Viral hepatitis

What is hepatitis?

Hepatitis is the general term for inflammation affecting the liver, consequently causing it to function improperly. There are several kinds of viral hepatitis, including A, B, C, D, and E.

Hepatitis can also be caused by drinking too much alcohol. There is also another form of hepatitis called autoimmune hepatitis, in which the immune system attacks the liver and damages it.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of hepatitis include:

Cloudy urine
Fatigue
Febricula
Itching
Jaundice
Loss of appetite
Nausea or vomiting
Weight loss
Headaches
Pharyngitis and cough

Causes of hepatitis

Hepatitis can occur for different reasons:

Immune cells of the body that attack the liver
Viral infections
Liver damage caused by excess alcohol or toxins
Overdose of medications such as for analgesics.

Viral hepatitis can be passed on in different ways, depending on the type. For example, hepatitis B is common worldwide, but is not common in the UK, and it is spread through the blood of an infected person. Hepatitis D is another form of hepatitis which only affects those already infected with hepatitis B.

Hepatitis C is the most common type of hepatitis in the UK. It is also transmitted through the blood of an infected person, and is most commonly transmitted through needle sharing when injecting drugs.

Hepatitis E is on the increase in Europe and is passed on through raw or undercooked pork and offal. It can also be passed on through uncooked venison, shellfish, and wild boar.

Can it be prevented?

Hepatitis A and B can be prevented through a vaccine. To avoid getting hepatitis B and C, it is important not to share personal items such as razor blades, and make sure that proper hygiene protocol is followed if you are getting a body piercing or tattoo.

Hepatitis A and E can be avoided by not consuming or using food or water that is not clean, washing hands thoroughly after going to the bathroom, and washing hands after being in contact with the blood, faeces or bodily fluids of an infected person.

What is the treatment?

The treatment varies according to the cause of the condition. The treatment for hepatitis A, for example, may simply be bed rest. In the case of hepatitis B, medication may be administered but only if chronic. Hepatitis C is treated through antiviral medications. Your hepatologist or specialist will advise on the best form of treatment, if necessary.

In cases of liver damage, a transplant may be necessary.

Articles related to Viral hepatitis

COVID-19: how does it affect the liver and liver disease patients?

By Professor Kevin Peter Moore
2021-10-19

Professor Kevin Moore provides you with what experts currently know about coronavirus COVID-19's impact on the liver and on the treatment of liver disease patients. See more

What causes jaundice in babies and adults?

By Dr Deepak Joshi
2021-10-18

Jaundice is one of the most common conditions that can affect newborns with an estimated 6 out of 10 babies developing it. Even though it is much rarer, adults can develop it too. Dr Deepak Joshi, a leading hepatologist in London, explains to us the different causes in babies and adults and how it can be treated. See more

Is there a cure for hepatitis? A look at treatments

By Professor Patrick Kennedy
2021-10-13

Leading hepatologist, Dr Patrick Kennedy looks at the treatments for the different forms of viral hepatitis and answers the question of whether there is a cure. See more