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7. Developing Hepatitis: major epidemic concern

Dr. Anantha Padmanabha explains the various types, causes, and symptoms of viral Hepatitis. Every now and then we are exposed to a lot of viruses, bacteria and infections around us. But there are some widespread outbreaks that remain constant like hepatitis which is still a major global concern. In general, we know that hepatitis is an infectious liver disease caused by a viral infection. Apart from that Hepatitis can majorly be developed because of 2 reasons. Firstly, autoimmune hepatitis where the body itself makes antibodies against the liver tissue. Secondly, the external medication, drugs, toxins and alcohol consumption can also cause hepatitis. Different types of viral hepatitis  Hepatitis as a whole can be classified into hepatitis A, B, C, D and E.    

• Hepatitis A: It is caused by an infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It spreads through faeco-oral route. This is a type of foodborne hepatitis which is most commonly transmitted by consuming contaminated food and water because of poor sanitation and hygiene. It can be mild to severe illness but mostly self-recoverable and the severity of cases are very less in hepatitis A. Also, there are no chronic long-term effects on the liver.

• Hepatitis B: It is one of the most common type of hepatitis caused by Hepatitis B virus (HBV). This infection can either be acute and self-treated, or can be fatal leading to liver cancer and cirrhosis. It is transmitted through contact with infectious blood and body fluids, such as vaginal secretions, or semen of an infected person. Injection, tattooing, drug use, or sharing razors with an infected person can increases your risk of getting hepatitis B.

• Hepatitis C: It comes from hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis B and C are the two common types of hepatitis which are bloodborne. It is transmitted through direct contact with infected body fluids, through injection drug use and sexual contact with an infected person.

• Hepatitis D: This type of hepatitis is also called delta hepatitis. Hepatitis D is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). HDV is also contracted through direct contact with infected blood but it is a rare form of hepatitis that only occurs along with hepatitis B infection. It can be fatal when existing with HBV. The hepatitis D virus can’t increase without the presence of hepatitis B. 

• Hepatitis E: The last type is Hepatitis E, a waterborne disease caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). It is mainly found in areas with poor sanitation and results from ingesting fecal matter that contaminates the water supply. Infection in pregnant women can be fatal. 

• Alcohol and other toxins: Excessive consumption of alcohol causes liver damage and inflammation. It is sometimes referred to as alcoholic hepatitis. As alcohol directly injures the cells of your liver, over time, it can cause permanent damage and lead to liver failure and cirrhosis. Other toxic causes of hepatitis include overdosage of medications, drugs, injections.

• Autoimmune Hepatitis: In certain cases, the immune system of a person accidentally starts attacking the liver by antibodies causing ongoing inflammation that can range from mild to severe, often damaging the liver function. This is three times more common in women than in men.

• Fever
• Joint pain
• Tiredness 
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Jaundice