As a disease, hepatitis has been known for centuries, only the different types were only recognised in the 20th century. It was first described by a German doctor named Anton Weichselbaum in the 1880s and called “epidemic catarrhal jaundice” when he described the symptoms of acute viral hepatitis. In the 1940s, researchers discovered that there were two types of viral hepatitis: A and B.
Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E
Hepatitis C was identified in the 1970s, as another form of hepatitis. This discovery led to the development of tests to screen blood donations for the virus, which helped prevent the spread of the disease through blood transfusions. In the following 1980s and 1990s, research continued to identify other types of the virus, which led to the detection of hepatitis D and E.
Throughout the 20th century, research and work has been done on vaccines against hepatitis A and B, which have helped to reduce the incidence of these types in many parts of the world. Recent research and advances in antiviral drugs have improved the treatment of chronic hepatitis B and C, and yet there are patients for whom these drugs are not effective.
Hepatitis remains a major public health problem, with millions of people affected by the disease every year. However, continued research and medical advances give hope for better prevention and treatment in the future.
This article deals with the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. It is not intended to be professional advice. We are not doctors, psychologists, social workers etc. and can only explain the terms and the context and refer to support services. For specialist treatment etc., please contact a help centre near you.
How do you get?
Generally, hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. This can be caused by various factors. The most common causes of hepatitis are:
- Alcohol and drugs: Overwhelming alcohol consumption can cause liver inflammation, which can lead to hepatitis. Certain drugs and toxins, including prescription medicines, can also cause it.
- Autoimmune diseases: In some cases, the body’s immune system can mistakenly attack the liver, leading to it.
- Metabolic disorders: Certain metabolic disorders, such as Wilson’s disease and Haemochromatosis, can cause this.
- Other infections: Other infections such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can also cause it.
Differences in hepatitides
Some of the most important differences between the five types are explained below.
- Hepatitis A: It is usually transmitted via the faecal-oral route, often through consumption of contaminated food or water. The virus usually causes an acute, short-term infection that does not lead to chronic liver disease. Symptoms may include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, fever and jaundice. A vaccine is available.
- Hepatitis B: Transmitted through contact with infected body fluids and can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis and liver cancer. Symptoms can include fatigue, fever, abdominal pain and jaundice. A vaccination protects against hepatitis B and antiviral drugs are used to treat chronic hepatitis B.
- Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C is exclusively transmitted through contact with infected blood. It can cause an acute or chronic infection that can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis and liver cancer. Many people with hepatitis C do not notice any symptoms until the disease is advanced. There is no vaccine, but antiviral drugs can be used to treat chronic hepatitis C.
- Hepatitis D: This is a rare form that only occurs in people who are already infected with hepatitis B. It is transmitted through contact with infected blood. It can cause an acute or chronic infection that can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis and liver cancer. There is no vaccine against it, but vaccination against B prevents also an D infection. Furthermore, antiviral drugs can be used to treat chronic hepatitis D.
- Hepatitis E: Transmitted similarly to hepatitis A and can cause an acute infection. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain and jaundice. There is no specific treatment, and a vaccination against hepatitis E is not currently available.
What are the symptoms?
As already mentioned, the symptoms differ from the type of hepatitis and the severity of the infection. Some infected people may have no symptoms, while others may have mild to severe symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms are listed below:
- Lessness and weakness
- Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills and muscle aches
- Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite
- Lower abdominal pain and malaise, especially around the liver
- Dark urine and pale stools
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
- Itchy skin
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Spider-like blood vessels on the skin (spider angiomas)
- Enlarged liver and spleen
Get tested!
Depending on the type being tested for, different tests can be used to diagnose it. One of the most common tests is the blood test. It detects the presence of antibodies or antigens that indicate the presence of the viruses. For example, a blood test can be used to detect antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) or hepatitis C virus (HCV)
Another option is the liver function test, which measures levels of enzymes and proteins produced by the liver in the blood. This can be used to assess how well the liver is functioning and, if necessary, alert the patient to liver damage or inflammation.
Imaging tests to assess the liver and detect signs of liver damage or disease involve ultrasound or MRI. In some cases, a liver biopsy may be performed to obtain a sample of liver tissue for examination under a microscope. This can help diagnose the cause of the liver disease and assess its severity.
How you can treat it
It is important to know that treatment options can vary depending on the type and severity, and that treatment for acute hepatitis is not always necessary. The following are some general treatments:
- Supportive treatment: Supportive treatment includes rest, a healthy diet and avoiding alcohol and certain medications that can further damage the liver. It is important to drink enough fluids and avoid fatty or fried foods.
- Antiviral medications: Antiviral medications can be used to treat chronic hepatitis B and C. These medications can help reduce the virus. These medications can help reduce the amount of virus in the body and prevent further damage to the liver. Exactly which drugs are used depends on the type and the patient’s medical history.
- Immune system treatments: In some cases, drugs that boost the immune system can be used to treat certain types, such as autoimmune hepatitis.
- Liver transplant: In severe cases, a liver transplant may be needed. This involves replacing the damaged liver with a healthy liver from a donor.
Preventive measures
Depending on the type, there are various ways to prevent hepatitis. First and foremost, there are vaccines against hepatitis A and B. These vaccines are recommended for all infants, children and adults who are at risk of contracting the virus. To prevent the spread of hepatitis A and E, it is important to wash your hands with soap and water after going to the toilet, changing nappies, etc. It is also important to wash your hands with soap and water. It is also important to wash hands thoroughly before handling food and preparing meals, and to avoid consuming food and water that may be contaminated.
To prevent the spread of hepatitis B and C, it is important to use condoms during sexual intercourse, especially with new or multiple partners. Also, do not share needles, razors or other personal hygiene items that can come into contact with blood. It is also important to make sure that if you are having a tattoo or piercing that you make sure that all equipment used for tattoos or piercings is properly sterilised. Therefore, choose reputable offers.
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