Hepatitis: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment And Prevention

Do you know that India had 1.6 million cases of hepatitis registered in 2017? This included around 248 million people being infected with hepatitis B and 71 million with hepatitis C worldwide. ¹ These alarming statistics are a wake-up call! Don’t you think?

Imagine being diagnosed with a chronic liver disease. For millions, hepatitis is a harsh reality that can silently ravage the liver, leading to devastating consequences, and even death. This stealthy killer knows no bounds, affecting people of all genders and backgrounds. That's why understanding this disease is so important.¹  Read on to understand the causes, symptoms, and complications of hepatitis. 

Defining Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a condition that can silently harm the liver, often progressing without noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred. At its core, hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, an organ vital for essential functions like digestion, detoxification, and metabolism. When inflammation strikes, it disrupts these critical processes, potentially leading to a host of health complications. Left unchecked, hepatitis can result in lasting damage and impair the liver’s ability to function effectively. ^{2 3}

Hepatitis can be acute (flares up suddenly and goes away) or chronic (long-term disorder leading to liver damage). Many infectious viruses and some non-infectious agents such as chemical compounds, medicines, and alcohol etc can all cause liver inflammation. 

6 Causes Of Hepatitis

There are many factors that can contribute to hepatitis. Some of the most common causes include:^{4 5 6 7}

1. Viral Infections

Viral hepatitis is a liver infection caused by one of five hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, and E). It's a major public health concern, affecting millions worldwide. ^{4 5} 

2. Alcohol

Alcohol can harm the liver and cause alcoholic hepatitis. It affects liver cells directly, resulting in long-term damage, scarring, and ultimately liver failure. ^{4 5}

3. Medications And Toxins

Certain medications, poisons, and chemicals can lead to drug-induced hepatitis. This form of hepatitis is often linked to drugs prescribed for cancer, autoimmune disorders, or infections. ^{4 5} 

4. Autoimmune Disorders

It happens when our own body’s immune system attacks the liver. This type of hepatitis is not as common as other types of hepatitis but it can be serious. ^{6 7}

5. Metabolic Disorders

One of the other reasons for hepatitis is metabolic disorders such as Wilson's disease, hemochromatosis, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. These conditions cause a buildup of some harmful substances in the liver which in turn harm liver cells.^{6 7}

6. Other Infections

Certain infections like cytomegalovirus (CMV) or Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can also result in hepatitis. These infections pose no greater threat but can sometimes lead to chronic hepatitis.^{6 7}

Let’s understand more about hepatitis viruses as they are one of the most common causes of hepatitis. 

Types of Hepatitis Viruses

There are five primary types of the hepatitis virus known A, B, C, D, and E. Let’s talk about them in brief: ^{2 3}

Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A virus usually transmits through contaminated food and water. It’s the easiest one to spread and very common among children. However, this condition is the least harmful to the liver, typically mild, and usually clears up on its own within six months. ⁸

Hepatitis B: Caused by the hepatitis B virus, it can spread through contact with infectious body fluids, like blood, saliva, semen etc. If you’re pregnant, it can pass on to your unborn baby too. An important point to note here is that it can be prevented with a safe and effective vaccination.⁹

Hepatitis C: The Hepatitis C virus transmits when a person comes into contact with the infected blood. This can occur if needles or syringes are shared, or during unsafe medical practices, like receiving a blood transfusion from unscreened blood. It does not have a vaccine, but antiviral medicines can help treat it. Furthermore, early detection and treatment can stop severe liver damage and boost overall health in the long run. ¹⁰

Hepatitis D: HDV (hepatitis D virus) has affected around 5% of people globally. This virus needs the hepatitis B virus for its replication. Therefore, it only occurs in people already infected with hepatitis B. Hepatitis D infection can be prevented by hepatitis B immunisation. ¹¹

Hepatitis E: Hepatitis E virus leads to this type of hepatitis infection. Similar to hepatitis A, it often spreads through contaminated water. It is prevalent everywhere in the world but it's more common in East and South Asia. ¹²

Symptoms Of Hepatitis

Many individuals with hepatitis might not show any signs of the virus and may not even know they are infected. Its symptoms include: ¹³

• Fever
• Tiredness or feeling weak
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea/ vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Dark urine (The colour of urine can vary from light yellow to dark amber)
• Clay-coloured bowel movements (Clay-coloured stools are a bit lighter than normal, or they can even be pale)
• Joint pain
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

If you have an acute infection, symptoms can appear within 2 weeks to 6 months after being infected. In the case of chronic infection, symptoms may not show up until many years later.

