hospital, one of the world’s premier liver care and liver transplant centers. The best liver team, world-class liver diagnosis and treatment, and excellent all-around care for all liver diseases are available under one roof.