Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis can be caused by a viral infection, it can also be caused by other conditions or diseases, such as alco**hol consumption habits, the use of certain medications, or autoimmune diseases. If caused by a viral infection, hepatitis can be contagious.
Hepatitis is characterized by the appearance of symptoms such as fever, joint pain, abdominal pain, and jaundice. Hepatitis can be both acute (rapid and sudden) and chronic (slow and gradually). If not treated properly, hepatitis can lead to complications, such as liver failure, cirrhosis, or liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma).
Types of liver hepatitis
Viral infections of the liver are classified as hepatitis, which has five types. Each type of hepatitis is caused by a different virus. Five types of hepatitis are:
- Hepatitis A. This type of hepatitis is the most common because of its easy transmission process.
- Hepatitis B.
- Hepatitis C
- Hepatitis D. Also called delta hepatitis, hepatitis D is a serious liver disease.
- Hepatitis E. Hepatitis E is found in areas that have poor sanitation and usually arise from water contaminated with feces.
Liver Hepatitis Causes
Hepatitis can be caused by a variety of conditions and diseases. However, the most frequent cause is a viral infection. Here are some types of hepatitis caused by viral infections:
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is caused by hepatitis A virus infection (HAV). Hepatitis A is transmitted through food or beverages contaminated with hepatitis A feces containing hepatitis A virus.
Read also:
Hepatitis A How to Cure
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is caused by hepatitis B virus infection (HBV). Hepatitis B can be transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids of hepatitis B patients.
Read also:
Hepatitis B How to Cure
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is caused by hepatitis C virus infection (HCV). Hepatitis C is also transmitted through bodily fluids. Transmission can occur during unprotected se**xual inter**course or using a syringe used by a hepatitis C sufferer.
Read also:
Hepatitis C How to Cure
Hepatitis D
Hepatitis D is caused by hepatitis D virus infection (HDV). Hepatitis D is a rare type of hepatitis, but it can be serious. Hepatitis D virus cannot multiply in the human body without hepatitis B. Hepatitis D is transmitted through blood and other bodily fluids.
Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E is caused by hepatitis E virus infection (HEV). Hepatitis E is easily contagious in environments that have poor sanitation. One of them is through contamination of the water source.
In addition to being caused by viruses, hepatitis can also be caused by the following conditions:
Excessive alco**hol consumption
Excessive consumption of alco**hol can cause inflammation of the liver (hepatitis) and cause permanent damage to liver cells, so liver function will be disrupted. If left unchecked, the condition can develop into liver failure and cirrhosis.
Certain medications
The use of drugs exceeding doses and exposure to toxins can also cause inflammation of the liver. This condition is called toxic hepatitis.
Autoimmune diseases
In hepatitis caused by autoimmune diseases, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks liver cells causing inflammation and damage to cells.
Liver Hepatitis Symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of hepatitis?
Not all cases of hepatitis show symptoms. Less noticeable symptoms appear in the early stages of infection in about 80% of cases. The rest can show symptoms of varying degrees, including:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite,
- Nausea or vomiting,
- Gastric pain,
- Joint or muscle pain,
- Changes in the frequency of bowel movements and urination,
- Skin and whites yellowing eyes (jaundice),
- Hives,
- Mental changes, such as lack of concentration or coma, as well as
- Internal bleeding.
When to see a doctor?
If you experience any of the mentioned signs and symptoms, see a doctor immediately. That way, you can get the right handling according to the conditions.
