Hepatitis
Hepatitis is the condition of the liver when it becomes inflamed. Mostly, it is caused by viral infection, but there could be other causes of hepatitis. Other causes can be a result of medicines, drugs, or alcohol. This condition is known as Auto immune hepatitis. This occurs when the body starts making antibodies which attack your liver tissue.
Types
There are five types of viral hepatitis:
- Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is caused by the virus HAV. This is also known as the hepatitis A virus. It is transmitted by consuming food or water which is contaminated by stool or faeces, or by a person who already has Hepatitis A.
- Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is transmitted when the body is contacted with infectious fluids for example blood, vaginal secretions, semen. The virus which causes hepatitis B is known as HBV or hepatitis B virus. More than 350 million people in the world are affected by Hepatitis B Virus.
- Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C is transmitted through direct contact with infected body fluids or sexual contact. HCV is the virus which is responsible for this virus.
- Hepatitis D: Hepatitis D is caused by HDV or hepatitis D virus. This is the rarest form of Hepatitis. This occurs in conjunction with Hepatitis B infection.
- Hepatitis E: Hepatitis E spreads through water. It is found in areas where there is poor sanitation and it occurs as a result of ingesting fecal substances that contaminate the water supply.
Treatment
- Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A does not require treatment as it is a short term illness. Generally rest is prescribed to Hepatitis A patients. If the patient experiences diarrhea and vomiting, the doctor may prescribe IV fluids to cope up with the dehydration of the body.
- Hepatitis B: Acute Hepatitis B may not require a specific treatment, but the Chronic Hepatitis B is generally treated with anti viral medications. This treatment is expensive because it requires several months or sometimes years of therapy. Regular medical tests are required during different stages, to see if the virus is reducing because of the treatment or not.
- Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C is also treated with anti viral medications. Chronic Hepatitis C requires combination of various therapies. People who develop cirrhosis because of Hepatitis C are prescribed a liver transplant as this might be the only option for them.
- Hepatitis D: Hepatitis D develops after the development of Hepatitis B, so there is no treatment available for Hepatitis D. It can be prevented by taking vaccination of Hepatitis B.
- Hepatitis E: Often patients with Hepatitis E are prescribed bed rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and getting good nutrition through their daily diet. The infection resolves on its own. Hepatitis E in pregnant women may require close monitoring and more care.
Symptoms
The symptoms of hepatitis are quick to appear. They are:
- Flu
- Fatigue
- Pale stool
- Dark urine
- Abdominal pain
- Unexplained and unexpected weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Yellow skin and eyes; this symptom can also be because of jaundice
Symptoms of hepatitis B and C appear in the later stages of the disease when the liver starts damaging. Chronic Hepatitis may develop slowly, so its symptoms may take some time to appear and be noticed.
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