Hepatitis is an ancient disease that has affected mankind since humans begin to live in a group and transmission of the causative agent became possible. However, the disease was not discovered until the late 19th century. Nevertheless, the first record of hepatitis led to the discovery of its types and the responsible viruses in the later years. Today, there are five major types of hepatitis viruses that are known to mankind. In this blog, we shed light on the types of hepatitis, their symptoms, treatment options, and prevention strategies.
It is an inflammatory disease that can be caused by a variety of viruses, all of which have the liver as the primary target of replication. The replication may result in heavy damage to liver cells, which in turn leads to severe consequences like the failure of the liver.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is caused by hep A virus, which can produce moderate to high sickness. It is a food-borne infection that often leads to long-standing liver diseases. Notwithstanding this, it can instigate acute liver damage.
Transmission and Symptoms
It is transmitted primarily through the faecal-oral route and is transmissible through contiguity and not through casual contact.
Symptoms include diarrhoea, nausea, fever, loss of appetite, dark-coloured urine, abdominal discomfort, and jaundice.
Treatment Options
There is no peculiar treatment for hep A; doctors recommend a dosage of certain medicines that are aimed at keeping the person in ease.
Prevention Strategies
The transmission of hepatitis A can be decreased by:
Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis-B virus, and it attacks the liver. It causes both chronic and acute liver diseases. In chronic cases, liver cancer and liver cirrhosis may occur.
Transmission and Symptoms
The disease can be transmitted via several means
Most of the infected people look perfectly healthy and have no symptoms of the disease. On the other hand, a significant portion of hepatitis B infected people show symptoms such as dark urine, jaundice, regurgitation, and abdominal rack.
Treatment Options
There is no specific and 100% effective treatment for acute viral hepatitis B. However, medications can slow the advancement of liver cirrhosis and liver damage.
Prevention Strategies
Hepatitis vaccine should be administered to all the infants. Later, a booster must be administered as prescribed by the doctor.
This hepatitis is caused by the hepatitis C virus, and it can induce both acute and chronic hepatitis infection.
Transmission and Symptoms
Hepatitis C is a blood-related disease and is usually transmitted through:
Symptoms like exhaustion, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, dark-coloured urine, etc., can be commonly seen among the patients of hepatitis C.
Treatment Options
Currently, more than 90% of people with chronic hepatitis are treated with oral medication, which takes 8-12 weeks. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C Virus, but research is going on in this realm.
Prevention
There are no recognized prevention strategies for hepatitis C. It is wise to consult a liver specialist if symptoms persist.
It is also a chronic liver disease that is caused by hepatitis D virus.
Transmission and Symptoms
The transmission ways are similar to that of hepatitis B. In fact; it mostly occurs in conjunction with hepatitis B. Some of the modes are:
Treatment Options
Unlike other forms of hepatitis, there are no known treatment options for this infection of the liver. Antiviral medications are also not effective in chronic cases. In severe cases, liver transplantation is the only choice. Therefore, people must remain proactive by watching the symptoms, and consulting a doctor in case of persistence or complications of the same.
Prevention Strategies
Since hepatitis D is spread through direct contact; mostly, it can be prevented by:
Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E is caused by hep.E virus, which has 4 genotypes. This infection is more common in young adults aged 15-40years.
Transmission and Symptoms
Treatment Options
Currently, there are no specific therapies or treatment options for treating hepatitis E. Hospitalization is necessary for the treatment.
In addition, people infected with this disease must get adequate rest, drink plenty of fluids, get additional nutrients, and avoid alcohol consumption.
It can be more dangerous for pregnant women. Therefore, close monitoring must be done, and due care must be provided to pregnant women suffering from Hepatitis E.
Prevention Strategies
Hepatitis is a widespread disease and may attack even higher count of individuals, globally. While some of the types of diseases show symptoms, some develop gradually without any indication. It is important that proper care is taken and attention is given to the patient, while being on the lookout of any liver disease symptoms. Book an appointment to get more information on hepatitis and its treatment from Dr. Vivek Vij, the leading expert on liver transplantation and hepatobiliary sciences in the country. Get in touch now.
