Hepatitis: Causes, Types, and Prevention

Introduction

Hepatitis is a major health problem in the world with millions of people afflicted by it every year. It is the swelling of the liver that is usually triggered by viral infections but other causes include toxins, alcohol and autoimmune diseases. The condition may be mild or severe and in some cases the condition may result in chronic liver disease or cirrhosis or even liver cancer.

It is important to learn more about hepatitis and how it can be prevented to minimize it in terms of the health of the people. This overview will discuss the various forms of hepatitis, how they are transmitted as well as their symptoms, and how they can be prevented successfully.

 

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is a liver inflammatory disease, which might affect the liver functions. Liver is very important in detoxification process, production of proteins, and digestive process thus any damage to it may cause serious health problems. The cause and health factors can make Hepatitis acute (short term) or chronic (long term).

 

Causes of Hepatitis

Hepatitis may be caused by a number of things and they include:

1. Viral Infections

The most frequent cause of hepatitis is viral infections, which are divided into hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. There are various ways of transmission and health effects of each type.

2. Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol can cause hepatitis when taken in excess, and it results in liver inflammation and destruction with time.

3. Toxins and Medications

Some drugs, chemicals and toxins can bring about hepatitis. The liver can also be damaged by over use of drugs such as acetaminophen (paracetamol).

4. Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune hepatitis happens when the immune system of the body wrongly attacks the liver cells and inflammation occurs.

5. Metabolic Diseases

Hepatitis can be caused by conditions such as fatty liver disease (NAFLD/NASH), Wilson disease.

 

Types of Hepatitis

There are five major types of hepatitis depending on the virus that causes it.

1. Hepatitis A (HAV)

·        Transmission: It is transmitted via contaminated food, water, or via intimate contacts with an infected individual.

·        Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, nausea, jaundice and abdominal pain.

·        Time course: Acute, no chronic.

·        Prevention: Vaccination, good hygiene and safe food.

2. Hepatitis B (HBV)

·        Transmission: Transmission by blood, semen, or other body fluids (e.g. unprotected sex, sharing needles or mother to child during birth).

·        Symptoms: Weakness, yellowing of skin and urine and aches in the joints. Is capable of becoming chronic.

·        Problems: Cirrhosis of the liver and cancer of the liver.

·        Prevention: Vaccination, safe sex and needle avoidance.

3. Hepatitis C (HCV)

·        Transmission: Mainly by blood-to-blood (e.g. sharing of needles, unsterilized medical devices, etc.).

·        Symptoms: Initially usually asymptomatic; Shin is a chronic infection which can result in liver damage.

·        Complications: Chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and liver cancer.

·        Prevention: There is no vaccine; safe injection procedures and blood screening are considered as prevention methods.

4. Hepatitis D (HDV)

·        Transmission: It only happens in individuals that are already infected with HBV (co-infection or superinfection).

·        Symptoms: Like that of the HBV but with increased severity.

·        Prevention: HDV is prevented by HBV inoculation.

5. Hepatitis E (HEV)

·        Transmission: Polluted water which is frequent in developing countries.

·        Symptoms: Just like HAV; it causes symptoms similar to HAV; frequently acute but may be severe during pregnancy.

·        Prevention: Pure water to drink and proper sanitation.

 

Symptoms of Hepatitis

The symptoms differ according to the type and severity, but they may include:

·        Fatigue

·        Jaundice (skin and eye-yellowing)

·        Dark urine

·        Pale stools

·        Abdominal pain

·        Appetite loss

·        Vomiting and nausea

·        Joint pain

Chronic hepatitis can have no symptoms at first but can result in the severe liver destruction in the long run.

 

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis

·        Blood Tests: Diagnose antibodies in the blood, liver enzymes (ALT, AST) and liver activity.

·        Imaging Tests: The ultrasound, CT scan or MRI will be used to evaluate liver damage.

·        Liver Biopsy: In severe cases a tissue sample is taken to examine.

Treatment

·        HAV and HEV: They normally self-resolve; supportive treatment is provided.

·        HBV: Chronic cases: antiviral drugs (e.g. Tenofovir, entecavir).

·        HCV: The majority of the cases can be cured with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs).

·        Alcoholic Hepatitis: Dietary supplement of nutrients and alcohol abstinence.

·        Autoimmune Hepatitis: Prednisone and other immunosuppressants.

 

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Prevention of Hepatitis

Prevention measures are made according to the type of hepatitis:

1. Vaccination

·        HBV and HAV inoculations are quite effective.

·        There is no vaccine against HCV or HEV, however, HDV is prevented by HBV vaccine.

2. Hygiene and Sanitation

·        Wash hands well.

·        Drink safe clean water.

·        Do not consume uncooked or half-cooked shellfish in high risk zones.

3. Safe Sex Practices

·        Prevent the transmission of HBV and HCV by use of condoms.

4. Avoid Sharing Needles

·        Do not use shared needles or other objects like razors/toothbrushes.

5. Screening and Awareness

·        Periodic screening of people at risk (e.g. healthcare workers, IV drug users).

·        Awareness campaigns are carried out by the government.

 

Living with Hepatitis

In persons having chronic hepatitis (B or C):

·        Frequent check-ups.

·        Good nutrition (low fat, high fiber).

·        Avoid alcohol and drugs that cause liver destruction.

·        HAV and HBV vaccination (in case of non-infection).

 

Conclusion

Hepatitis is a significant health concern in the world but through adequate awareness, immunization and preventive methods, the effects could be greatly mitigated. Prevention of liver damage is important in the knowledge of the various forms, their modes of transmission, and how they can be prevented.

Severe complications can be avoided with early diagnosis and treatment and therefore regular screenings are very crucial to at-risk persons. Viral hepatitis can be exterminated as a health hazard by safe behaviors and by encouraging vaccination.

 

Take Action Today!

·        Get vaccinated, in case you are at risk.

·        Use hygiene and safe sex.

·        It is not advisable to share needles.

·        Consult a doctor in case you suspect the hepatitis symptoms.

Through information and pro-activeness, we can fight hepatitis and guarantee healthy liver to everyone.