What is viral hepatitis?
Viral hepatitis is the most common type of hepatitis. It is caused by a virus that infects the liver cells and causes inflammation. There are five main types of viral hepatitis: A, B, C, D, and E.
Causes of viral hepatitis:
- Hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is spread through contaminated food or water, or through close contact with an infected person.
- Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is spread through blood or other bodily fluids, such as semen or vaginal fluids.
- Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is spread through blood or other bodily fluids, such as semen or vaginal fluids.
- Hepatitis D is caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). It can only infect people who are already infected with HBV.
- Hepatitis E is caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). It is spread through contaminated food or water.
Other causes:
Other causes of hepatitis include:
- Alcohol abuse.
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
- Autoimmune hepatitis.
- Drug-induced hepatitis.
- Toxic hepatitis.
Symptoms of viral hepatitis:
Symptoms of hepatitis can include:
- Fatigue.
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
- Dark urine.
- Light-colored stools.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Abdominal pain.
- Loss of appetite.
Treatment of viral hepatitis:
Treatment for hepatitis depends on the cause of the inflammation. Viral hepatitis A and E usually go away on their own. There are vaccines available to prevent hepatitis A and B. Treatment for hepatitis B and C may include antiviral medications. Treatment for other causes of hepatitis may include lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery.
Labels
liver