Causes and treatment of viral hepatitis.. Viruses. Medicines. Immune inflammation. Viral infections

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.