#WorldHepatitisDay: What is hepatitis? Types, causes and treatment

Hepatitis is a liver disease that causes the liver to get inflamed. While hepatitis in itself can be quite a limiting disease, it can lead to other conditions such as liver cirrhosis, scarring and liver cancer.

The liver performs many functions in your body including but not limited to:

i. Removing toxins from the body

ii. Producing bile which is used in digestion 

iii. Breaking down carbohydrates, fats and proteins

iv. Storing Vitamins A, D, E and K, minerals and glycogen

Thus, when your liver is damaged, essential body functions are hindered.

Causes of hepatitis

Hepatitis can occur as a result of a virus, known as viral hepatitis, and also because of excessive alcohol use, certain medical conditions, toxins and use of some medication. 

For today we will focus on viral hepatitis.

Types of hepatitis

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are five types of hepatitis i.e. A, B, C, D and E. These are caused by different viruses.

While Hepatitis A is acute, hepatitis B and C are chronic and can lead to liver cancer and cirrhosis.

Hepatitis A 

This is an acute, short-term infection that is caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV) that is found in the faeces of an infected person. It is transmitted through contaminated water and food or through certain sex practices. Many who get infected with HAV are only mildly sick and make a full recovery although there are some severe, life-threatening cases.

While you can be vaccinated against HAV, recovering from the infection gives you immunity against it. 

Hepatitis B

The Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) causes hepatitis B and is spread through infected body fluids. Transfusions with infected blood and sharing razors or needles (injections) with infected persons can also lead to infection. Mothers can transmit HBV to their babies at the time of birth and infants can get infected if exposed to sick family members in early childhood.

Vaccines against HBV are available.

Hepatitis C

Coming into contact with infected blood or contaminated medical equipment can lead to Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. While you can get HCV through sexual contact, this is uncommon.

There are no vaccines against Hepatitis C.

Hepatitis D

Although this is a rare form of hepatitis, hepatitis D is caused by the Hepatitis D Virus (HDV). It occurs in those who are already infected with HBV and is contracted through coming into contact with infected blood. Since this is a double infection (of Hepatitis B and D) it can be quite serious.

Getting an HBV vaccine will protect you against HDV.

Hepatitis E

Poor sanitation can lead to an infection with the Hepatitis E Virus (HEV). HEV is transmitted through contaminated water and food. 

Symptoms

According to Healthline, symptoms of acute hepatitis are easily identifiable. However, signs of chronic hepatitis i.e. hepatitis B and C are only visible when the liver is already damaged.

Below are signs of acute hepatitis.

i. Jaundice which is the yellowing of the eyes and skin

ii. Fatigue 

iii. Unexplained weight loss

iv. Pale stool

v. Loss of appetite

vi. Dark urine

vii. Symptoms that resemble those of flu

Treatment and prevention

The type of infection that you have as well as if it is chronic or acute will determine the mode of treatment. Most acute infections lack specific treatment options and doctors mostly give you medication to ease symptoms should they become severe.

Hepatitis A and E are usually left untreated as many patients make a full recovery with just bedrest and keeping well hydrated.

Hepatitis B and mild and acute hepatitis C are treated using antiviral medication. Treatment of chronic hepatitis B is taken over a period of months or years depending on how long the infection persists.

There are no antiviral medications for the treatment of hepatitis D.

To avoid getting infected with hepatitis, maintain proper hygiene, practice safe sex and avoid contact with contaminated persons, equipment and blood.