Hepatitis: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Disease Insights: hepatitis

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Welcome to the ultimate guide on hepatitis. Here, you'll find answers to the most common questions to help you or your loved ones understand and manage this condition better.

Description for hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver caused by viral infections, toxins, or autoimmune diseases.

Symptoms of hepatitis

abdominal pain, dark urine, fatigue, jaundice, loss of appetite

Precautions for hepatitis

Avoid alcohol and drugs that affect , Take prescribed antiviral medicati, Avoid sharing personal items like razo, Practice safe sex

Questions Covered:

what is hepatitis?
causes of hepatitis?
What are the usual symptoms of hepatitis?
How do doctors usually figure out if someone has hepatitis, diagnosis?
What are the ways to prevent hepatitis?
What are the possible complications that could arise from hepatitis?

Answers:

Question: what is hepatitis?

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It may be caused by viral infection, alcohol consumption, several health conditions, or even some medications. Treatment varies based on the type and underlying cause.
Hepatitis refers to an inflammatory condition of the liver. It is commonly the result of a viral infection, but there are other possible causes of hepatitis.
These include autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis that occurs as a secondary result of medications, drugs, toxins, and alcohol. Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease that occurs when your body makes antibodies against your liver tissue.
The five main viral classifications of hepatitis are hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. A different virus is responsible for each type of viral hepatitis.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 354 million
people currently live with chronic hepatitis B and C globally.

Question: causes of hepatitis?

Type of hepatitis Common route of transmission
hepatitis A exposure to HAV in food or water
hepatitis B contact with HBV in body fluids, such as blood, vaginal secretions, or semen
hepatitis C contact with HCV in body fluids, such as blood, vaginal secretions, or semen
hepatitis D contact with blood containing HDV
hepatitis E exposure to HEV in food or water
Causes of noninfectious hepatitis
Although hepatitis is most commonly the result of an infection, other factors can cause the condition.
Alcohol and other toxins
Excess alcohol consumption can cause liver damage and inflammation. This may also be referred to as alcoholic hepatitis.
The alcohol directly injures the cells of your liver. Over time, it can cause permanent damage and lead to thickening or scarring of liver tissue (cirrhosis) and liver failure.
Other toxic causes of hepatitis include misuse of medications and exposure to toxins.
Autoimmune system response
In some cases, the immune system mistakes the liver as harmful and attacks it. This causes ongoing inflammation that can range from mild to severe, often hindering liver function. It's three times more common in women than in men.
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Question: What are the usual symptoms of hepatitis?

If you are living with a chronic form of hepatitis, like hepatitis B and C, you may not show symptoms until the damage affects liver function. By contrast, people with acute hepatitis may present with symptoms shortly after contracting a hepatitis virus.
Common symptoms of infectious hepatitis include:
fatigue
flu-like symptoms
dark urine
pale stool
abdominal pain
loss of appetite
unexplained weight loss
yellow skin and eyes, which may be signs of jaundice

Question: How do doctors usually figure out if someone has hepatitis, diagnosis?

It is crucial to understand what is causing hepatitis in order to treat it correctly. Doctors will progress through a series of tests to accurately diagnose your condition.
History and physical exam
To diagnose all forms of hepatitis, your doctor will first take your history to determine any risk factors you may have.
During a physical examination, your doctor may press down gently on your abdomen to see if there's pain or tenderness. Your doctor may also check for any swelling of the liver and any yellow discoloration in your eyes or skin.
If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here.
Liver function tests
Liver function tests use blood samples to determine how efficiently your liver works.
Abnormal results of these tests may be the first indication that there is a problem, especially if you don't show any signs on a physical exam of liver disease. High liver enzyme levels may indicate that your liver is stressed, damaged, or not functioning correctly.
Other blood tests
If your liver function tests are abnormal, your doctor will likely order other blood tests to detect the source of the problem.
These tests can determine
if you have infectious hepatitis by checking for the presence of hepatitis viruses or antibodies your body produces to combat them.
Doctors may also use blood tests to check for any signs of autoimmune hepatitis.
Liver biopsy
When diagnosing hepatitis, doctors will also assess your liver for potential damage
. A liver biopsy is a procedure that involves taking a sample of tissue from your liver.
A medical professional may take this sample through your skin with a needle, meaning there is no need for surgery. They will typically use an ultrasound scan for guidance during this procedure.
This test allows your doctor to determine how infection or inflammation has affected your liver.
Ultrasound
An abdominal ultrasound uses ultrasound waves to create an image of the organs within your abdomen. This test allows your doctor to take a close look at your liver and nearby organs. It can reveal:
fluid in your abdomen
liver damage or enlargement
liver tumors
abnormalities of your gallbladder
Sometimes the pancreas shows up on ultrasound images as well. This can be a useful test in determining the cause of your abnormal liver function.

Question: What are the ways to prevent hepatitis?

There are vaccines that can help protect against many hepatitis viruses. Minimizing your risk of exposure to substances containing these viruses can also be an important preventive measure.
Vaccines
A vaccine for hepatitis A is available and can help prevent the contraction of HAV. The hepatitis A vaccine is a series of two doses and most children begin vaccination at age 12 to 23 months
. This is also available for adults and can also include the hepatitis B vaccine.
The CDC
recommends hepatitis B vaccinations for all newborns. Doctors typically administer the series of three vaccines over the first 6 months of childhood.
The CDC also recommends the vaccine for all healthcare and medical personnel. Vaccination against hepatitis B can also prevent hepatitis D.
There are currently no vaccines for hepatitis C or E.
Reducing exposure
Hepatitis viruses can transmit from person to person through contact with bodily fluids, water, and foods containing infectious agents. Minimizing your risk of contact with these substances can help to prevent contracting hepatitis viruses.
Practicing effective hygiene is one way to avoid contracting hepatitis A and E. The viruses that cause these conditions can be present
in water. If you're traveling to a country where there is a high prevalence of hepatitis, you should avoid:
local water
ice
raw or undercooked shellfish and oysters
raw fruit and vegetables
The hepatitis B, C, and D viruses can transmit through contact with bodily fluids containing these infectious agents.
You can reduce your risk
of coming into contact with fluids containing these viruses by:
not sharing needles
not sharing razors
not using someone else's toothbrush
not touching spilled blood
Hepatitis B and C can carry through sexual intercourse and sexual contact. Using barrier methods, such as condoms and dental dams, during sexual activity can help decrease the risk of infection.

Question: What are the possible complications that could arise from hepatitis?

Chronic hepatitis B or C can lead to more severe health problems. Because the virus affects the liver, people with chronic hepatitis B or C are at risk of:
chronic liver disease
cirrhosis
liver cancer
When your liver stops functioning normally, liver failure can occur. Complications of liver failure include:
bleeding disorders
a buildup of fluid in your abdomen, known as ascites
increased blood pressure in portal veins that enter your liver, known as portal hypertension
kidney failure
hepatic encephalopathy, which can involve fatigue, memory loss, and diminished mental abilities
hepatocellular carcinoma, which is a form of liver cancer
death
People with chronic hepatitis B and C should avoid alcohol as it can accelerate liver disease and failure. Certain supplements and medications can also affect liver function. If you have chronic hepatitis B or C, check with your doctor before taking any new medications.
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Conclusion & Takeaways

Learning about hepatitis is the first step toward taking control of your health. By understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments, you empower yourself to make informed decisions. Remember to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and support.