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. 

There are other types of non-hepatotropic organisms including bacteria and viruses which can indirectly affect the functioning of the liver. Treating the primary infections can help prevent the liver diseases. As per the latest estimations, 40 million people are infected with chronic hepatitis B and around 6 to 12 million people are infected with chronic hepatitis C. 

Causes and Symptoms of Hepatitis

• 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.

Some of the common symptoms are:

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

How can it be treated?

As there are different types of hepatitis their treatment also differs according to its complications.

Hepatitis A: It usually doesn’t require treatment because it’s a short-term illness.  Complete rest and good nutritious food can help to overcome the infection. Vaccination for hepatitis A is available for adults and can be combined with the hepatitis B vaccine as well.

Hepatitis B: There are two types of hepatitis B where, acute hepatitis B doesn’t need any specific treatment. Chronic hepatitis B is treated with antiviral medications. This treatment can be costly because it is an on-going process and takes several years. Hepatitis B can be prevented with effective vaccination. 

Hepatitis C: For hepatitis C antiviral medications are used to treat both acute and chronic forms of hepatitis C. People who develop chronic hepatitis C are treated with a combination of antiviral drugs. They are further tested to determine the results of treatment.

People who develop cirrhosis or liver cancer is a result of chronic hepatitis C and currently, there is no vaccination for hepatitis C.

Hepatitis D: There is no antiviral medications or treatment for hepatitis D at present, but hepatitis D can be prevented by getting vaccinations for hepatitis B

Hepatitis E: Currently, there is no specific medication to treat hepatitis E as the infection is often acute and can be resolved on its own. 

Some of the complications of hepatitis

Hepatitis B or C can often lead to serious health problems if they become chronic, it can lead to severe liver diseases such as chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and even liver cancer. People with chronic hepatitis B and C are advised to avoid alcohol because it can worsen the liver disease further leading to failure.

There are few ways in which hepatitis can be prevented, which includes getting vaccinated, maintaining a good hygiene, healthy food habits and regular check-ups. When the infection is acute, they can be treated in the initial stage but if it reaches the chronic stage it becomes a lifelong illness. It is essential to consult a doctor with your symptoms.

This article is authored by Dr. Anantha Padmanbha, Internal Medicine, Consultant, Fortis Hospital Nagarbhavi.  These opinions are of the author’s and does not reflect GlobalSpa’s views.