Inflammation of the liver is referred to as hepatitis in medicine. Although there are many different forms of hepatitis, viral hepatitis is the most common. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, and Hepatitis E are the five main kinds.
Hepatitis A (HAV): This form of the disease is typically spread via contaminated food or water. Typically, it is short-term and does not cause a chronic infection.
. Fever, fatigue nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) are possible symptoms. A vaccination is available to protect against hepatitis A.
Hepatitis B (HBV): Hepatitis B is caught by coming in contact with an infected person’s blood or other bodily fluids. It may be acute or chronic, and some people may continue to be asymptomatic carriers even when they don’t exhibit any symptoms.
Cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer can result from chronic hepatitis B. Hepatitis B can be prevented with a vaccination.
Hepatitis C (HCV): Hepatitis C is most frequently spread through sharing needles or other drug-injecting supplies, which results in blood-to-blood contact. Although less often, it can also be spread through sexual contact with an infected person.
Similar to hepatitis B, HCV may lead to acute or chronic hepatitis; however, chronic infection can result in liver damage and other problems. Hepatitis C has no vaccine yet, but new antiviral drugs have greatly improved the efficiency of treatment.
Hepatitis D (HDV): Hepatitis D is a special kind of hepatitis that only affects those who have already contracted hepatitis B.
It mainly spreads through the same routes as hepatitis B and can result in more serious liver disease.
Hepatitis E (HEV): In places with poor sanitation, hepatitis E is frequently spread by contaminated water. Even though the majority of the cases are severe and self-limiting,
it can get worse for pregnant women. Hepatitis E does not have a specific cure, but it can be avoided with better hygiene and access to clean water.
It is crucial to get medical assistance right away for a correct diagnosis and management if you think you may have hepatitis or are worried about it. Additionally, there are vaccines for hepatitis A and B, so think about asking your doctor whether they think you should get one of them depending on your risk factors.
Causes of Hepatitis:
Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E are just a few of the viral infections that are the most frequent cause of the disease, as was previously discussed. Each virus type has a unique method of transmission and the capacity for either an acute or persistent infection.
Other factors: Hepatitis can be brought on by sources outside viral hepatitis. Alcoholism, the misuse of specific drugs, pollutants, immunological conditions, metabolic disorders, and fatty liver disease (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD) may all be among them.
