Hepatitis – an infection of the liver that causes serious health problems and can damage it. There are five main hepatitis viruses: A, B, C, D and E. Different types have different ways of transmission – such as using dirty needles or having unprotected sex with an infected person. they also cause various symptoms, some more severe than others.intent on] Appreciation of these differences is important not only for prevention but also early diagnosis and optimal treatment. This complete guide includes the different types of hepatitis, how it is caused and transmitted as well as its symptoms, diagnosis & treatment.
Types of Hepatitis
Hepatitis A (HAV)
Cause – Hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It mainly spreads through consuming contaminated food or water, and by close contact with the person infected. The most important risk factors are poor sanitation and hygiene.
Symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Upper right abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Low-grade fever
- Dark urine
- Joint pain
- Jaundice (characterized by yellow skin and eyes)
Diagnosis:
- Blood tests that measure for HAV antibodies (IgM anti-HAV) indicate a past infection.
- Liver enzyme levels (liver function tests)
Treatment:
- Treatment No specific treatment; most people recover without it
- They advise rest, hydration and a good diet.
- Prevention Vaccination is available and recommended.
Hepatitis B (HBV)
Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is transmitted via the exchange of body fluids that can easily be infected such as blood, semen and vaginal fluid. Uncommon transmission methods are through unprotected sex, sharing of needles and child born with hepatitis b virus from the mother.
Symptoms:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Dark urine
- Joint pain
- Jaundice
Diagnosis:
- Blood tests of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies against it (anti-HBc).
- Liver function tests to assess liver injury
Treatment:
- Acute HBV: Usually goes away on its own, supportive care of rest and fluids.
- Chronic HBV : Antiviral medications are typically the treatment of choice for reducing viral load and liver damage.
- Use caution during regular surveillance as well as liver function tests.
- Therefore, vaccination is being used as a prevention of HBV infection.
Hepatitis C (HCV)
Cause Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis c virus (HCV). It is commonly spread by blood to blood contact. The disease is typically transmitted by the parenteral route, such as through needle sharing or receiving an unscreened blood transfusion with infected blood.
Symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle and joint pain
- Jaundice
Diagnosis:
- Enzyme Immunoassays for HCV Antibody and RNA;
- Blood liver panel, which measures the health of your liver.
Treatment:
- Several-week course of antiviral medications or drug cocktails.
- Most cases of HCV can be cured with DAAs.
- Liver Function Test needed frequently.
Hepatitis D (HDV)
Causes: Hepatitis D is caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). Its a defected virus and it replicatest in presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is transmitted by contact with infectious blood.
Symptoms:
More severe than hepatitis B
Diagnosis:
- Blood tests for HDV antibodies and RNA.
- Liver Function Tests: To understand the function of liver.
Treatment:
- Antiviral therapy: No specific antiviral for HDV.
- Management of HBV infection is the goal of operation.
- Immunization against hepatitis B virus also immunizes the body to prevent infection by all of known genotypes and subtypes of HBV.
Hepatitis E (HEV)
Cause: Hepatitis E is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HEV). It is most commonly spread through the consumption of water contaminated with fecal matter. Most outbreaks occur in areas with poor sanitation.
Symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Dark urine
- Jaundice
Diagnosis:
- Blood tests to detect antibodies for HEV (IgM anti-HEV)
- Blood test for enzymes that show the liver is having trouble doing its job
Treatment:
- Not treated- course of disease self limiting
- Rest, hydration and consumption of a diet should be maintained.
- There is no vaccine for hepatitis E that is widely distributed.
Common Symptoms of Hepatitis
Symptoms of Hepatitis May Vary Depending on the Virus Type and Disease Stages Symptoms Across Different Types of Hepatitis
Fatigue: Unusually tired and weakened out because of the decreased process-ability of liver.
Nausea and Vomiting Constant nausea or vomiting, usually related to your body’s reaction regarding liver inflammation.
Abdominal Pain: Unusual or very less discomfort in the upper section of the abdomen, that is over towards right side where liver s located.
Anorexia: Marked decrease in appetite wherein weight is lost.
Low-Grade Fever – It is mild, and it also may be caused along with other symptoms that accompany the body’s active fight to infection.
This is due to the fact that your liver may not be processing a waste byproduct called bilirubin and as such urinating then becomes dark.
