Unveiling Hepatitis: Exploring the Types and Causes of Hepatitis

Bennet, a vibrant young man in his 30s has always been enthusiastic, until he began feeling unusually fatigued. At first, he brushed it off as work stress but when the jaundice set in, Bennet knew something was seriously wrong. A visit to the doctor confirmed that he had hepatitis. This marked the start of Bennet’s journey to understand and manage this disease.  

According to WHO, 254 million people live with hepatitis B and 50 million with hepatitis C. Half the burden of chronic hepatitis B and C infections is among people 30–54 years old, with 12% among children under 18 years of age. Men account for 58% of all cases. 

In this blog we will learn about what hepatitis is, its symptoms, types of hepatitis, causes of the different types, how they are transmitted along with the prevention and treatment of hepatitis.  

What is Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, often caused by a viral infection or injury. It may also result from several other factors such as, toxins, certain medications, and autoimmune diseases. Just about any liver disease will cause hepatitis. Sometimes the injury and the inflammatory response are temporary, but sometimes they are ongoing. 

The liver, a vital organ, processes nutrients, filters the blood, and fights infections. Inflammation can impair these functions, leading to significant health issues. 
There are many causes of hepatitis. Viral hepatitis is caused by a virus and can either be acute which can last less than six months or chronic, lasting for more than six months. Viral hepatitis can be spread from person to person. Some types of viral hepatitis can be spread through sexual contact. 

Symptoms of Hepatitis

Hepatitis can be covert and does not always cause noticeable symptoms at first. You might notice: 
• Upper abdominal pain or soreness, especially on the right side. 
• Nausea and loss of appetite. 
• Fatigue  
• Fever (if you have a viral infection) 

One might also notice additional symptoms when hepatitis begins to interfere with the liver functioning. This can happen in more severe cases of acute hepatitis and in cases of chronic hepatitis that have been going on for a long time. When the liver is not able to process bile as it usually does, bile does not go where it needs to in your body and instead overflows into the bloodstream. This may cause: 

• Jaundice (a yellow tint to your skin and eyes). 
• Dark-coloured urine and light-coloured stools 
• Pruritus (itchy skin). 
• Confusion, disorientation or drowsiness (hepatic encephalopathy). 

How do you get hepatitis, and what are the types of hepatitis?

Hepatitis has many causes and types. Most of them cause either acute or chronic hepatitis and depends on how long they are affecting the liver. Healthcare providers classify common causes into types of hepatitis. 

Viral hepatitis: 

Viral hepatitis is caused by viruses that infect and damage the liver cells, which leads to inflammation, which is a response from your immune system. Viral infections that cause hepatitis include:  

• Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is an acute infection causing acute hepatitis. However, it can last several months, and occasionally it is severe enough to cause acute liver failure. It is caused by Hepatitis A virus (HAV). Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated water, food or close contact with infected person.  

• Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B begins as an acute infection, but a small percentage of people develop a chronic infection and chronic hepatitis. It is caused by Hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis B spreads through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, such as semen or vaginal fluids.  

• Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C begins as an acute infection. But the majority of people who get it develop a chronic infection. It is one of the most common causes of chronic hepatitis. It is caused by Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C spreads through contact with infected blood, typically through sharing needles or syringes used for drugs or medications, or from a mother to her baby during birth.  

• Hepatitis D: Hepatitis D (delta virus) infects people who already have hepatitis B. It can also cause chronic hepatitis. If someone gets both, it can be especially stressful for the liver. It is caused by the Hepatitis D virus (HDV) and requires Hepatitis B to occur (co-infection). Hepatitis D spreads through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids.  

• Hepatitis E: Hepatitis E is most prevalent in Asia and uncommon in other parts of the world. It causes acute infection with acute hepatitis. It is caused by Hepatitis E virus (HEV). Hepatitis spreads through contaminated food or water, similar to hepatitis A. 

Toxic hepatitis 

Toxins in the bloodstream can cause toxic hepatitis, especially in higher doses and when the liver is already stressed for another reason. The liver filters toxins from the blood every day, but if the toxic load gets too heavy, these toxins can slow it down or even damage its cells. The damage can be acute or chronic, depending on how severe it is and how often or how long you are exposed. Causes include: 

• Industrial chemicals, including vinyl chloride, carbon tetrachloride and certain pesticides and herbicides. 

• Over the counter (OTC) medications, especially high doses of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.  

• Prescription drugs, including statins, certain antibiotics and anti-seizure medications. 

• Some herbs and supplements in large or frequent doses.  

Alcohol-induced hepatitis 

Alcohol-induced hepatitis can be chronic or acute. One can get acute hepatitis after a short drinking binge or chronic hepatitis from chronic, heavy alcohol use. Alcohol is always toxic to your liver, but most people can tolerate a certain amount. However, how much is too much varies. While most people develop hepatitis from heavy drinking, some people are more sensitive to alcohol than others. 

