A variety of viruses can cause liver inflammation, and it is known as hepatitis. The more common Hepatitis viruses are responsible for an estimated 1.1 million deaths due to these illnesses and their consequences, including liver cancer, cirrhosis, and other disorders linked with chronic viral hepatitis. So what is Hepatitis? Its types, symptoms, and treatments? Are they preventable? These are a few of the topics we will explore within this article.
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. The liver is a critical organ that absorbs nutrients, filters blood, and fights infections. When the liver is inflamed or harmed, it may no longer be able to function correctly. Alcohol abuse, pollutants, medicines, and specific diseases can cause hepatitis. Viral hepatitis A, B, and C are the most prevalent forms in the United States.
Hepatitis viruses are responsible for an estimated 1.1 million deaths due to these illnesses and their consequences, including liver cancer, cirrhosis, and other disorders linked with chronic viral hepatitis.
What are the different types of Hepatitis virus?
There are four types of Hepatitis- A, B, C, and D.
Hepatitis A is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. It is most commonly spread through food or water that has been contaminated with the virus. Hepatitis A can also spread through close contact with an infected person, such as in a household or daycare setting.
Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, jaundice, and abdominal pain. Hepatitis A is a severe infection that can sometimes lead to death.
Hepatitis B is most commonly spread through contact with an infected person’s blood or other body fluids. Hepatitis B can also be spread through sexual contact or from mother to child during childbirth.
Symptoms include fever, jaundice, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Hepatitis B often leads to serious complications including cirrhosis and liver cancer if not treated in time.
Hepatitis C is frequently spread through contact with an infected person’s blood or other body fluids. Sharing needles is one way to get Hepatitis C or other drug-injection equipment.
Symptoms include fever, fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal pain. Hepatitis C often leads to serious health complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer if not treated in time.
Hepatitis D is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. It is most spread through contact with an infected person’s blood or other body fluids. Hepatitis D can also be spread through sharing needles or other drug-injection equipment.
Symptoms include fever, jaundice, and abdominal pain. It’s a viral infection that can result in serious symptoms and even liver damage and death. It’s also known as delta hepatitis or hepatitis delta virus (HDV). Although it isn’t particularly prevalent in the United States, HDV is the most severe type of hepatitis.
What Are Some Treatment Options If You Contract The Virus?
Many different treatment options are available for those who have contracted the virus, dependent on which type of Hepatitis you have acquired.
- Hepatitis A can be treated with antibiotics to help relieve symptoms and prevent the infection from spreading.
- Hepatitis B can be treated with antiviral medications to help relieve symptoms and prevent the infection from spreading.
- Hepatitis C can be treated with antiviral medications to help relieve symptoms and cure the infection. Some people may also need to be hospitalized for treatment.
- There is no cure for Hepatitis D, but treatment options are available to help relieve symptoms and prevent the infection from spreading.
What are Some Recommended Preventions?
A few recommendations on how to prevent Hepatitis is:
- Avoiding contact with infected people
- Being aware of the water you drinking
- Being careful where you get your food
- Getting vaccinated against the virus (if you have Hep-A or B)
- Not sharing needles or other drug-injection equipment
- Practicing safe sex
Gastro Florida Can Help Screen For Hepatitis
Gastro Florida’s team of certified professionals is here to help with your gastrointestinal issues. Set up an appointment to be seen, diagnosed, and treated; our goal is to serve and help you continue on a gut health and wellness path.
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