Hepatitis

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that is caused by a variety of infectious viruses and noninfectious agents leading to a range of health problems, some which can be fatal. There are five main strains of the hepatitis virus, referred to as types A,B,C,D and E. While they all cause liver disease, they differ in important ways including modes of transmission, severity of the illness, geographical distribution and prevention methods, (WHO,2024).

Causes

Hepatitis can be caused by:

• Immune cells in the body attacking the liver
• Infections from viruses (such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C), bacteria, or parasites
• Liver damage from alcohol or poison
• Medicines, such as an overdose of acetaminophen
• Fatty liver

Liver disease can also be caused by inherited disorders such as cystic fibrosis or hemochromatosis, a condition that involves having too much iron in your body. Other causes include Wilson disease, a disorder in which the body retains too much comer and ingestion of toxic mushrooms(Penn Medicine, 2024)

Symptoms

Hepatitis may start and get better quickly. It may also become a long-term condition. 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. Hepatitis A, for example, is most often short-term and does not lead to chronic liver problems.

• Pain or bloating in the belly area
• Dark urine and pale or clay-colored stools
• Fatigue
• Low grade fever
• Itching
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weight loss

(Penn Medicine, 2024)

How is it treated?

• Your health care provider will talk to you about treatment options. Treatments will vary, depending on the cause of your liver disease. You may need to eat a high-calorie diet if you are losing weight.

Hepatitis A

• No specific treatment exists for hepatitis A. Your body will clear the hepatitis A virus on its own. In most cases of hepatitis A, the liver heals within six months with no lasting damage
• Hepatitis A treatment usually focuses on keeping comfortable and controlling symptoms. You may need to:
  • Rest. many people with hepatitis A feel tired and sick and have less energy.
  • Get adequate food and liquid. Eat a balanced healthy diet. Nausea can make it difficult to eat. Try snacking throughout the day rather than eating full meals. To get enough calories, eat more high-calorie foods. For instance, drink fruit juice or milk rather than water. Drinking plenty of fluids is important to prevent dehydration, especially if vomiting or diarrhea occurs.
  • Avoid alcohol and use medications with care. Your liver may have difficulty processing medications and alcohol. If you have hepatitis, don’t drink alcohol. It can cause liver damage. Talk to your health care provider about all the medications you take, including medications available without a prescription (Mayo Clinic,2024)

 

• Hepatitis B:
  • Vaccination. Healthcare providers recommend an immediate dose of the hepatitis B vaccine if you haven’t had it yet, preferably within 24 hours of exposure. You’ll need two more doses over the next six months to become fully vaccinated against the virus.
  • Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG). HBIG is a substance made from human blood containing naturally-produced antibodies to the hepatitis B virus. It’s given as a shot to help prevent infection in people who’ve recently been exposed to the virus.
  • These treatments are very effective in preventing babies born to parents with chronic hepatitis B from becoming infected. Infants who receive these treatment shortly after birth have a good prognosis and they can safely breastfeed. (Cleveland Clinic, 2024)

Prevention

Some types of hepatitis are preventable through vaccination. A WHO study found that an estimated 4.5 million premature deaths could be prevented in low- and middle-income countries by 2023 through vaccination, diagnostic tests, medicines and education campaigns. WHO’s global hepatitis strategy, endorsed by all WHO Member States, aims to reduce new hepatitis infections by 90% and deaths by 65% between 2016 and 2030. (WHO,2024)

Steps for preventing the spread of hepatitis B and C from one person to another include:

• Avoid sharing personal items, such as razors or toothbrushes.
• DO NOT share drug needles or other drug equipment (such as straws for snorting drugs).
• Clean blood spills with a mixture of 1 part household bleach to 9 parts water.
• DO NOT get tattoos or body piercings with instruments that have not been cleaned properly.

To reduce your risk for spreading or catching hepatitis A:

• Always wash your hands well after using the restroom, and when you come in contact with an infected person’s blood, stools, or other bodily fluid.
• Avoid unclean food and water.

(Penn Medicine, 2024)

 

Information courtesy of WHO, Penn Medicine, Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic.