Breaking Down Barriers: Unveiling The 5 Types Of Hepatitis

On the 28th of July every year, we celebrate World Hepatitis Day to raise global awareness of this disease. Almost 71 million people have chronic HCV infection. It counts for nearly 400,000 deaths per annum.

In 2016, WHO’s World Health Assembly called for the global end of viral hepatitis by 2030.

Let’s understand the different types and causes of hepatitis so that you can take care of your infection as early as possible.

What you need to know:

What is Hepatitis?
Causes of Hepatitis
Treatment of Hepatitis

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, a swelling that happens when body tissues are hurt or majorly infected. It damages the liver and affects its function. Hepatitis can be a chronic (long-term) or acute (short-term) infection. Some cases are acute and can also be fatal.

Types of Hepatitis

Mainly, types of hepatitis can be divided into five: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, and Hepatitis E. Here’s what you need to know about all of them:

Hepatitis A generally doesn’t lead to chronic infection. However, those who come in contact with the patients are at risk.
Hepatitis B can lead to both acute and chronic infections, like liver damage, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer.
Hepatitis C can result in both acute and chronic infections with long-term complications.
Hepatitis D (or delta hepatitis), caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV), only happens to those who are already infected with hepatitis B. It can lead to more serious liver disease compared to hepatitis B alone.
Hepatitis E is transmitted through the consumption of contaminated water or food. It often results in acute illness, particularly in pregnant women, and usually resolves on its own.

Causes of Hepatitis

Hepatitis can result in serious health risks, including fulminant hepatitis or liver failure, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The following are the primary causes of hepatitis:

Viral Infections

In many cases, viral hepatitis infection can get chronic, leading to fatalities. Here’s what causes viral hepatitis:

Hepatitis A Virus (HAV)
– Contaminated food
– Contaminated water
– Direct contact with an infected person

2. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
– Infected blood, semen, and other body fluids
– Unprotected sex, sharing needles
– During childbirth (from mother to child)

3. Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
– Blood-to-blood contact
– Sharing needles
– Blood transfusions with contaminated blood
– Through sexual contact, but is less common

4. Hepatitis D Virus (HDV)
– Transmits through contact with infected blood
– It is known to worsen the hepatitis B condition

5. Hepatitis E Virus (HEV)
– Consuming undercooked pork, deer, or shellfish
– Transmits through fecal matter
– Ingestion of contaminated water

Alcohol and Toxins

Alcoholic steatohepatitis, or ASH, is a progression of hepatitis. It happens due to:

– Excessive alcohol abuse
– Too much exposure to toxins

Autoimmune Hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis is a condition where your body’s immune system attacks the liver by mistake, thereby causing inflammation and liver damage. It’s a rare condition, and the exact reasons why it happens are still unknown. But your generic environment does play a huge role.

Treatment of Hepatitis

The treatment of hepatitis varies depending on the type and severity of the infection.

Hepatitis A Treatment

Hepatitis A usually resolves on its own without specific treatment. Rest, adequate hydration, and a healthy diet are recommended to support recovery.

Hepatitis B Treatment

Treatment for chronic hepatitis B may include antiviral-prescribed drugs to suppress viral replication and reduce the risk of liver damage. In some cases, liver transplantation may be necessary for advanced liver disease.

Hepatitis C Treatment

Advances in antiviral therapy have led to highly effective treatments for hepatitis C to achieve sustained virologic response (SVR) and prevent long-term issues.

Hepatitis D Treatment

Treatment options for this are limited. Typically, it focuses on controlling symptoms and preventing complications. Antiviral medications may be used in some cases.

Hepatitis E Treatment

Hepatitis E usually resolves on its own without specific treatment. Supportive care, like rest and hydration, may be recommended to manage symptoms.

Lifestyle and Supportive Care

Staying hydrated is crucial. Drink lots of water and electrolyte-rich fluids.
Maintaining a good diet that supports liver health.
Alcohol and certain toxins can exacerbate liver damage; hence, refrain from it.

Liver Transplantation

Patients with severe liver damage or liver failure resulting from hepatitis are cured by replacing the diseased liver with a healthy liver from a donor. Advanced liver disease (decompensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma) are common indications for a liver transplant.

In short, hepatitis is a significant global health concern. It has affected millions worldwide hence, understanding the different types of hepatitis, their causes, and available treatments is crucial. With these effective management and prevention practises, let’s take care of this vital organ.

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