Different Types of Viral Hepatitis

Dr.Sharad Malhotra, 4 mins read

Hepatitis is an inflammation of liver tissue and can become a debilitating disease that can affect many lives. Being diagnosed with this disease is scary and overwhelming and can affect emotional and overall health. That's why it is important to know in detail  about this disease. 

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis can be explained as the inflammation of the liver owing to some health conditions, a sedentary lifestyle, genetic disorders, excess alcohol consumption and some medications.  

Based on its course, it can be acute(short-course illness), which can then gradually convert to chronic, a long-term condition that usually produces subtle symptoms and sometimes even results in liver damage, liver failure and liver cancer if not recognized or treated in time. 

Common Symptoms of Hepatitis

• Pale stool
• Dark urine
• Yellow skin and eyes
• Weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Pain in the abdomen region
• Unexplained weight loss

5 Types of Viral Hepatitis

• Hepatitis A

This type of hepatitis is highly contagious and caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It affects liver functioning and inflammation leading to jaundice. Physical contact with an infected object or person or consuming contaminated food or water can cause this disease.

It is considered acute, as in most cases, it doesn't lead to liver damage. Most of the patients will recover from it completely.

Adopting good hygiene practices, avoiding contact with infected things or persons and getting a hepatitis A vaccine can protect you from hepatitis A.

• Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is considered a serious liver disease as it has the propensity to become chronic and cause liver damage which is very difficult to treat. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV).

People diagnosed with this type of hepatitis should take extra precautions as it can lead to liver failure, liver cancer, and cirrhosis.

Infants and children are more at risk of getting hepatitis B.

Needle sharing in IV drug usage, sexual contact with infected persons and accidental needle sticks. Tattooing with infected needles or IV blood transfusion from unchecked blood products can cause hepatitis B. In addition, a pregnant woman with HBV can pass on the virus to her baby. 

A vaccine is the best line of defense, as no permanent cure is available for this condition. This disease can be well controlled on treatment but requires regular follow up.

• Hepatitis C

This type of hepatitis can damage the liver if becomes chronic. It is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and spreads through contaminated blood similar to hepatitis B.

But in many cases, patients don't even know that they're infected because it doesn't produce noticeable symptoms. That's why you should go for periodic health checkups which includes checking for Hepatitis B and C. This will help you begin the treatment in the early stage so that appropriate treatment can be started.

Most people think it spreads through kissing, hugging, sneezing, water, food, and touching an infected thing. But this is not the truth. Hepatitis C spreads through contaminated blood exposure only.

These days, we have an evidence-based treatment to treat this disease. Taking oral medications for three to six months can help the patient to recover.

• Hepatitis D

This liver condition occurs in conjunction with hepatitis B. Hepatitis D can impair liver function and lead to long-term liver problems. The hepatitis delta virus (HDV) causes it. 

People who often receive a blood transfusion, use intravenous (IV) drugs (like heroin) or have hepatitis B are vulnerable to hepatitis D.

Currently, no treatment is available to cure this type of hepatitis. You may receive large doses of a medication known as interferon for up to 12 months. 

But even after getting this medication, some people test positive for the virus. An infected person should take precautionary measures to prevent its spread.

• Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E causes the liver to swell up. It is caused by the hepatitis E virus and spreads through food and drinks contaminated with the virus. Feco -oral transmission is the most common route of infection.  

The disease is more common in undeveloped countries or in patients with poor hygiene as people get more in contact with food and water contaminated with faecal matter.

In most cases, hepatitis E symptoms go away in about 4 to 6 weeks. Take enough rest, eat healthy food, drink a lot of purified water and avoid alcohol. 

Takeaway!

Hepatitis is a virulent liver condition that can affect overall well-being. But there are many ways to prevent and manage it. Above, we discussed five types of viral hepatitis with their causes and treatment. If you are diagnosed with hepatitis, immediately consult your doctor for early diagnosis and treatment.

Also, Read: Alcoholic Liver Disease- Its stages and Treatment