Approximately 325 million people worldwide are living with viral hepatitis B and C and the disease also causes many untimely deaths. Out of this, approximately 40 million patients with hepatitis B are from India. Hepatitis refers to an inflammatory condition of the liver. Inflammation is swelling that happens when tissues of the body are injured or infected and can damage your liver. It’s commonly caused by a viral infection, but there are other possible causes of hepatitis. These include autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis that occurs as a secondary result of medications, drugs, toxins, and alcohol. Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease that occurs when your body makes antibodies against your liver tissue.
Symptoms of Hepatitis
The most common symptoms of hepatitis include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, light-coloured stools, joint pain, and jaundice. Consult a doctor for further investigation if you experience any of these symptoms.
Types of Hepatitis
Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E are viral illnesses of the liver. Hepatitis A is always a short-term, acute infection, but hepatitis B, C, and D are more likely to become chronic and persistent. Hepatitis E is usually severe, but it can be very deadly for women who are pregnant.
- Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is caused by an infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV). This type of hepatitis is most commonly transmitted by consuming food or water contaminated by faeces from an infected person.
- Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with infectious body fluids, such as blood, vaginal secretions, or semen, containing the hepatitis B virus (HBV).
A person can get hepatitis B in many ways, including:- Unprotected sex.
- Sharing dirty needles.
- Being in direct contact with infected blood.
- Being transferred from mother to unborn child.
- Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C comes from the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C is transmitted through direct contact with infected body fluids, typically through injection drug use and sexual contact. A person can get hepatitis C from:- Sharing dirty needles.
- Being in direct contact with infected blood.
- Unprotected sex.
- Hepatitis D
This is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). It is contracted through direct contact with infected blood. Hepatitis D is a rare form of hepatitis that only occurs in conjunction with hepatitis B infection. The hepatitis D virus can’t multiply without the presence of hepatitis B.
- Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E is a waterborne disease caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). It is mainly found in areas with poor sanitation and typically results from ingesting faecal matter that contaminates the water supply. You can get hepatitis E by eating or drinking food or water contaminated with the virus.
Myths and Facts – Hepatitis
Myth: Women with hepatitis should abstain from breastfeeding their babies to avoid passing the infection.
Fact: Hepatitis C and B are not transmitted through breast milk. Although, there is a risk of transmission through cracked nipples. In such a scenario you must speak to your doctor for further assistance.
Myth: People who have hepatitis B or C should not have children because they will pass it on to them.
Fact: That is not true, people with hepatitis B or C can have healthy babies. Timely precautions during pregnancy, adequate testing, and prompt immunization of the baby after birth can stop the spread of hepatitis.
Myth: Your symptoms indicate the type hepatitis you have.
Fact: Patients with hepatitis may show jaundice-like symptoms of loss of appetite, yellow coloured urine, and vomiting. The type of virus can be differentiated only by blood tests.
Myth: Vaccine can protect against all types of Hepatitis.
Fact: Vaccines are available only against Hepatitis A and B.
Treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
Concerned about recurrent bouts of jaundice? It is time you get a complete liver check-up done and rule out any signs of hepatitis. Doctors at our Department of Hepato Pancreato Biliary are trained to detect and treat all types of hepatitis. Be it consultations or hospitalizations we are here to help our patients with comprehensive hepatitis care. For further information, please visit: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/hepatopancreatobiliary.html