Hepatitis is a term which is characterized by the inflammation of the liver. Approximately 325 million people worldwide are living with viral hepatitis B and C and the disease also causes many deaths While the liver is a robust organ, playing an essential role in detoxification, nutrient metabolism, and production of proteins, chronic hepatitis can disrupt these vital functions. Hepatitis is one of the leading causes of liver disease worldwide. However, it remains under-recognized and under-treated, affecting millions of people worldwide.

Hepatitis comes in many forms, the most common being viral hepatitis, but it can also result from factors such as alcohol abuse, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications. This is not a question of what hepatitis is but how it may affect people and how we might reduce its long-term effects. So here we are going to discuss the types of hepatitis, the effects of hepatitis on the human body and its long-term complications.

Types of Hepatitis
Hepatitis is typically classified into five main forms which are A, B, C, D, and E. Each form of hepatitis has its own characteristics, modes of transmission, and potential long-term consequences on the health of the liver. It is possible to begin to notice a difference in identifying risks and access to interventions.

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is an acute infection that does not usually cause chronic damage to the liver, and is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food or water, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene.

Symptoms

• Dark urine or clay-colored stools
• Diarrhea
• Feeling tired
• Fever
• Joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea, stomach pain, throwing up
• Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)

A person who is infected with Hepatitis A usually recovers fully without developing long-term liver damage.
Prevention for Hepatitis A is through vaccination. The HepA vaccine is given to children in India in two doses, with the first dose given at 12–23 months of age and the second dose given at least 6 months later and for people who are traveling to countries where the incidence of the disease is high. For individuals who are at risk, such as those residing in or visiting developing countries, the vaccine is highly recommended.

Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B can cause chronic infection, with a high risk of developing liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with infectious body fluids such as blood, semen, or vaginal secretions. It can spread through sexual contact, sharing needles, or from an infected mother to her baby at birth. Hepatitis B plays a major role in developing liver cancer worldwide.

Symptoms

• Pain abdomen.
• Dark urine.
• Joint pain.
• Loss of appetite.
• Upset stomach and vomiting.
• Weakness and extreme tiredness.
• Jaundice

A very effective vaccine is available against hepatitis B.

The schedule for hepatitis B vaccine in India is

• 6, 10, 14 weeks OR 0, 6, 14 weeks for infants, and the dose is 0.5 ml IM.
• 0, 1, and 6 months for children and adults.
• 0, 1, 2 months for rapid protection

Once infected, there is no cure, although antiviral drugs can manage the condition and reduce the chance of severe liver damage.

Regular monitoring and early intervention are important in keeping the virus under control and preventing long-term liver damage.

Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver and it occurs through the hepatitis C virus (HCV).  Often termed a “silent” infection, Hepatitis C may be present in the body for years without causing any apparent symptoms.  So many people around the world are unaware that they are affected by HCV. Hepatitis C spreads through blood-to-blood contact in most of the cases. This includes sharing needles for drug use or receiving unscreened blood products, though it is also possible through unprotected sexual contact or from an infected mother to child during birth.

Symptoms

Generally, people don’t have any symptoms, and the disease is hidden. If the symptoms appear, they are temporary and recover on their own. Symptoms that come are fever, jaundice, decreased appetite, weight loss, GIT issues, joint pain, dark urine, and fatigue.

For many years, there were limited treatment options for Hepatitis C, but in recent years, direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications have revolutionized treatment. These drugs can cure the infection in most people within a few months. However, the main challenge is that this disease is hidden, and symptoms come and usually go in a week so its very difficult to diagnose hepatitis C. Since many people with Hepatitis C don’t experience symptoms, it’s crucial to get tested, especially if you’ve been at risk due to practices like sharing needles or receiving blood transfusions before modern screening methods were introduced.

Hepatitis D
 This is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV) also known as delta virus. HDV cannot multiply without the presence of the Hepatitis B virus. It is transmitted via blood-to-blood contact, and it can significantly increase the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer in people who are already infected with Hepatitis B. Prevention of hepatitis D is to get vaccinated for Hepatitis B.

Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E shares most of its modes of transmission with hepatitis A. The virus is acquired mainly through fecally contaminated water and usually leads to acute, self-limiting hepatitis or undercooked meat infected with hep E.  However, it can pose specific risks during pregnancy, causing such severe complications as liver failure due to the infection. Hepatitis E most often occurs in the regions of Asia, Africa, and Central America, which is where a clean supply of water or proper sanitation for drinking may be scarce.

Symptoms

• Mild fever
• Feeling very tired
• Stomach upset
• Pain abdomen
• Dark pee
• Light-colored poop
• Skin rash or itching
• Joint pain
• Yellowish skin or eyes (jaundice)

There is no vaccine available for Hepatitis E. Similar to Hepatitis A, the best prevention for travelers visiting endemic regions is to maintain proper hygiene and avoid contaminated water sources.

Non-Viral Hepatitis
Although viral hepatitis receives most of the attention, non-viral forms of hepatitis can also lead to severe liver damage. Some of these include alcoholic hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, and drug-induced hepatitis.

Alcoholic Hepatitis
Alcoholic hepatitis is linked to excessive intake of alcohol. It is an inflammation of the liver resulting from alcohol toxicity. Long-term alcohol abuse is the most common cause of cirrhosis and cancer of the liver. Alcoholic hepatitis is marked by symptoms of jaundice, weakness, abdominal pain, and vomiting. It can be of varying severity; in its extreme form, it may even lead to failure of the liver.
The best way to prevent alcoholic hepatitis is to reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption. For patients with the disease, stopping alcohol use is critical to prevent further liver damage. Medications and lifestyle changes can aid in managing the disease.

Autoimmune Hepatitis
Autoimmune hepatitis is a rare condition in which the body’s immune system attacks its liver cells, which causes inflammation and ultimately leads to chronic liver disease if not treated. Study reveals that environmental and genetic factors can play a role in pathogenesis. Treatment usually involves medications that suppress the immune system, such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs.

Drug-Induced Hepatitis
Some drugs and herbs induce liver inflammation, which is referred to as drug-induced hepatitis.  Some antibiotics and acetaminophen, which is part of Tylenol, for example, along with over-the-counter pain medication, can exert too much strain on the liver. People are advised to only take the medications prescribed to them and to get a doctor’s prescription before any new medication or supplement is initiated.