(Disclaimer: We routinely draw upon public health resources to inform our write-ups. Information in this article may be drawn up from multiple public health sources, including:
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
- Medline Plus
- National Institutes of Health
- American Medical Association
- American Association of Family Physicians
- Mayo Clinic
- Family Doctor
Hepatitis is a condition characterized by an inflammation of the liver. There are several causes for hepatitis and it can be acute or chronic.
We discuss the condition, the various types and causes, symptoms, your risk factors and the prevention and management tips for hepatitis.
What Is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis refers to the inflammation and damage in the liver. The liver is an important organ that fulfills several functions, such as processing nutrients, filtering the blood, and fighting infections.
Hepatitis can severely affect the functioning of our liver and, thus, our overall health.
How Do I Know If I Have Hepatitis?
Most types of hepatitis viruses have common symptoms. Some of them are:
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Low-grade fever
- Jaundice indicated by yellow skin and eye whites
You should contact your doctor immediately if you show any of the above symptoms.
What Are The Causes Of Hepatitis?
There are several causes of hepatitis, including
- Toxins
- Certain drugs
- Certain health conditions
- Excessive alcohol use
- Bacterial infections
- Viral infections
The most common cause of hepatitis is viral infections and known as viral hepatitis. Viral hepatitis is an infectious disease. It can be acute (less than six months) or chronic (over six months).
What Are The Types Of Hepatitis?
Viral hepatitis is caused by hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Among these forms, the most common in the United States of America are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
All types of viral hepatitis have similar symptoms. But they spread in different ways, manifest in different intensities, and have different treatments.
Hepatitis A
This is the most common type of hepatitis.
Hepatitis A is highly contagious and spreads through food and drink contaminated by an infected person’s stool and blood.
Fortunately, hepatitis A virus (HAV) is an acute condition. HAV does not lead to chronic infection and usually has no complications.
People infected with HAV get better with no treatment. The symptoms include nausea, fatigue, stomach pain, and jaundice. HAV symptoms can last up to two months.
The liver affected with HAV heals within a few months. However, there are occasional deaths from HAV because of liver failure. Some people infected with HAV may require a liver transplant.
The best way you can prevent hepatitis A is to get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B usually spreads through contact with an infected person’s body fluids such as blood.The contact can occur via needles and unprotected sex.
Hepatitis B can cause acute or chronic infection. Nearly 95% of people recover from hepatitis B and do not become chronically infected. But, a few cases lead to lifelong, chronic infection. Chronic hepatitis can lead to serious complications such as liver cirrhosis, failure, and cancer.
The earlier in life hepatitis B is contracted, the more likely it is to become chronic. This is because people can carry the hepatitis B virus without feeling sick or showing any symptoms as they continue to spread the virus.
Therefore an early diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis is critical as it can prevent or minimize your risk for developing these complications.
Your doctor may recommend hepatitis B screening if you are pregnant or are at a higher risk of being infected. You can protect yourself from hepatitis B with the hepatitis B vaccine.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is one of the most common causes of liver disease in the U.S. It was the number one reason for liver transplant.
Hepatitis C spreads through contact with an infected person’s blood.
It can be an acute or chronic infection. About 75%-85% of people with hepatitis C develop a chronic liver infection. Chronic hepatitis C disease can lead to long-term liver problems.
People with hepatitis C rarely show any symptoms. There is no vaccine yet available to prevent hepatitis C.
Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent liver damage. As doctors, we usually recommend one time screening of all adults ages 18 to 79 for hepatitis C.
Hepatitis D
The hepatitis D virus is unique as it can occur only when you are infected with the hepatitis B virus infection. So, hepatitis D happens only to people infected by the hepatitis B virus.
When you have chronic hepatitis B and then become infected with hepatitis D, it’s called a superinfection.
When you get both hepatitis D and hepatitis B infections at the simultaneously, it’s called a coinfection.
Hepatitis D usually spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood. It can occur via needles and having unprotected sex.
The hepatitis D viruses can cause acute and chronic infections. Chronic hepatitis D can lead to serious complications such as liver cirrhosis, failure, and cancer.
Early diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis D can prevent or lower your risk factors for developing these complications.
One good news is that if you are vaccinated against hepatitis B, it will also protect you against hepatitis D virus.
Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E is a common condition worldwide.
Hepatitis E is spread by consuming food or drinks contaminated by an infected person’s stool. Some types of hepatitis E viruses are spread by eating undercooked shellfish, pork, deer or wild game.
Fortunately, hepatitis E is usually an acute infection that requires no treatment. Your body should be able to fight off the infection naturally.
Even though we have hepatitis E vaccines, they are not commonly available everywhere.
Top Tips To Protect People Against Hepatitis
There are many ways you can prevent or reduce the chances of contracting the hepatitis virus. Here are our top suggestions.
- Practice good personal hygiene via handwashing with soap and water to prevent the spread of the hepatitis virus via contaminated food, drinks, and bodily fluids.
- Don’t use any personal items or share with a person who is infected with the hepatitis virus.
- Take the necessary precautions when you’re traveling to places with poor sanitation. Carry your own bottled water and make sure you’re vaccinated before travel.
- Be careful of needles, especially when getting any injections, tattoos, and other body piercings, as there are chances of contracting hepatitis virus infections.
- Take preventive measures when you work in high-risk job settings, such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, daycare centers, restaurants, or any place where you are in extended contact with many people.
- Follow a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition and rest. Avoid alcohol.
- Practice safe sex using condoms. Also, avoid having many partners.
- Visit your healthcare provider regularly. Consult them about your hepatitis vaccinations, risk factors, hepatitis related screening exams, treatment plans, and medications.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, follow our preventive measures to reduce your chances of contracting the hepatitis virus. See your primary care doctor right away if you suspect you have contracted the virus. You should also tell them what you ate recently, as well as any other symptoms you are having.