Hepatitis: Everything You need to Know about this disease

This blog is written in honor of world hepatitis day and all patients who once suffered it or currently suffering from it.

What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver which results from various infectious diseases and non infectious ones. This leads to a variety of health problems, some of which can be fatal.

Types of Hepatitis

• Autoimmune hepatitis.
• Hepatitis A.
• Hepatitis B.
• Hepatitis C.
• Hepatitis D.
• Hepatitis E.
• Neonatal hepatitis.

These types of hepatitis are categorized into two groups. Viral hepatitis and non viral hepatitis .

VIRAL HEPATITIS Includes:

Hepatitis: A, B, C, D, and E (caused by a virus)

NON VIRAL HEPATITIS Includes:

There are three types of non-viral hepatitis: Toxic hepatitis is caused by chemicals, drugs (prescription and over-the-counter) and nutritional supplements.

VIRAL HEPATITIS: Causes & Mode of Transmission

• Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV) and is primarily transmitted via consumption of contaminated water or food.

• Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and is primarily transmitted through exposure to infected blood, semen, and other body fluids.

• Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and is primarily transmitted through exposure to infected blood.

• Hepatitis D

Hepatitis D is caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV), it only occurs in people who are infected with HBV and is primarily transmitted through exposure to infected blood, semen, and other body fluids

• Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E is caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV) and is primarily transmitted via consumption of contaminated water or food

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Causes of NON VIRAL HEPATITIS

Then, there are non-viral causes of hepatitis, such as autoimmune hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, and drug-induced hepatitis. These forms of hepatitis are not caused by viral infections but rather by non-infectious causes such as autoimmune disorders, excessive alcohol consumption, or certain medications or toxins.

Effects Of Hepatitis 

In some cases, hepatitis may lead to liver damage, liver failure, cirrhosis, liver cancer or even death. There are several factors that can affect how severe the condition is. These may include the cause of the liver damage and any illnesses you have.

Treatments For Hepatitis

Treatment for chronic hepatitis B may include Antiviral Medications — including entecavir (Baraclude), tenofovir (Viread), lamivudine (Epivir), adefovir (Hepsera) and telbivudine — can help fight the virus and slow its ability to damage your liver. These are Oral Medication.

Antiviral medications, including sofosbuvir and daclatasvir, are used to treat hepatitis C. Some people's immune system can fight the infection on their own and new infections do not always need treatment. Treatment is always needed for chronic hepatitis C.

There is no specific treatment for Hepatitis A. Recovery from symptoms following infection may be slow and can take several weeks or months. It is important to avoid unnecessary medications that can adversely affect the liver, e.g. acetaminophen, paracetamol.

Doctors may treat chronic hepatitis D with medicines called interferons, such as peginterferon alfa-2a link (Pegasys). Researchers are studying new treatments for hepatitis D. In addition, medicines for hepatitis B may be needed.

There is no specific antiviral therapy for acute hepatitis E. Physicians should offer supportive therapy. Patients are typically advised to rest, get adequate nutrition and fluids, avoid alcohol, and check with their physician before taking any medications that can damage the liver, especially acetaminophen.

Treatment for Non Viral Hepatitis

Treatment includes medication to stop the immune system from attacking the liver. If the liver is severely damaged, a transplant may be necessary.

N.B:

It is important to raise awareness about this disease for it may be fatal to many and endanger thousands of lives.

Edited by Esther Adegoroye