The term hepatitis refers to the inflammation of the liver, a vital organ responsible for filtering toxins from the blood, storing nutrients, and aiding digestion.
In the UK, approximately 215,000 people live with chronic hepatitis B or C, and many are unaware they are infected.
Given the risks associated with hepatitis, it is important to have a clear understanding of its types, symptoms, and causes, as well as the importance of hepatitis vaccination.
What Is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is a medical condition characterised by the inflammation of the liver. The liver plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and the production of chemicals necessary for digestion.
When the liver becomes inflamed, its ability to function properly is compromised, leading to a range of health issues. Hepatitis can be caused by several factors, including viral infections, excessive alcohol consumption, toxins, and autoimmune diseases.
Types of Hepatitis
There are five main types of hepatitis, each caused by a different virus and with varying modes of transmission:
- Hepatitis A (HAV)- Usually, people get hepatitis A from eating food or drinking water that’s been contaminated. It’s generally a short-term infection and often clears up on its own. However, getting vaccinated can prevent it altogether.
- Hepatitis B (HBV)- Hepatitis B is more serious and can become a long-term, chronic condition. It spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids like blood, semen, or vaginal fluids. Chronic hepatitis B can lead to more severe liver problems, such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. Vaccination is your best defence against this virus.
- Hepatitis C (HCV)- This type is mainly spread through blood-to-blood contact, often via sharing needles. Hepatitis C is a major cause of chronic liver disease and the leading reason for liver transplants. Unfortunately, there’s no vaccine for hepatitis C, but it can often be cured with antiviral medications.
- Hepatitis D (HDV)- Also known as delta hepatitis, this type of hepatitis only occurs in people who are already infected with hepatitis B. It spreads through contact with infected blood and tends to cause more severe symptoms than hepatitis B alone.
- Hepatitis E (HEV)- Like hepatitis A, hepatitis E is mainly transmitted through contaminated water. It’s usually a short-term illness, but it can be more dangerous for pregnant women.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Hepatitis?
Hepatitis can present with a range of symptoms, depending on whether the infection is acute or chronic. Here’s what you might experience:
- Short-term (Acute) Hepatitis:
- You might not notice any symptoms at first, but if they do appear, they can include:
- Muscle and joint pain
- A fever
- Feeling sick or vomiting
- Constant tiredness
- General discomfort or feeling unwell
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach pain
- Dark urine
- Pale, grey-coloured stools
- Itchy skin
- Yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice)
- You might not notice any symptoms at first, but if they do appear, they can include:
- Long-term (Chronic) Hepatitis:
- This form might not show any obvious symptoms until the liver starts to fail, which can take years. In the later stages, you might notice:
- Yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice)
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet
- Confusion or trouble thinking clearly
- Blood in your stool or vomit
- This form might not show any obvious symptoms until the liver starts to fail, which can take years. In the later stages, you might notice:
What Are the Causes of Hepatitis?
Hepatitis can come from different sources, each impacting the liver in unique ways. Let’s look at the main factors that can lead to hepatitis:
- Viral Infections- The most common cause is a viral infection, specifically the hepatitis A, B, C, D, or E viruses.
- Alcohol Use- Drinking too much alcohol over a long period can cause alcoholic hepatitis, where the liver becomes inflamed due to alcohol’s toxic effects.
- Toxins- Certain chemicals and medications can damage the liver and cause toxic hepatitis.
- Autoimmune Conditions- Sometimes, your immune system mistakenly attacks your liver cells, leading to autoimmune hepatitis.
How Is Hepatitis Diagnosed?
Diagnosing hepatitis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. These may include:
- Blood Tests- To detect the presence of hepatitis viruses, measure liver enzymes, and assess liver function.
- Imaging Tests- Ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI may be used to visualise the liver and identify signs of inflammation or damage.
- Liver Biopsy- In some cases, a small sample of liver tissue may be taken for analysis to determine the extent of liver damage.
Boost Your Liver Health with Anna Pharmacy
Hepatitis is a condition that shouldn’t be taken lightly, but the good news is that with awareness and timely action, you can protect yourself from its harmful effects.
If you need reliable hepatitis treatment, visit our travel clinic for a hepatitis vaccination. Click here to book your appointment.