CONDITIONS
Gastroenterology
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a viral infection that causes inflammation in the liver. This inflammation can be caused by different forms of the hepatitis virus, namely hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. Each type of hepatitis is contracted and caused by exposure through food consumption, sexual contact, drug use involving shared needles, blood or contaminated water. Non-infectious hepatitis can occur due to alcohol abuse, causing damage to the liver. If left untreated, hepatitis can lead to liver disease, liver cancer and cirrhosis.
What causes hepatitis?
All five types of infectious hepatitis are caused by exposure to the virus under certain circumstances.
- Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), which can be contracted through ingesting food or drink contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. - Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This form of the disease can be contracted by coming into contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood. It can be transmitted through sexual activity, sharing needles or blades. - Hepatitis C
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects the blood and is also transmitted through sexual contact, sharing needles or exposure to infected blood. - Hepatitis D
Like hepatitis C, the hepatitis D virus infects the blood and is spread through contact with this infected blood. This form of hepatitis, however, is rare and can only develop together with hepatitis B. - Hepatitis E
The hepatitis E virus is waterborne and is generally a result of poor hygiene and exposure to water infected by faeces and other infected bodily fluids.
What are the related symptoms?
Jaundice, or the yellowing of your eyes and skin, is one of the most common symptoms of hepatitis. The disease is also characterised by weight loss, fatigue, general flu symptoms and abdominal pain. In some cases, dark-coloured urine can also indicate the presence of a hepatitis infection.
How is hepatitis diagnosed?
In order to diagnose hepatitis, your physician will need to conduct a physical examination and several tests. This will help determine the presence of infection. Your doctor will also need to assess your history to pinpoint the source of your infection, or how you may have contracted hepatitis. Blood tests, ultrasounds, liver function tests and biopsies may be conducted to help your doctor diagnose and treat hepatitis.
How is hepatitis treated?
Hepatitis A, B and D are preventable via vaccine. However, if you contract these viruses, your doctor can treat you with medications to combat the infection. With hepatitis A, bed rest and hydration are usually recommended because the infection is mild. Hepatitis B, on the other hand, requires long-term treatment with antiviral medicines in chronic cases. Antiviral drugs are used to treat Hepatitis C as well. There are no current treatments of hepatitis D and E, but nutrition and hydration can help you overcome the condition.