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis 

Steatohepatitis means hepatitis from fat. It is an advanced stage of fatty liver disease. That means your liver has begun storing extra fat in its tissues. Alcohol use is one common cause of fat storage in your liver. When it is not alcohol-related, it is called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. When this excess fat builds up enough, it can cause metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. This is related to: 

• Hyperlipidaemia (excess fats in your blood). 

• Overweight and obesity (BMI of 25 or higher). 

• High blood sugar, insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. 
• High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

Autoimmune hepatitis 

Some people develop chronic hepatitis as an autoimmune disease. That means their immune systems mistakenly attack their own liver tissues. Autoimmune diseases often develop for no apparent reason. While autoimmune hepatitis causes liver inflammation directly, other autoimmune diseases can affect the bile ducts that run through your liver (primary biliary cholangitis or primary sclerosing cholangitis). 

Other causes 

Other possible causes of hepatitis include: 

• Cholestasis. Cholestasis means that bile flow has stalled within the biliary tract. The liver is part of the biliary system: It makes and delivers bile through the bile ducts. When bile flow stalls, bile can back up into the liver and cause hepatitis. This can happen suddenly (acute), due to a bile duct obstruction, or gradually (chronic), due to a chronic disease or condition. 
• Inherited metabolic disorders. Rare genetic disorders that affect the metabolism can also affect the liver. For example, Wilson disease and hemochromatosis are both conditions that cause toxic levels of metals to build up in the liver. Gaucher disease and glycogen storage disease (GSD) cause metabolic waste products to build up in the body, which the liver filters. 
• Ischemia: Ischemia is a sudden or gradual loss of blood flow to one of the organs. It can cause acute or chronic inflammation anywhere in the body. Common causes include sudden vasoconstriction, occlusions such as blood clots and arterial diseases that narrow your arteries. Sometimes, ischemia is a response to shock from a severe infection or organ failure. 

How is Hepatitis Diagnosed?

Healthcare providers perform several tests to diagnose hepatitis and its causes, including: 

• Liver function tests. Liver function tests are blood tests that measure different substances in the blood that the liver produces. Elevated liver enzymes, proteins or byproducts in your blood can give clues to how well your liver is functioning, whether it is under stress and why. 

• Imaging tests. Imaging tests of the liver can show swelling from hepatitis and issues affecting the bile ducts or blood vessels running through it. Some tests combine radiology with another type of technology to gain more information, like a nuclear liver and spleen scan or elastography. 
• Liver biopsy. A liver biopsy is a minor procedure to take a small tissue sample from the liver to test in a lab. A healthcare provider usually takes the sample through a hollow needle. The lab can then test the sample for diseases, infections and toxins that may be causing hepatitis.

Management and Treatment 

Healthcare providers treat hepatitis by removing as many stress factors from the liver as they can. Some of these involve changes in diet and lifestyle. By removing toxins and alcohol, and by reducing fat in the diet may take stress off the liver. Some people might benefit from medications prescribed by their healthcare providers to help manage fat in the blood and blood sugar.  

Certain types of chronic hepatitis may be treated directly with medications. Chronic hepatitis C is curable with antivirals, while chronic hepatitis B needs lifelong treatment. Inherited metabolic diseases and autoimmune hepatitis are also lifelong conditions. Medications and lifestyle changes help reduce the stress on the liver and limit the severity of chronic hepatitis. 

Hepatitis can be prevented by: 

Getting vaccinated: Vaccines are available to prevent viral hepatitis A and B. 

Practicing good hygiene: Using handwash after the use of bathroom, safe food handling and safe needle use helps prevent infections from spreading. 

Drinking alcohol in moderation and using medications as directed by the healthcare professional. 

Managing metabolic factors such as the fat in blood and blood sugar. A healthcare provider can help with this.

How Cellmaflex helps patients-  

Cellmaflex is an all-in-one healthcare hub. Patients can sign up on Cellmaflex for free. Through Cellmaflex, they can search the directory to find the right specialist in a few clicks. Patients can easily view the doctors’ calendars and check their availability. With Cellmaflex, patients can book appointments with desired doctors with ease and receive appointment reminders.  

Patients can receive their test results directly, access the test results and health records anytime, anywhere. Patients can order prescriptions with secure online payments.

Hepatitis is a complicated and multi-layered disease. Understanding the types of hepatitis, causes, and modes of transmission can help us take preventative measures and seek timely treatment.  

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of hepatitis, early diagnosis and treatment is very important. Don’t hesitate—take control of your health today. Book an appointment on Cellmaflex and get the professional medical support you need to manage and overcome hepatitis. 

Disclaimer: Please note that the information is strictly for informative purposes. It is not intended to be used in lieu of professional medical advice, inclusive of diagnosis or treatment. It is strongly advised that you seek a doctor’s medical advice on any treatment or medical condition that you learn about.