
Types of hepatitis and their causes
Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver, and it is commonly caused by a viral infection. But there are other possible causes for this health condition. These include autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis that happens as a secondary effect of medicines, alcohol, drugs, and toxins. When the body makes antibodies against its own liver tissues, autoimmune hepatitis occurs.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is caused because of hepatitis A infection. It leads to a highly contagious liver infection. Few people might get a mild infection and the condition can last for only a few weeks. Others might get a severe infection and that can last for months. Most people catch this infection when they consume food or liquids that have been in contact with the fecal matter of someone who already has the virus.
Unlike other types of hepatitis infections, this is rarely dangerous and almost everyone fully recovers from the infection. This kind of hepatitis does not cause long-term inflammation of the liver. The good news is that there are vaccines for this disease that can prevent it.
Hepatitis B
This can cause scarring or even failure of the liver. It can potentially lead to cancer, and if left untreated, it can even lead to death. Hepatitis B is transmitted when someone comes in direct contact with open sores, bodily fluids, or the blood of someone who already has this virus.
It is a serious condition, but it should not last for a long time in adults. People can recover from it in a couple of months and they even get immune to the disease for the rest of their lives. People who get this virus at birth, it is highly unlikely for it to go away. Most people can get rid of this disease, but, those who are carriers can spread it to others even if their own symptoms disappear.
Hepatitis C
One can get this type of hepatitis virus if they come in direct contact with contaminated blood or surgical needles that are used to draw tattoos or inject illegal medications. Some people might not get any symptom or just mild ones. Hepatitis C may lead to liver cirrhosis, a disease that can scar the liver.
Hepatitis D
Hepatitis D only happens if the person is already suffering from hepatitis B. It tends to aggravate the existing condition, leading to severe health degradation. It mostly gets spread through sex and from mother to child.
Hepatitis E
This is mainly prevalent in regions like Mexico, India, Africa, and a few Asian nations. Though sometimes, a few cases show up occasionally in the country in people who return from foreign trips to the regions where this condition is prevalent. Just like hepatitis A, one can get this virus by drinking or eating something that has been in contact with the virus.
All in all, hepatitis of any kind can create many complications and attack the liver in various ways. Hence, getting diagnosed by a medical examiner and treated at the earliest is recommended.