How To Diagnose Hepatitis

Diagnosing hepatitis typically involves a combination of the following- ²

1. Physical examination - May or may not reveal a swollen/enlarged liver
2. Blood tests - Checks if the liver is damaged or infected
3. Liver ultrasound - Detects any signs of fat storage, inflammation or swelling in the liver ¹⁴
4. Liver biopsy - Determines the reason behind liver damage when other tests are inconclusive

Hepatitis Complications

Hepatitis can lead to various complications that can impact the liver and overall health. Some common complications include: ^{3, 7} 

1. Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
2. Liver failure
3. Liver cancer
4. Ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen)
5. Hepatic encephalopathy (dysfunction of the brain due to liver failure)
6. Portal hypertension (increased blood pressure in the portal vein)
7. Kidney problems
8. Weakened immune system

Even though complications can arise from hepatitis, early detection and prevention are crucial. So, let's look into the preventive measures you can take to safeguard yourself from hepatitis.

Hepatitis Prevention

Hepatitis is a serious liver disease that can be prevented. You can do a lot to protect yourself from hepatitis. Here are nine steps you can take to prevent yourself: ^{8, 11, 12}

1. Get vaccinated: It is important to get vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B. Their vaccines are safe and effective, and they can help protect you from getting sick. 

2. Wash hands: One of the best hygiene practices is to wash your hands regularly. This helps prevent the spread of germs from one person to another. Follow this habit especially when you change diapers, before eating and use the bathroom. 

3. Be careful about what you eat and drink: If you’re travelling, make sure to keep a note of what you eat and drink. Drink boiled or chlorine-treated water and eat cooked food. Avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish.

4. Practice safe sex: In case you're sexually active, it’s important to have safe sex. Speaking of which, we advise you to use barrier methods (like condoms) to ensure safety and protection. This will help prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. 

5. Don't use the used syringes: Using the same or used syringes is a big no, as it can lead to the transmission of various health problems including hepatitis. Whenever you visit a doctor, make sure your doctor always uses a new syringe to inject the medicine. 

6. Talk to your doctor: If you’re experiencing any weird symptoms lately as discussed above, then consult a doctor. They may help you understand the risks associated with it and show you the way forward. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, hepatitis is a complex and multifaceted disease that requires attention, awareness, and action. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies, we can work together to reduce the burden of hepatitis worldwide. 

Also, managing hepatitis involves simple yet crucial steps: avoid sharing needles or syringes, practice safe sex, and regularly test for STIs. However, If you're worried that you or your partner may have contracted STDs, it's essential to consult a doctor for early diagnosis and timely treatment. Nevertheless, if you're hesitant, we recommend starting with LifeCell's at-home STD Test kit. LifeCell offers at-home, self-collection STD testing kits for both men and women, that checks for 7 common STDs in males and 8 in females. Don't wait any longer; get tested and stay informed about your sexual health!

*Disclaimer: The information in this blog is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

FAQs

Q1. What Causes Hepatitis?

Hepatitis can be caused by different factors, including viral infections (such as hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E), excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications, toxins, autoimmune diseases, and other underlying health conditions.^{2, 3}

Q2. What Is A Test For Hepatitis?

To diagnose hepatitis, a blood test is usually done to check for specific markers or antibodies related to hepatitis viruses. Other tests, like liver function tests and imaging studies, might be used to evaluate the liver's health and determine any possible damage.⁹

Q3. Does Hepatitis Require Surgery?

Hepatitis generally does not require surgery for treatment, as it is primarily managed with medication and lifestyle changes. However, surgical interventions like liver transplantation may be necessary in severe cases or when complications arise.¹⁰

Q4. How Is Hepatitis Transmitted?

Hepatitis can spread through various routes, including contaminated food and water, unsafe sexual practices, sharing of needles or personal items, and from mother to baby during childbirth.^{2, 3}