Hepatitis is a serious public health threat, with tens of thousands of people in the United States newly infected each year, while millions suffer daily with chronic hepatitis conditions. Hepatitis is the general term used to describe inflammation of the liver, a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters the blood, and fights infections. Hepatitis is most commonly caused by a variety of infectious viruses, but can also be caused by autoimmune conditions, genetic disorders, and factors such as chemical exposure or excessive alcohol use. Hepatitis may be acute, or short term, flaring up suddenly and then going away, or it can be a chronic, long-term condition that can have serious and potentially fatal effects on the liver. 

Understanding Hepatitis

Depending on the type, viral hepatitis can be classified into five types, the most common being hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, each caused by a different virus. Types A, B, and C are the most common in the United States. The various types differ in important ways, including the severity of the illness, modes of transmission, geographical location, and methods of prevention. Types B and C can lead to chronic disease and together are the most common cause of liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and viral hepatitis-related deaths. Types A and B are vaccine-preventable. While no vaccine has been developed for hepatitis C, there is a treatment for type C that can cure it. 

• Hepatitis A is a food-borne illness and can be spread through contaminated water and unwashed food. While it is easy to transmit, it is the least likely to damage the liver as it is usually mild and completely resolved within six months. 
• Hepatitis B can be transmitted through exposure to contaminated blood, needles, syringes or bodily fluids and it may be passed from mother to baby during birth. It is a chronic disorder and in some cases may lead to long-term liver damage, liver cancer and cirrhosis of the liver. 
• Hepatitis C is only transmitted through infected blood or from mother to newborn during childbirth. It can lead to liver cancer and cirrhosis over time. 
• Hepatitis D is found only in people who are also infected with hepatitis B. 
• Hepatitis E is similar to hepatitis A, but is predominantly found in Africa, Asia and South America. 

Toxic or drug-induced hepatitis can be caused by certain poisons, chemicals, or even generally safe medications when taken in high doses or excessively. These include acetaminophen and vitamin A. Alcoholic hepatitis is caused by heavy alcohol use.

Autoimmune hepatitis is chronic and occurs when your body’s immune system attacks your liver cells, causing swelling, inflammation and liver damage. Neonatal hepatitis occurs in infants shortly after birth. Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic type in which your body’s immune system attacks your liver. While the cause is unknown, genetic and environmental factors are suspected to play a role.

Signs and Symptoms of Hepatitis

The symptoms of hepatitis vary depending on the acute or chronic nature of the disease. Common signs include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and mild fever. In chronic cases, symptoms might be more subtle initially but can progress to more severe complications like liver failure and liver cancer over time. It’s crucial for people with hepatitis to monitor their health closely, as the disease can be silent yet damaging.

How Is Hepatitis Diagnosed?

Diagnosing hepatitis involves a combination of medical history, physical examinations, and various diagnostic tests. Blood tests are commonly used to detect the presence of hepatitis viruses and assess liver function by measuring enzymes. In some cases, imaging tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, or a liver biopsy are necessary to determine the extent of liver damage and inflammation.

How Does Hepatitis Affect My Body?

When the liver is inflamed or damaged, its function can be affected. Hepatitis results in liver inflammation, which can disrupt liver function and lead to long-term health issues. Over time, chronic hepatitis can cause fibrosis (scarring of the liver), which may progress to cirrhosis, a severe form of liver damage and scarring. Additionally, chronic hepatitis increases the risk of developing liver cancer. The impact on the body can vary significantly depending on the type of hepatitis and the overall health of the individual.

Who Is at Risk for Hepatitis?

Risk factors for hepatitis vary depending on the type. Viral hepatitis can be transmitted through bodily fluids (hepatitis B, C, D), contaminated food and water (hepatitis A, E), or through maternal transmission from mother to child during childbirth (hepatitis B). People with hepatitis are often unaware of their condition until liver damage becomes apparent. High-risk groups include healthcare workers, individuals with multiple sexual partners, intravenous drug users, and people with other liver diseases.

What Are the Treatments for Hepatitis?

Treatment for hepatitis depends on the type and severity of the condition. For short-term forms like hepatitis A, no medication is available, and supportive care and hydration are usually sufficient. Potentially chronic forms such as hepatitis B and C may require antiviral medications to control the virus and reduce the risk of liver damage. According to the World Health Organization, 95% of people with hepatitis C can be cured with antiviral medication, however, in severe cases, a liver transplant may be necessary. Furthermore, managing lifestyle factors such as alcohol intake and nutrition plays a critical role in treatment outcomes, especially for those with alcoholic hepatitis. 

When to Talk to Your Doctor

It’s important to consult a healthcare provider if you experience symptoms of hepatitis, believe you have been exposed to a hepatitis virus, or if you are in a high-risk group. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent liver damage and significantly improve health outcomes. If you are at risk due to personal or medical factors, discussing screening options with a board-certified gastroenterologist is advisable. Remember, proactive healthcare is crucial in managing conditions like hepatitis that affect vital organs such as the liver.