HEPATITIS is the inflammation of the liver. It is often caused by infections, particularly viruses, but there are other causes such as:
· Excessive alcohol consumption (alcoholic hepatitis)
· Medications and certain chemicals (toxic hepatitis)
· Autoimmune diseases (autoimmune hepatitis)
TYPES OF VIRAL HEPATITIS
There are 5 main types of viral hepatitis: A, B, C, D, and E. These are the most well-known types.
HOW HEPATITIS IS TRANSMITTED
· Hepatitis A (HAV): Through consuming food or water contaminated with feces (fecal-oral route). It usually gets better on its own and does not cause long-term liver disease. A vaccine is available.
· Hepatitis B (HBV): Through blood, blood products, and semen. Infected mothers can transmit the virus to their baby during childbirth. It can become chronic and lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer. A vaccine is available.
· Hepatitis C (HCV): Through blood or blood products (especially via needles). It often becomes chronic. It can cause severe liver disease and there is no vaccine, but there is effective treatment.
· Hepatitis D (HDV): Occurs only in people who already have Hepatitis B. It makes the disease more severe. It is transmitted through blood and blood products. It cannot exist without HBV.
· Hepatitis E (HEV): Similar to HAV, through consuming contaminated food or water. It usually gets better on its own, but is dangerous for pregnant women.
SYMPTOMS OF HEPATITIS
People can have hepatitis without knowing it. If symptoms occur, they include:
· Unexplained fatigue
· Fever
· Loss of appetite
· Nausea and vomiting
· Abdominal pain (especially on the upper right side)
· Yellowing of the eyes (jaundice)
· Clay-colored stool
TREATMENT AND PREVENTION
Treatment depends on the type of hepatitis:
· Hepatitis A and E: Usually resolve on their own. Care involves rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating nutritious food.
· Hepatitis B: There are medications to control the virus, but they do not cure it. It requires lifelong management.
· Hepatitis C: It is curable with new antiviral medications. About 95% of patients are cured.
· Hepatitis D: Treatment is difficult, so the best method of prevention is vaccination against Hepatitis B.
PREVENTION
· Vaccination: There are effective vaccines for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. It is very important for children to receive the Hepatitis B vaccine.
· Food and water hygiene: Helps prevent Hepatitis A and E.
· Safe practices: Avoid sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes, and use condoms during sex.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
· Hepatitis B and C are the leading causes of cirrhosis and liver cancer worldwide.
· Many people with Hepatitis C do not know they have it, so it is important to get a blood test if you are at risk.
· If you think you have any symptoms or are at risk of getting hepatitis, see a doctor for testing and advice.