Hepatitis Symptoms
Hepatitis is a health condition characterised by swelling of the liver, an organ that is essential for detoxifying the body, producing bile (a yellowish-green fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder), and storing vital nutrients. There are various reasons that can cause this disease, such as viral infections, excessive alcohol use, use of certain medicines and autoimmune disorders. Among these factors, viral hepatitis is the most common one that is affecting millions of people all over the world. The disease starts from mild or short-term infections that lead to chronic conditions that result in liver cancer, liver failure or cirrhosis.
To reduce its global burden, we need to understand the different types of this disease, its symptoms, causes, and prevention strategies.
Types of Hepatitis
There are five major types of viral hepatitis. Which are:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Hepatitis D
- Hepatitis E
Each type contains different transmission routes, seriousness, and potential long-term effects.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is usually caused by the hepatitis A virus, called HAV.This virus is transmitted through consumption of contaminated food or water. It is often linked with poor sanitation and hygiene practices. Hepatitis A does not cause chronic liver conditions, and most patients recover completely within a few weeks or months. However, in rare cases, it can result in liver failure. To prevent Hepatitis A, vaccination is highly effective.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is a serious infection that can be chronic sometimes. It spreads when your body comes in contact with infected blood, semen, or other body fluids. Major risk factors that cause this disease are unsafe sexual practices, sharing needles, or transmitting it to a child during childbirth. Cirrhosis and liver cancer are two severe conditions in hepatitis B if it is left untreated. Vaccination is available and highly recommended, especially for newborns and healthcare workers.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and is usually transmitted through encountering infected blood and, in some cases, through unsafe injection practices or transfusions. Unlike Hepatitis A and B, there is no vaccination available for Hepatitis C. Many people with HCV remain asymptomatic for years, but over time, chronic infection may cause liver scarring, cirrhosis, and cancer. Some modern antiviral medications are being used to cure most cases of Hepatitis C
Hepatitis D
Hepatitis D is a severe form of hepatitis but is found rarely, which is caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). It only occurs to people who are already infected with Hepatitis B virus, as HDV requires HBV to reproduce itself. The best way to prevent the hepatitis D virus is through using vaccination against hepatitis B.
Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E is caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). It is commonly transmitted to people through contaminated water, particularly in regions with poor sanitation. Like Hepatitis A, it usually causes a critical infection and is cured or heals on its own. However, in pregnant women, hepatitis E can be quietly dangerous, leading to some complications or being life-threatening. In some countries, vaccines are provided, but the main solution to prevent this virus is to use clean water and improve the sanitation system.
Symptoms of Hepatitis
Symptoms of hepatitis depend on the type of this disease and how severe the infection. Some people may remain asymptomatic, especially in chronic cases. Common symptoms
include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Less or complete loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain, specifically in the upper right area
- Dark colour of urine and pale stools
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Joint pain
- Fever in some conditions
Causes of Hepatitis
The basic and usual cause of hepatitis is viral infection. However, other factors also help trigger liver inflammation, such as:
* Excessive alcohol consumption
*. Certain medications and toxins
*. Autoimmune hepatitis
*. Metabolic diseases, such as fatty liver
Complications of Hepatitis
If left unnoticed, hepatitis can turn into serious complications, especially in chronic conditions. Serious complications include:
- Cirrhosis: A condition of permanent scarring of the liver
- Liver failure: Loss of liver function that requires urgent medical care
- Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)
- Encephalopathy: Condition of brain dysfunction due to collection of toxins
- Portal hypertension: Increased blood pressure in the veins of the liver, which can raise the risk of bleeding.
Diagnosis:
For diagnosis of hepatitis, your physician will need a complete medical history, physical examination, and some laboratory tests. Common diagnostic methods include:
- Blood tests: A blood test is taken to detect specific viral antigens, antibodies, or elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST).
- Liver function tests
- Ultrasound or imaging scans
- Liver biopsy
Prevention and Cure
Prevention
To manage hepatitis, prevention is key, particularly in viral forms. Effective preventive measures include:
- · Vaccination for Hepatitis A and B
- · Practising safe sex
- · Avoiding sharing needles
- · Make sure to safely do blood transfusions.
- · Maintaining good hygiene
- · Drinking clean water
- · To prevent transmission from mother to child, frequent screening for hepatitis is essential.
Cure and Treatment
Choice of treatment depends on the type of hepatitis:
- Hepatitis A and E: Usually self-cured, managed with complete rest, hydration, and a proper nutritional diet
- · Hepatitis B: Antiviral medicines may be prescribed by a doctor for severe cases; long-term monitoring may be required.
Hepatitis C: More than 95% of hepatitis D cases can be cured by direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications. - · Hepatitis D: Treatment for this type of hepatitis is quite challenging, but antiviral drugs and liver transplantation is an option.