What is the main cause of hepatitis?

Hepatitis is most commonly caused by hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, E), but can also result from infections, toxic substances like alcohol and certain medications, and autoimmune conditions.

What happens if you have hepatitis?

Hepatitis C can become chronic, leading to liver damage, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver cancer, and potentially death if left untreated.

Which hepatitis is transmitted?

Hepatitis A (HAV) and E (HEV) are transmitted through the fecal-oral route, typically via contaminated food or water.

Which hepatitis is curable?

Hepatitis A and C are curable. Hepatitis B can be managed, but some individuals may develop chronic liver disease.

How do you get Hepatitis?

Hepatitis can be acquired through contaminated food or water, sharing needles, or unprotected sexual contact with an infected person.

Is Hepatitis contagious?

Yes, certain types of hepatitis (such as Hepatitis A and B) can be transmitted through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids.

Can Hepatitis be treated?

Yes, treatment varies depending on the type of hepatitis. Medications and supportive care are used to manage symptoms and eradicate the virus where possible.

How can Hepatitis be prevented?

Hepatitis can be prevented through vaccination (for Hepatitis A and B), practicing good hygiene, avoiding risky behaviors, and not sharing needles.

What foods should you avoid if you have Hepatitis?

Avoid alcohol and fatty, fried foods. A nutritious diet rich in fruits and vegetables is recommended.

3759
3.5 Minute

23-07-2024 Team Medicover Endocrinology

What is Hepatitis: Types,Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Q: Can Hepatitis lead to other health problems?

Untreated hepatitis can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), and in some cases, liver cancer.

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver tissue. A virus usually causes it, though other factors can contribute.

Hepatitis affects the liver, an essential organ located in the upper right abdomen.
Key functions of the liver include:
- Toxin removal
- Bile production for digestion
- Synthesis of clotting factors and blood proteins
- Secretion of cholesterol, hormones, and bilirubin
- Storage of vitamins, minerals, and glycogen
- Breakdown of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins
- Production of enzymes necessary for bodily functions.

Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.

Get Second Opinion

Types of hepatitis

Viral hepatitis is categorized into five types: A, B, C, D, and E.
Hepatitis A:
- Caused by the hepatitis A virus, transmitted through faeces.
- Preventative measures include avoiding contaminated food and drinking clean water.
- Typically acute and does not require specific treatment.
Hepatitis B:
- Also known as serum hepatitis, it is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids.
- It can lead to chronic liver problems and may require antiviral treatment or a liver transplant.
- Preventative measures include using sterile needles and avoiding contact with infected blood.
Hepatitis C:
- Transmitted through blood contact it can lead to chronic liver disease.
- Treatment varies from acute to chronic cases and may involve antiviral medication or a liver transplant.
Hepatitis D:
- Requires the presence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) to replicate.
- It can worsen the effects of Hepatitis B and requires similar preventive measures.
Hepatitis E:
- Spread through contaminated water and faeces, common in areas with poor sanitation.
- Usually, it resolves on its own; severe cases may require antiviral medication.

Symptoms of hepatitis

Fatigue
Pale stool
Abdominal pain
Loss of appetite
Unexplained weight gain
Yellow skin and eyes, which can be the signs of jaundice

Causes of hepatitis

Hepatitis can be caused by:

Inflammation of the liver can be caused by a variety of factors, the most common of which are viral infections. A variety of factors causes hepatitis:

Excessive consumption of alcohol
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
Toxic caused by poisons or chemicals
Viral Hepatitis
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Hemochromatosis
Decreased blood flow to the liver
Primary biliary cirrhosis
Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Wilson's disease

Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.

Schedule Your Appointment

Treatments of hepatitis

Acute and chronic viral hepatitis require different treatments.
Acute hepatitis is managed with rest, symptom relief, and hydration.
Chronic hepatitis may require antiviral drugs or other interventions to prevent liver damage.

Prevention of Hepatitis

One of the most important ways to avoid catching hepatitis A and E is to maintain adequate hygiene. If you're visiting a developing country, stay away from:

Local water
Ice
Raw or undercooked shellfish and oysters
Raw fruit and vegetables
Hepatitis B, C, and D can be contracted through contaminated blood and can be prevented by:
Not sharing needles for drugs
Razors are not shared
Not using another person's toothbrush
Avoiding contact with blood that has been spilled
Vaccines

Vaccination is crucial for preventing hepatitis. Hepatitis A and B vaccines are available to prevent the spread of the disease, and experts are currently developing hepatitis C vaccines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hepatitis is most commonly caused by hepatitis viruses, although it can also be caused by infections, toxic substances (such as alcohol and some medicines), and autoimmune illnesses. Hepatitis viruses are classified into five types: A, B, C, D, and E.

Hepatitis C can be a short-term sickness, but most people have chronic infection after an acute infection. If left untreated, chronic hepatitis C can be a lifetime infection. Hepatitis C is a dangerous infection that can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis (liver scarring), liver cancer, and even death.

Hepatitis A and E viruses (HAV and HEV) are both spread through enteric, or gastrointestinal, or fecal pathways. The fecal-oral pathway is another name for this. To be infected with these viruses, you must consume virus-infested feces.

Hepatitis A and C are curable. Most patients with hepatitis A or B will recover on their own, with no long-term effects on their liver. People with hepatitis B can develop chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer, in rare situations.

Hepatitis can be transmitted through contaminated food or water, sharing needles, or engaging in unprotected sex with an infected individual.

Yes, some varieties of Hepatitis, such as Hepatitis A and B, can be transmitted from person to person via contact with infected blood or bodily fluids.

Yes, treatments vary depending on the type of Hepatitis. Some types can be managed with medications, while others may require rest and fluids.

Hepatitis can be prevented by getting vaccinated (for Hepatitis A and B), practicing good hygiene, avoiding risky behaviors, and not sharing needles.

It’s important to avoid alcohol and fatty, fried foods. Eating a nutritious diet rich in fruits and vegetables is recommended.

Yes, untreated Hepatitis can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) & even liver cancer in some cases.