Hepatitis is a disease that causes inflammation in the liver. Its cause is generally due to infections of different types, whether viral, toxic, or immune, and can affect anyone. It is also considered according to its origin as a sexually transmitted disease. Hepatitis has different levels. Depending on the virus that attacks, it will be more or less severe. At FastlyHeal, we explain the types, symptoms, and treatments of hepatitis.
Table of Contents
Types
There are five types of hepatitis, and they will depend on how the disease was spread:
- Hepatitis A: It is usually applied by consuming contaminated food or water. It is widespread in people who live in areas where hygiene measures are not the most appropriate; it can also be transmitted through sexual intercourse. Sometimes hepatitis A can be mild, and even those who suffer from it can become immune to infections of this type. In the case of a more severe condition, it can be fatal.
- Hepatitis B: is transmitted by being exposed to body fluids that may be infected (semen, blood) through childbirth or surgical procedures where there are contaminated instruments, blood transfusions, accidental needle sticks while helping people infected with the virus or if use injection drugs.
- Hepatitis C: although it is transmitted in the same way as hepatitis B, it does not have a vaccine, and if the disease progresses, it can become chronic and need a liver transplant.
- Hepatitis D: It is the least common and only develops if you are already infected with the hepatitis B virus.
- Hepatitis E is spread in the same way as hepatitis A, it is not common in developed countries, but isolated cases can be found in people from places where the disease is endemic.
Symptoms
The symptoms of hepatitis depend on the virus that causes it, but generally, you will feel like you have the flu or will not have any symptoms. In any case, fatigue, congestion, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, yellow skin and eyes, abdominal pain, dark urine, and pale stools may appear.
Treatment
Treatment for hepatitis will also depend on the type of hepatitis that occurs. In the case of hepatitis A, it will be diagnosed through a blood test and may improve without treatment in the following weeks. Some symptoms can last up to six months; your doctor will be the one to suggest the type of medicine you should take, as well as some preventive measures such as getting vaccinated against this virus, washing your hands and food well, and drinking filtered water.
For hepatitis B, treatment is the same as in hepatitis A, but if not enhanced, it becomes chronic and can generate liver cancer, cirrhosis, or liver failure. Similarly, having been vaccinated will help prevent contracting the virus. This vaccine requires three doses, and it is necessary to place it in babies. Children and adults can also be vaccinated if they travel to countries where hepatitis is prevalent.
In the case of hepatitis C, there are no vaccines to prevent its appearance, it can be treated with medicines, but they can cause side effects to need a liver transplant. Although hepatitis D develops from having the hepatitis B virus, it does not mean that the same treatment works. In this case, proteins that our immune system produces naturally will be used.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Hepatitis: types, symptoms, and treatment, we recommend that you enter our Digestive System category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.