Jaundice-when the skin and whites of eyes turn yellow from too much bilirubin in the blood.
Joint Pain – If you feel pain or discomfort on your joints, that might be a sign for inflammation in the body as well.
Muscular discomfort – Inflamed muscles can feel achey and sore.
Causes of Hepatitis
Viral Infections:
Hepatitis Viruses: Sometimes called viral hepatitis, the five most important types of hepatitis viruses are A, B C D and E.
Alcohol Consumption:
Alcoholic Hepatitis: Chronic drinking leads to inflammation and cell damage, which may lead to alcoholic hepatitis.
Toxins:
2) Drug-Induced Hepatitis: Prolonged use of some medications, toxins and chemicals can produce inflammation in the liver.
Industrial chemicals – Long time exposure to harmful substances can affect you liver at your workplace.
Autoimmune Conditions:
Autoimmune Hepatitis: Your immune system mounts an attack against liver cells which in turn causes autoimmune hepatitis.
Metabolic Disorders:
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): When fat builds up in your liver from something other than alcohol, inflammation can occur.
Genetic Diseases: Liver inflammation may be due to genetic diseases like hemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease.
Diagnosis of Hepatitis
The diagnosis of hepatitis involves medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Common methods of diagnosing hepatitis include:
Medical History and Physical Examination:
Medical history
1. Medical history involves a review of risk factors, signs, and symptoms. The doctor will also ask if any family member has ever had liver disease.
2. Physical examination: Physical examination will involve looking for signs of liver disease, such as jaundice.
Blood Tests:
1. Liver function tests
• Liver function tests check the extent of liver damage by measuring enzymes ALT, AST, and bilirubin in the blood.
• Specific viral hepatitis panels (blood tests) for antigens and antibodies of hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.
Imaging Tests:
1. imaging that can help view liver and detect abnormalities include:
• Ultrasound: An abdominal ultrasound to check for any anomaly seen in the liver
• CT or MRI scan: CT or MRI scans are more detailed images of the liver and surrounding parts.
Liver Biopsy:
1. Other tests would be required to examine the liver biopsied tissue further.
• Biopsy: For further evaluation, doctors can obtain a small piece of liver tissue under a microscope during pregnancy. This might help identify how much damage or how inflamed the liver is.
Treatment of Hepatitis
Treatment of hepatitis relies on the kind and the severity of the infection. Common treatments include;
Hepatitis A and E:
1. Most individuals obtain rest, put more fluids in their bodies, eat healthier, and feel horrendous while ill.
2. Prevention: Most of the form of hepatitis is preventable. One can prevent hepatitis A using hepatitis A vaccines; hepatitis E is a result of poor sanitary conditions; hence clean drinking water should be in place.
Hepatitis B and D:
3. This illness may necessitate one being tested regularly and keeping an eye housing with their doctor. The best approach to hepatitis is to live a life that is healthy.
4. Once one is given diagnosis and testing, good dietary practices, including using small amounts of unprocessed material, should be carried out.
5. Antiviral drugs help with D and B (poor air good night) for acute infection and parch saliva. A massive pill buy should only be administered for the severe infection.
Medications That Treat the Hepatitis C Virus: DAAs are a type of medication that can cure most cases (in 90-100% of patients) with hepatitis C.
Follow-up Monitoring: To check for liver injury and complications even after a cure.
Autoimmune Hepatitis:
Immunosuppressive drugs: Corticosteroids or azathioprine, to suppress the immune system and thereby liver inflammation.
Alcoholic and drug-related hepatitis
Abstaining from alcohol and toxins – Abstain herself or avoid exposure to as many toxic substances that could damage a developing fetus
Medications, such as anti-inflammatories and support for liver function.
Conclusion
Types, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment** Knowing the types of hepatitis that exist will make it easier to detect them and in order have a proper treatment. Preventive measures following exposure to hepatitis A and B include an available vaccine. Maintaining good hygiene, avoiding risky activities and visiting the doctor periodically can prevent hepatitis. If you think you might have hepatitis or are at risk, see your healthcare provider for testing and treatment options.
If you require further details or would like to arrange a hepatitis screening, get in touch with us at: Phoenix Ultrasound Visit our website at www. phoenix-ultrasound. uk, telephone us on 0800 048-5738 or email at [email protected].