All about hepatitis: Types, causes, symptoms and treatment strategies

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infections, but it can also result from toxins, medications, or autoimmune diseases. The liver, a crucial organ for detoxification, digestion, and metabolism, becomes swollen and damaged during hepatitis.

There are several types of hepatitis, including A, B, C, D, and E, each with different transmission methods and severity levels. Symptoms of these types can range from mild, such as fatigue and nausea, to severe, including jaundice and abdominal pain. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to manage hepatitis and prevent complications such as liver cirrhosis or liver cancer, says Ashiwni Kumar, senior hepatologist and consultant with Healthcare India.

Types of hepatitis

Hepatitis A

Cause: Caused by consuming contaminated food or water.

Symptoms: Fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, low-grade fever, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Symptoms usually appear 2-6 weeks after exposure.

Hepatitis B

Cause: Spread through contact with infectious body fluids, such as blood, semen, or vaginal fluids.

Symptoms: Can range from mild to severe and may include dark urine, joint pain, abdominal pain, jaundice, and chronic fatigue. Symptoms may develop 1-6 months after exposure.

Hepatitis C

Cause: Primarily spread through blood-to-blood contact, often via sharing needles or transfusions.

Symptoms: Often asymptomatic initially but can include fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, and dark urine. Symptoms might not appear until years after exposure.

Hepatitis D

Cause: Occurs only in those infected with Hepatitis B, as it relies on Hepatitis B virus to replicate.

Symptoms: Similar to Hepatitis B, including jaundice, abdominal pain, and fatigue. More severe than Hepatitis B alone.

Hepatitis E

Cause: Spread through contaminated water.

Symptoms: Includes fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice. Symptoms appear 2-9 weeks after exposure.

Autoimmune hepatitis

Cause: The immune system attacks liver cells.

Symptoms: Can include jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, and joint pain. Symptoms vary widely and may develop slowly.

Detecting symptoms

Early detection: Many forms of hepatitis may not show symptoms in their early stages. Regular check-ups and blood tests are crucial for early diagnosis, especially if you're at risk.

Diagnostic tests: Blood tests can detect the presence of hepatitis viruses, liver function tests can assess liver damage, and imaging studies may be used to visualise liver health.

If you experience any symptoms or believe you might be at risk, consult a doctor for proper testing and diagnosis. Early detection and treatment are key to managing hepatitis effectively.