Understanding Viral Hepatitis
Hepatitis has long been a significant global public-health concern, including in Thailand. It can affect people of all ages and genders. Many cases are acute and resolve within a limited period, while some become chronic and may eventually lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.
The most common cause of hepatitis is viral infection. Other causes include excessive alcohol consumption, certain medicines, toxins, and autoimmune conditions.
Types of Viral Hepatitis
The five main types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Each type is caused by a different virus and has different routes of transmission, health effects, and prevention methods.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is commonly transmitted through contaminated food or drinking water. It may also spread through close contact with an infected person, particularly where sanitation or hand hygiene is inadequate.
Possible symptoms include:
๐ Fever
๐ Fatigue
๐ Loss of appetite
๐ Nausea and vomiting
๐ Abdominal discomfort
๐ Dark urine
๐ Yellowing of the skin and eyes
Hepatitis A usually causes an acute infection and does not normally become chronic. Vaccination and good food and hand hygiene can help prevent infection.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B spreads through infected blood and body fluids. Transmission may occur through:
๐ Unprotected sexual contact
๐ Sharing needles or injection equipment
๐ Exposure to contaminated blood
๐ Transmission from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth
Some people recover completely, while others develop chronic hepatitis B. Long-term infection may increase the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.
A vaccine is available and is highly effective in preventing hepatitis B.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is transmitted primarily through infected blood.
Possible routes include:
๐ Sharing needles or injection equipment
๐ Using inadequately sterilised medical, tattooing, or piercing equipment
๐ Receiving blood products that were not properly screened
๐ Less commonly, sexual or mother-to-child transmission
Many people with hepatitis C have no symptoms for years. Chronic infection may gradually damage the liver and lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer.
There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C, but modern antiviral medicines can cure most infections.
Hepatitis D
Hepatitis D spreads through infected blood and body fluids. It can infect only people who already have hepatitis B because the hepatitis D virus requires hepatitis B to reproduce.
Combined hepatitis B and D infection may cause more severe liver inflammation and increase the risk of complications.
Preventing hepatitis B through vaccination also protects against hepatitis D.
Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E is commonly transmitted through contaminated food or water. In some settings, infection may also result from eating raw or undercooked meat, particularly pork, wild boar, or certain animal products.
Symptoms are similar to those of hepatitis A and may include:
๐ Fever
๐ Fatigue
๐ Nausea and vomiting
๐ Abdominal pain
๐ Dark urine
๐ Jaundice
Most people recover without long-term liver damage. However, hepatitis E may become severe in pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems or existing liver disease.
When to Consult a Doctor
Medical assessment is recommended for anyone experiencing:
๐ Yellowing of the skin or eyes
๐ Dark urine or unusually pale stool
๐ Persistent nausea or vomiting
๐ Severe fatigue
๐ Loss of appetite
๐ Pain in the upper-right abdomen
๐ Possible exposure to infected blood or body fluids
Blood tests can identify the type of viral hepatitis and help determine whether the infection is acute or chronic. Early diagnosis allows appropriate monitoring and treatment and may reduce the risk of serious liver complications.
Reference :
Mukdahan International Hospital Understanding Viral Hepatitis
Independent Writer
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