Inflammation of the liver is generally referred to as hepatitis. A number of viruses (viral hepatitis), substances, medications, alcohol, certain genetic abnormalities, an overactive immune system that mistakenly assaults the liver (autoimmune hepatitis), and other factors can result in liver inflammation. Hepatitis can be chronic, which is a long-term condition that typically causes more modest symptoms and increases liver damage, or acute, which flares up quickly and then goes away.
What is hepatitis and what are its types, diagnosis, and treatments?
As mentioned above, hepatitis is a condition where the liver is inflamed due to an underlying viral infection. Although viruses are the most common reason, there are also other factors that can lead to inflammation viz. Autoimmune disorder or as a side effect of medications.
Hepatitis is categorized into 5 different categories as per the virus that causes them, they are:
Hepatitis A
This Hepatitis is a short-term disease caused by the HAV virus. This virus is most commonly found around regions having improper sanitation systems.
Symptoms
The individual infected with the HAV virus usually starts to exhibit the symptoms within 14-28 days which includes
– Fever
– Diarrhea
– Abdominal Pain
– Nausea
Some people don’t experience any symptoms at all, usually children under 6 years of age.
Diagnosis and Treatments
Blood tests are frequently used by healthcare providers to diagnose hepatitis A. The main aim of these examinations is to confirm the presence of hepatitis A specific antibodies in the blood
Hepatitis A has no known cure, but medication can help manage symptoms, and most patients typically recover. It could take weeks or even months for one to recover.
In a small percentage of instances, hepatitis A may not go away, and sufferers may develop consequences like acute liver failure. Liver transplantation may be life-saving in several situations.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is usually an acute and short-term disease, however, it can also become chronic and have long-term complications such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. Hepatitis B spreads when the blood or semen of an infected person enters the body of a healthy individual.
Symptoms
The symptoms of hepatitis B are similar to other hepatitis which include the following
– Fever
– Rashes on the skin
– Joint pain
– Fatigue
– Nausea
– Abdominal Pain
Diagnosis and Treatment
Medical professionals will take a number of steps to diagnose hepatitis B. These include talking with the person about using needles and having sex. Testing the blood samples for traces of antibodies and antigens is also one of the steps in the diagnostic procedure.
Hepatitis B has no known treatment; it usually goes away on its own in 95% of cases. Symptom management may be aided by supportive treatment. Antiviral medicine may be prescribed by a doctor in chronic sickness instances, and the liver will be periodically checked for long-term damage.
A person should abstain from alcohol, narcotics, and liver-toxic substances while receiving treatment and recovering.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a virus that is transmitted when a healthy individual comes in contact with the blood which is usually a result of sharing needles. It is a short-term condition but almost fifty percent of cases convert into long-term infections.
Symptoms
– Jaundice
– Pain in abdomen (Liver area)
– Dark urine
– Nausea
Diagnosis and Treatment
The method of diagnosis for hepatitis C is testing for the presence of hepatitis C antibodies in the blood. For almost 25% of cases, the body will be successful in removing all the virus from the body. For other people, oral medication will be prescribed for a tenure of 8-12 weeks which usually relieves all the symptoms
In rare cases, hepatitis C can result in liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Hepatitis D
Another viral hepatitis infection, hepatitis D, can be both acute and chronic. It harms the liver, just like other hepatitis infections do.
However, only those with active hepatitis B experience severe diseases. Otherwise, the hepatitis D virus cannot proliferate. Hepatitis D will spread to about 5% of all hepatitis B patients, according to a reliable source.
Symptoms
– Jaundice
– Abdominal pain
– Bleeding
– Nausea
– Bruising
Diagnosis and Treatment
If specific hepatitis D antibodies are detected in a patient’s body fluids, then a diagnosis of hepatitis D will be made. Laboratory testing is a part of this process.
Hepatitis D infection in its acute stage has no recognized cure. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved these drugs, despite some experimental research suggesting they may be able to treat chronic hepatitis D.
A person may require a liver transplant in some circumstances due to the serious liver damage that the hepatitis D virus can cause.
Hepatitis E
A viral hepatitis infection called hepatitis E has both acute and chronic forms. The chronic version is more typical in people with immunosuppression.
Over 50,000 deaths globally are attributable to the hepatitis E virus, which is the most common trusted Source source of acute hepatitis infections.
Symptoms
– Jaundice
– Pain in upper abdomen
– Dark urine
– Nausea
Diagnosis
To diagnose hepatitis E, medical practitioners consider a number of distinct factors Trusted Source. Due to the fact that hepatitis E infections are endemic in several regions of the world, these include the patient’s symptoms and travel history.
Laboratory testing is significant even if standardized tests for hepatitis E have not yet been created by scientists.
Hepatitis E infections have no established standard of care and typically go away on their own after a few weeks. However, in more extreme and uncommon circumstances, a liver transplant may be required.
Methods of preventions
The method of various types of hepatitis varies according to the method of contraction.
Hepatitis A and E
Hepatitis A and E are mostly transmitted via contaminated food and water, which has been in contact with the feces of an infected person.
Among the methods of infection prevention are:
– Ensuring that food is properly prepared and kept.
– Washing hands thoroughly after using the restroom and before eating, and only drinking bottled water while travelling.
-Avoiding or peeling produce that may have been grown or washed in unclean water
– People may want to ask their doctor about the hepatitis
– A vaccine before visiting an area where the infection is prevalent.
Hepatitis B, C, and D
The following precautions should be taken to prevent Hepatitis B, C and D
– Always make sure to use protection while indulging in sexual activity.
– Talk with your partner about any having any sexually transmitted infections.
– Avoid sharing personal products like toothbrushes, razors etc.
If one experiences any of the symptoms of hepatitis, they should make sure to consult a healthcare professional.
