Hepatitis – What is it and How do you get it?

Overview

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. The liver is a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters the blood, and fights infections. When the liver is inflamed or damaged, its function can be affected. Heavy alcohol use, toxins, medications, and certain medical conditions can cause hepatitis. However, hepatitis is often caused by a virus. 

Let us look at various types of Hepatitis in the next section. 

What are the different types of hepatitis?

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.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A results from an infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV). This type of hepatitis is an acute, short-term disease. Poor sanitation and not washing hands regularly are considered one of the main reasons for the spread of hepatitis A.

Hepatitis B

The Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) causes Hepatitis B and spreads through blood, semen, or other body fluids. Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection that can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer, or even death.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C comes from the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and spreads through sharing needles used to inject drugs, contact with infected blood, unprotected sex with an infected person, or during childbirth. Hepatitis C is among the most common bloodborne viral infections around the globe.

Hepatitis D

This is a rare form of hepatitis that only occurs with hepatitis B infection.

Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E comes from the hepatitis E virus (HEV). This is a water or foodborne infection.

What causes hepatitis?

There are different types of hepatitis, with causes as mentioned below:

• Viral hepatitis is the most common type. Several viruses cause it — hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D, and E. A, B, and C are the most common.
• Alcoholic hepatitis is caused by heavy alcohol use.
• Toxic hepatitis can be caused by certain poisons, chemicals, medicines, or supplements.
• Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic type in which your body’s immune system attacks your liver. The cause is unknown, but genetics and your environment may play a role.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis?

Some people with hepatitis do not have symptoms and do not know they are infected. If you do have symptoms, they may include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Clay-coloured bowel movements
• Joint pain
• Jaundice, yellowing of your skin and eyes