Hepatitis
Hepatitis
The term "hepatitis" describes inflammation of the liver, an essential organ that produces bile, filters pollutants, and breaks down nutrients. Although viral infections are the most frequent cause, autoimmune diseases, alcoholism, toxins, and some drugs can also cause hepatitis. The condition can vary from mild and self-limiting to severe and potentially fatal liver damage.
Types of Hepatitis
- Viral Hepatitis
Caused by distinct viruses (Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E), each with unique transmission routes and risks:- Hepatitis A (HAV): Spread via contaminated food or water. Usually mild and self-limiting.
- Hepatitis B (HBV): Spread via blood, sexual contact, or from mother to child. Can become chronic and lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer.
- Hepatitis C (HCV): Transmitted through blood contact. Often leads to chronic infection and liver damage.
- Hepatitis D (HDV): Only occurs in presence of hepatitis B. Transmitted through blood.
- Hepatitis E (HEV): Spread through contaminated water in areas with poor sanitation.
- Non-Viral Causes of Hepatitis
- Alcohol-related liver disease
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Drug-induced liver injury
- Tests: 20
Includes : 1 Parameters
Symptoms of Hepatitis
- Fatigue and fever
- Loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Dark urine and clay-colored stools
Note: Chronic hepatitis may have no symptoms until liver damage becomes severe.
Prevention Strategies
- Vaccination: Available for Hepatitis A and B.
- Hygiene: Essential to prevent Hepatitis A and E.
- Safe practices: Avoid sharing needles and practice safe sex to reduce HBV and HCV risks.
Complications of Hepatitis
- Liver fibrosis and cirrhosis
- Liver failure
- Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)
- Irreversible liver damage in autoimmune hepatitis if left untreated
Diagnosis of Hepatitis
Diagnosis includes medical history, physical exam, blood tests, imaging, and sometimes liver biopsy.
Diagnostic Methods
- Blood Tests:
- Detect hepatitis viruses (antigens/antibodies)
- Check liver enzymes (ALT, AST), bilirubin, and more
- Distinguish acute from chronic infection
- Assess immunity from vaccination or past infection
- Imaging Tests:
- Ultrasound (with elastography), CT, or MRI
- Liver Biopsy: Used to assess inflammation, fibrosis, or cirrhosis
Specific Tests for Different Types of Hepatitis
- Hepatitis A: Anti-HAV IgM antibodies
- Hepatitis B: HBsAg, anti-HBs, HBeAg, HBV DNA (viral load)
- Hepatitis C: Anti-HCV antibodies and HCV RNA PCR
- Hepatitis D: Anti-HDV and HDV RNA
- Hepatitis E: Anti-HEV IgM and HEV RNA
- Hepatitis Panel: Combined test for HAV, HBV, and HCV
Why Early Diagnosis Matters?
- Helps prevent disease progression
- Allows timely antiviral or immunosuppressive treatment
- Reduces transmission to others
- Guides vaccination or monitoring for at-risk individuals
Frequently Asked Questions
Hepatitis is liver inflammation caused by infections (mainly viruses), toxins, alcohol, or autoimmune disorders. Some types like Hepatitis A are mild and self-limiting, while others like Hepatitis B and C can become chronic and lead to liver damage, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
Common symptoms include fatigue, jaundice, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and dark urine. However, many people, especially those with chronic hepatitis, may not show symptoms. A blood test is the most accurate way to detect hepatitis.
Hepatitis A and E often resolve without treatment. Chronic Hepatitis B and C can be managed with antiviral medications. Autoimmune hepatitis is treated with immunosuppressive drugs.
Yes. Vaccines are available for Hepatitis A and B. Preventive steps include good hygiene, safe food and water practices, safe sex, and avoiding shared needles or unsterile equipment.
Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to identify the virus and assess liver function, imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI, and sometimes a liver biopsy to evaluate inflammation or damage.
Yes, especially if you have risk factors such as a history of blood transfusions, unprotected sex, unsafe injections, or travel to high-risk regions. Hepatitis can be asymptomatic for years.
Yes. Hepatitis A and E spread via contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B, C, and D are spread through infected blood, sexual contact, or from mother to baby during childbirth.
Recovery from Hepatitis A or B typically provides lifelong immunity. Blood tests can confirm if you’re immune or need vaccination. Hepatitis C does not provide immunity after infection.