Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver and the leading cause of liver damage worldwide. In many cases, hepatitis has led to life-threatening diseases such as liver cancer and cirrhosis. There are many types of hepatitis, all caused by hepatitis viruses and referred to as Hepatitis type A, B, C, D, E.

Hepatitis A

This acute illness is caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and transmitted through water that has been contaminated by human waste. The Hepatitis virus is often found in food that is prepared under unsanitary conditions. It can also be passed on through oral secretions such as saliva by kissing or skin contact.

Hepatitis B

Caused by virus HBV, this type of hepatitis may develop into a chronic disease and places a patient at risk for developing liver cancer or cirrhosis. The virus thrives in the blood, serum or other body fluids and is usually transmitted through:

1. unprotected sex with an infected person
2. blood transfusions
3. accidental needle pricks from contaminated needles
4. shared needles in drug users
5. an infected mother to her newborn baby
6. getting a tattoo or body piercing with infected needles or tools

Hepatitis C

This type of hepatitis may be transmitted through infected blood, semen or body fluid. The HCV virus is more commonly spread by blood transfusion, accidental needle pricks in hospitals and clinics or shared needles among drug users. Spread by sexual contact is rare. In 50 – 70% of patients, the infection usually develops into a chronic disease, causing liver damage that can lead to cancer or cirrhosis.

Hepatitis D

The HDV virus, also known as the delta virus, causes Hepatitis D. This type of hepatitis is contracted by persons who already have Hepatitis B since the HDV virus needs a protein that only comes from the Hepatitis B virus. Without HBV, the delta virus cannot survive on its own. In the same manner as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis D is transmitted through an infected person’s blood and body fluids through sexual contact, contaminated blood or by shared needles among drug users.

Hepatitis E

The Hepatitis E virus is spread through contaminated food or water but is currently seen in developing countries. There has been no reported case of long term liver damage from Hepatitis E.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms for hepatitis resemble that of influenza and are similar in all types. However, there are persons infected with the disease who may exhibit few or no symptoms at all. Symptoms of hepatitis include:

1. Loss of appetite
2. Fever, headache
3. Weakness and fatigue
4. Nausea and vomiting
5. Abdominal pain
6. Jaundice (yellowish color of the skin and whites of the eyes)

Treatment and prevention

The best treatment for viral hepatitis is still prevention. Maintaining strict hygiene and sanitation practices in the preparation of food in households and restaurants eliminates the spread of Hepatitis A and E. Washing your hands regularly also prevents the spread of the disease. Precautionary measures to prevent exposure to contaminated body fluids should also be taken. These include not having unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners, and for health workers, care in handling needles to avoid accidental pricks. As hepatitis is a liver disease, you should avoid excessive alcoholic consumption to keep your liver healthy. Drinking plenty of purified water also promotes liver health. The natural herbs milk thistle and silymarin may also help in the treatment of jaundice and other liver disorders.