What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, typically caused by viral infections but can also result from other factors such as alcohol consumption, medications, or autoimmune conditions.
Types of Viral Hepatitis
Hepatitis A
- Transmitted through contaminated food/water
- Usually acute and self-limiting
- Preventable through vaccination
- No chronic infection
Hepatitis B
- Transmitted through blood, bodily fluids, or from mother to child
- Can be acute or chronic
- Preventable through vaccination
- May require long-term treatment if chronic
Hepatitis C
- Primarily transmitted through blood contact
- Often becomes chronic
- No vaccine available
- Treatable with antiviral medications
Common Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes)
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Dark urine
- Light-colored stools
Risk Factors
- Unprotected sexual contact
- Sharing needles
- Poor sanitation
- Travel to endemic areas
- Healthcare exposure
Prevention
- Get vaccinated (for types A and B)
- Practice good hygiene
- Use protection during sexual activity
- Avoid sharing personal items
- Practice food safety
Diagnosis
- Blood tests for viral markers
- Liver function tests
- Imaging studies when needed
- Liver biopsy in some cases
Treatment Options
- Rest and hydration
- Antiviral medications
- Lifestyle modifications
- Regular monitoring
- Liver transplant in severe cases
When to Seek Medical Care
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Mental confusion
- Severe jaundice
- Signs of dehydration