Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, caused by a variety of infectious and non-infectious agents. Hepatitis can last for a short period (acute) or last for months or even years (chronic).
Hepatitis Symptoms
The symptoms of hepatitis can be as follows:
Pain and bloating in the stomach
Dark urine or pale stools
Low-grade fever
Fatigue
Itching
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Weight loss
Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin)
Hepatitis Causes
The cause of hepatitis varies depending on its type and are categorised as:
Viral hepatitis: Hepatitis can be caused by various viruses that are transmitted through different routes, including contaminated food and water, contact with infected body fluids or blood, and sexual activity.
Autoimmune hepatitis: This type of hepatitis occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the liver, causing inflammation.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Factors such as high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome can contribute to NAFLD, which progresses into hepatitis.
Alcohol and toxins: Excessive alcohol consumption and prolonged exposure to certain medications and chemicals can also cause hepatitis.
Hepatitis Risk Factors
Hepatitis risk factors include:
Close contact with an infected individual
Injection drug use
Unsafe sexual practices
Occupational exposure to blood or body fluids
Travelling to or living in areas with high hepatitis prevalence
Undergoing organ transplants or blood transfusions without strict screening measures in place.
Hepatitis Diagnosis
Hepatitis diagnosis involves several steps and tests that help determine the severity, type and underlying cause of inflammation in the liver. Some of the common hepatitis diagnostic methods include:
Medical History and Physical Examination
In order to diagnose hepatitis, a doctor will review the medical history, including symptoms, previous or ongoing medical conditions and travel history. A physical examination may also be done to assess signs of a liver condition such as enlarged liver, abdominal pain or jaundice.
Imagining Tests
Ultrasound: An ultrasound uses sound waves to generate images of the liver and assess its structure, size and presence of abnormalities such as tumours or liver cirrhosis.
MRI or CT Scan: These imaging tests create more detailed images of the liver and help identify a specific liver disease or associated complications.
Liver biopsy: In some cases, a liver biopsy may be performed to obtain a sample of tissue from the liver for further analysis. A biopsy helps assess the extent of inflammation or fibrosis, liver damage and identify the underlying cause of hepatitis.
Additional Tests
Additional diagnostic tests for hepatitis include:
Autoimmune markers: If a doctor suspects autoimmune hepatitis, specific blood tests are performed to determine autoantibodies associated with the condition.
Hepatitis D co-infection: Individuals with chronic hepatitis B may be tested for HDV (hepatitis D virus) co-infection with specific blood tests.
Hepatitis Treatment
The treatment of hepatitis varies based on the type of infection and its severity. Hepatitis treatment may include:
Hepatitis A: There is no specific treatment for acute hepatitis A infection (HAV). A majority of people with HAV infection recover on their own with rest, supportive care, adequate hydration and nutrition. Vaccination is also available for long-term prevention.
Hepatitis B: Antiviral medicines can control chronic hepatitis B infection and reduce the risk of complications. In case of severe liver damage, a doctor may also recommend a liver transplant.
Hepatitis C: Antiviral medications have remarkably improved the treatment outcomes for chronic hepatitis C infection.
Hepatitis D: Antiviral medications can be used to suppress the replication of HDV; however, the treatment options are limited.
Hepatitis E: A majority of cases of acute hepatitis E infection resolves on its own. While supportive care helps manage symptoms, hospitalisation may be required for pregnant women diagnosed with severe HEV infection.
In case of autoimmune hepatitis, the treatment approach focuses on suppressing the immune system with immunosuppressive drugs.
Hepatitis Prevention
The following guidelines can help prevent hepatitis:
Vaccination: Vaccines are easily available for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. It is best recommended to be vaccinated if you are at a high risk of hepatitis or are planning to visit an area with high prevalence of hepatitis.
Safety practices: Practicing safe sexual intercourse, avoiding sharing personal items such as razors or toothbrushes and using clean needles for injections helps reduce the risk of hepatitis.
Limiting alcohol consumption: Reducing or limiting alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of hepatitis and other liver conditions.
FAQs
What is the main cause of hepatitis?
Viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis. However, toxic substances such as drugs and alcohol, infections and autoimmune diseases may also cause hepatitis. The main hepatitis viruses are types A, B, C, D and E.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis A, B and C?
The symptoms of hepatitis A, B and C includes
How to avoid hepatitis?
The best hepatitis prevention is avoiding sharing used needles that can potentially transfer small amounts of blood from one person to another. Practicing safe sex and following good hygiene practices can also help prevent hepatitis infection.
Is hepatitis curable?
Whether hepatitis is manageable or curable depends on the type of hepatitis a person has. Hepatitis A usually resolves on its own within a time span of a few months. Hepatitis B on the other hand, can be suppressed with antiviral drugs and hepatitis C can be cured with medication.
