Types

 

Hepatitis has various types, but the signs & symptoms of each are related. Hepatitis can take acute or chronic forms. The four main types of hepatitis are known as hepatitis A, B, and C, E. Each is caused by a different virus.

 

Hepatitis A/E

 

It is usually easy for most patients make a full recovery, after which they are free and therefore protected from the virus in the future. However, if it progresses, symptoms can be severe. There is a vaccination available against Hepatitis A virus.

The virus most usually spreads when you eat or drink something contaminated with faecal matter. There is no specific treatment for HAV/HEV. Supportive care is required under guidance of doctors to monitor complications if any. In pregnancy Hepatitis E may cause serious illness and need to be treated aggressively. The Hepatologist will advise the patient to abstain from alcohol and drugs during the recovery.

 

Hepatitis B

 

Hepatitis B is spread through contact with infected blood, semen, and some other body fluids. It can be a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

The liver of a person affected with hepatitis B swells. This can create severe injury and the infection may become chronic too. This can lead to complications, including scarring of the liver, or cirrhosis. It may also cause a type of cancer known as hepatocellular carcinoma. There is a safe and effective vaccine that can protect against Hepatitis B virus (HBV).

A patient with HBV requires full rest and avoid alcohol completely. The doctor may prescribe antiviral suppressive therapies.

 

Hepatitis C

 

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) can lead to liver harm and swelling. Approximately 1 in 4 people with HCV get cirrhosis, and this can lead to liver cancer. A person contracts the HCV by coming into contact with infectious fluids and secretions from someone else who is already infected.

There is no vaccine to stop HCV, but medication can cure it. A mixture of therapies is now available to treat the hepatitis C virus based on its subtype. These methods target viral replication and stop the virus from being able to reproduce. When taken accurately, the cure percentage is very high.

 

Symptoms

 

Many people with hepatitis fill either mild or no indications. When symptoms develop, they can do so from 15 to 180 days after infection. This rule is common for all types of hepatitis.

 

Acute Hepatitis

 

The first phase of hepatitis is called the acute phase. The indications are similar to mild flu, and may include:

 

· Diarrhoea.

·

• Fatigue.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Weight loss.
• Jaundice.
• Loss of appetite.
• Mild fever.
• Muscle or joint aches.
• Slight abdominal pain.

The acute phase is normal, however, it may progress to a chronic infection. This is most likely with HBV or HCV.

As the disease progresses, chronic hepatitis can lead to progressive liver failure, resulting in jaundice, swelling of the lower extremities, and blood in the faeces or vomit.

 

Prevention

Hepatitis can be serious and tough to treat, so people are encouraged to take precautions against any possible infection.

 

Preventing Hepatitis A/E

 

The following steps can help avoid infection:

• Wash hands with soap after using the bathroom.
• Only consume food that has just been cooked.
• Only drink boiled water.
• Get vaccinated.

 

Preventing Hepatitis B

 

To minimize the risk of transmission:

• Only use previously unused, clean needles.
• Do not share toothbrushes, razors, or manicure instruments.
• Ensure use of the well-sterilized instruments for a tattoo, piercing, or acupuncture.
• Get vaccinated.

 

How to Prevent Hepatitis C

 

To minimize the risk of transmission:

• Do not share needles, toothbrushes, or manicure equipment.
• Make sure equipment is well-sterilized for any skin piercing.
• Do not inject illegal drugs.