Hepatitis is a condition characterized by liver inflammation, typically caused by a virus, toxins, specific health conditions, or certain medications. The treatment approach depends on the type and underlying cause of the hepatitis. There are five primary types of viral hepatitis: hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, each caused by a distinct virus.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hepatitis B and C caused approximately 1.3 million deaths in 2022—equivalent to about 3,500 deaths per day—an increase from the 1.1 million deaths reported in 2019. Of these deaths, 83% were attributed to hepatitis B, while 17% were linked to hepatitis C. Globally, an estimated 254 million people are living with hepatitis B, and 50 million are living with hepatitis C.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A, caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), is a liver inflammation that can range from mild to severe. It is spread through consuming contaminated food or water or via direct contact with an infected individual. Most people recover fully from hepatitis A and develop lifelong immunity.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B, caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), is a significant liver infection. While it is often acute and lasts less than six months, it can become chronic in some cases, leading to complications such as liver failure, liver cancer, and cirrhosis (scarring of the liver). Hepatitis B can be transmitted sexually or through other means, such as contact with infected blood or body fluids. Hepatitis B has no cure and it usually goes away by itself.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C results from infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and can cause acute or chronic liver inflammation. The severity of the condition varies, ranging from mild illness to severe, lifelong complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer. The virus is primarily spread through blood-to-blood contact, such as unsafe injections, unscreened blood transfusions, injection drug use, or sexual activities involving blood exposure. Hepatitis C is the deadliest because there is no vaccine for it.
Hepatitis D
Hepatitis D virus (HDV) depends on hepatitis B virus (HBV) to replicate. It affects about 5% of individuals with chronic HBV infection globally. People can contract HDV either simultaneously with HBV or as a superinfection after already being infected with HBV.
Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E is caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV), which inflames the liver. Most cases resolve within a few months without causing long-term illness or liver damage. However, it can pose serious risks to pregnant women and individuals with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly or those with other illnesses.
Causes of Hepatitis
Hepatitis can arise from a variety of causes, including autoimmune reactions where the body's immune cells mistakenly target the liver. Infections caused by viruses, such as hepatitis A, B, or C, as well as bacteria or parasites, are also significant contributors. Additionally, liver damage resulting from excessive alcohol consumption, exposure to toxins, or, in some cases, the misuse of medications like acetaminophen (e.g., overdose) can lead to hepatitis.
Certain hereditary conditions, such as cystic fibrosis or hemochromatosis—a disorder characterised by excessive iron accumulation in the body—may also cause liver disease.
Hepatitis can also be contracted sexually. Having sexual intercourse with an infected person makes you stand the risk of contracting hepatitis.
Signs and Symptoms of Hepatitis
The signs and symptoms of hepatitis can vary depending on the type of hepatitis and its severity. While some individuals may remain asymptomatic, common signs and symptoms include:Fatigue,low-grade fever,nausea and vomiting,loss of appetite, unintended weight loss, pain or bloating in the abdomen,pale or clay-coloured stools,dark-coloured urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes),itching (pruritus).
You know this disease has become chronic when you notice either swelling in the legs or abdomen (edema and ascites),confusion or drowsiness (due to liver dysfunction),easy bruising or bleeding. Early detection and treatment are essential to managing hepatitis and preventing complications like liver damage or failure.
Treatment and Prevention
Hepatitis can develop rapidly and resolve on its own or progress into a chronic condition. In severe cases, it can lead to liver damage, liver failure, cirrhosis, liver cancer, or even death. Notably, individuals with hepatitis B or C may initially experience no symptoms but can still face complications like liver failure later in life.
Preventive measures, such as regular handwashing, are particularly effective in reducing the risk of hepatitis A. Antiviral medications can help combat the virus and slow its progression, while interferon injections, specifically interferon alfa-2b, are used to treat hepatitis B and C.
Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent hepatitis, offering protection for approximately 5–6 years. Fortunately, most hospitals and medical centers provide hepatitis vaccines free of charge.