Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. The most common cause behind it is transmission and consumption of contaminated food or water. However, it can also develop through the consumption of specific medications, drugs, and alcohol. Hepatitis has five main types as discussed below.
Types of Hepatitis
Hepatitis A
An acute short-term disease. It is caused by an infection of the (HAV) virus.
Hepatitis B
An ongoing chronic condition. It is caused by the (HBV) virus. It can be transmitted by body fluids, sharing needles, syringes, or to a baby from the mother during birth. This type can be prevented through vaccines.
Hepatitis C
A long-term condition is usually spread through bloodborne infections. It comes from the (HCV) virus. It causes liver inflammation and may lead to complete liver damage if left untreated.
Hepatitis D
A rare form of the illness. This happens mostly along with Hepatitis B. It can cause long-term liver problems. For example, liver scarring and cancer.
Hepatitis E
The form is spread due to poor hygiene and consumption of contaminated water. The HEV virus is found in contaminated food or water. It may result in diarrhea and other gut problems.
How Hepatitis affects health?
The HCV virus is the most dangerous of all. It can affect your body and health in many ways.
Liver and Digestive system
The main damage it does is to the liver. It results in inflammation of the liver and interrupts its basic functions. It can also damage the skin and result in drastic weight loss. Prolonged infection can also cause liver failure.
As liver functions are interrupted, the production of Bile is affected. This liquid is used to break down fats. Poor bile production makes problems in digestive fatty foods. This limits a person’s food intake and results in digestive issues, like nausea, and vomiting.
In addition to the digestive system, the HCV virus also affects other body parts. Interruption in liver functions reduces the breakdown of vital substances like Bilirubin. This is involved in the breakdown of hemoglobin. Excess quantity of the substance forms jaundice, which may result in cracky and pale yellowish skin. In addition, reduced breakdown of hemoglobin may result in lower oxygen levels and breathing difficulty.
Prevention against Hepatitis.
The main step in the prevention of the disease is to have healthy habits. Other tips include:
Vaccines
Hepatitis A, B, and D have vaccines available. These are given at specific intervals to a child at birth. Vaccines are compulsory for all children, especially ones in countries where the disease is widespread.
Hepatitis C and E don’t have any vaccines as yet. So care and healthy hygiene should be adopted to prevent the disease.
Healthy Hygiene
Hepatitis viruses are a result of unhealthy hygiene and are transmitted through blood, food, or water. In consuming food or water, we should take in hygienic and bottled water, especially from places where clean water is not available. Eat from clean places, and wash your hands before consuming food.
To prevent blood transmission, use clean and sanitized needles, syringes, and other instruments. All instruments might contaminate blood through cuts or bruises and should be clean, sanitized, or new before usage.