This comprehensive article outlines and explains the different types of hepatitis, their symptoms, diagnosis, and possible treatment to help you understand this liver inflammation. Besides the most common hepatitis symptoms, you will also uncover the best prevention methods to ensure that you stay protected against the various hepatitis viruses. By the end of this article, you will gain a deeper insight into hepatitis and know how to treat them properly.
That said, consulting with a specialist is crucial. If you are in the area or looking for the best professionals available, we recommend reaching out to an internal medicine specialist in Hialeah, Florida.
What are the different types of hepatitis? What is hepatitis anyway? Keep reading to find out.
Hepatitis: The Definition
The common inflammation of the liver is referred to as hepatitis. There are many known causes of hepatitis, including certain health conditions, medications, and alcohol abuse. That said, the most common causes of hepatitis involve viral infections.
Autoimmune hepatitis happens as the secondary result of alcohol, toxins, drug, and certain medications. It is a serious disease that happens when your body creates antibodies to fight the inflamed liver tissue. Overall, there are five types of hepatitis:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Hepatitis D
- Hepatitis E
According to estimates by the World Health Organization, approximately 354 million individuals worldwide live with chronic hepatitis B and C cases. You can learn more about these different types of hepatitis in the sections below. Remember that a different virus causes each viral hepatitis type.
The Different Types of Hepatitis
Hepatitis A
Individuals affected by the hepatitis A virus or HAV may experience short-term symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice, stomach pain, and nausea. Hepatitis A is highly contagious, and you can get it by unknowingly ingesting the virus via closer contact with an individual with HAV or via consuming contaminated drinks or food.
Hepatitis B
The hepatitis B virus, or HBV results in hepatitis B. Usually, this is a chronic and ongoing condition that affects about 826,000 individuals in the United States. Globally, an estimated 257 million patients have HBV.
Hepatitis C
Individuals affected by the hepatitis C virus or HCV have hepatitis C. This type is one of the most widespread bloodborne viral infections in America and is usually considered long-term. The CDC states that around 2.4 million people in the US are coping with hepatitis C.
Hepatitis D
While hepatitis D is rarer than other types of hepatitis, it should not be taken lightly. The hepatitis D virus or HDV usually happens when individuals are simultaneously infected with hepatitis B and hepatitis D (co-infection). Moreover, patients can get hepatitis D after initially being infected with HBV (referred to as “super-infection”). The populations at the highest risk of developing hepatitis B virus and hepatitis D virus co-infection are patients who inject drugs, hemodialysis recipients, and indigenous people. The co-infection of these two types of hepatitis is extremely dangerous. Namely, these patients are at a higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver-related death.
Nearly 5 percent of individuals suffer from HDV globally.
Hepatitis E
The hepatitis E virus is transmitted through a fecal-oral route, mainly through water that has been contaminated. While anyone can be at risk of hepatitis E, this disease is most widespread in South and East Asia. This type of hepatitis is usually found in areas that involve poor sanitation.
While this article will primarily discuss hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C (as these are the most common in the United States), the other types are equally as significant. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, contact Carreras Medical Center.
What Causes the Different Types of Hepatitis?
The causes of hepatitis will vary, depending on the type of hepatitis. Here are some of the most common causes of each type:
- Hepatitis A: exposure to the virus in water or food.
- Hepatitis B: exposure to the virus in bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions, and blood.
- Hepatitis C: being in contact with the virus in bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions, and blood.
- Hepatitis D: being in contact with blood that contains the virus.
- Hepatitis E: being exposed to the virus in water or food.
Infection is indeed the most common cause of the virus. However, there are some other factors to consider. These include:
- Excessive alcohol consumption: alcohol abuse can damage the liver and cause inflammation. In other words, this condition is called alcoholic hepatitis.
- Autoimmune system response: sometimes, the immune system may mistake the liver as dangerous, and it can attack it. As a result, ongoing inflammation can be mild or even severe. In some cases, the autoimmune system response may hinder the function of the liver. Women are three times more likely to have an autoimmune system response than men.
What Are the Most Common Hepatitis Symptoms?
Some individuals with chronic forms of the disease (such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C) do not display symptoms until liver function becomes damaged. Because of this, it is important to visit your healthcare provider regularly. On the other hand, individuals with acute hepatitis can experience symptoms quickly after being in contact with the virus.
Here are some of the most common hepatitis symptoms to be aware of:
- Flue-like signs and symptoms
- Fatigue
- Pale stool
- Appetite loss
- Abdominal pain
- Dark urine
- Losing weight unintentionally
- Signs of jaundice (such as yellow eyes and skin)
How Do You Diagnose Hepatitis?
There are several ways your doctor may diagnose you with hepatitis. These include:
- Physical exam and an analysis of your medical history
- Liver function tests (using blood samples to check the efficacy of liver function)
- Blood tests
- Liver biopsy
- Ultrasound (to reveal liver tumors, liver damage, fluid in the abdomen, and irregularities of the gallbladder)
How Can You Treat Hepatitis?
The treatments will vary depending on the hepatitis type and if the patient has a chronic or acute infection.
- Hepatitis A: this illness is short-term and often does not require special treatment. Nevertheless, sufficient rest is needed if the patient is dealing with many discomforts. Additionally, if the patient vomits or has diarrhea, the healthcare provider will recommend adjusting dietary needs to provide proper nutrition and hydration.
- Hepatitis B: unfortunately, no treatment program exists for acute hepatitis B. Nonetheless, people with chronic hepatitis B can take antiviral medications. They will also need to consider monitoring and regular medical evaluations.
- Hepatitis C: both chronic and acute forms of hepatitis C can be treated with antiviral medications. Usually, individuals who develop chronic forms of hepatitis C will require a blend of antiviral drug therapies. These patients may also need additional testing to find the best treatment.
Patients with liver disease or cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis C are suitable for a liver transplant.
Can You Prevent Hepatitis?
You can prevent hepatitis viruses by getting vaccines. However, there is no vaccine to prevent HCV and HEV. The vaccine for HAV involves two doses, and most children get vaccinated at 12 months. Adults can also opt for this vaccine, sometimes in combination with the HBV vaccine.
The vaccine against HBV can also help protect you from HDV.
Reducing your exposure to viruses is also helpful. Practice proper hygiene to avoid getting the HAV and the HEV. Since these viruses may be present in water, you should always take extra precautions when traveling to countries with a high virus prevalence. When traveling, avoid the following:
- Ice
- Local water
- Raw vegetables and fruits
- Undercooked or raw oysters and shellfish
HBV, HVC, and HBD are transmitted via bodily fluids. Reduce your risk by:
- Not touching spilled blood
- Refraining from sharing needles and razors
- Not using someone else’s toothbrush
- Using condoms during sexual intercourse
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