The Facts on Hepatitis

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is defined as an inflammation of liver. Hepatitis can be acute or chronic. Acute hepatitis last less than six months and is generally characterized by jaundice, fatigue, fever, abdominal tenderness and elevated liver enzymes. Chronic hepatitis generally lasts longer and leads to progress destruction of the liver, including cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver failure.

Causes of Hepatitis

There are a number of different causes of hepatitis. First there is viral hepatitis. Most cases of viral hepatitis are Hepatitis A through E and are passed through sexual contact, blood, or exchange of other body fluids. Alcohol also can lead to hepatitis as many drugs including several types of antibotics. Toxins can also hepatitis as well as auto-immune conditions such as lupus or metabolic diseases like Wilson's disease.

Types of Viral Hepatitis:

There are several types of viral hepatitis. A few of the common ones are: Hepatitis A: caused by a picornavirus transmitted by the fecal-oral route, often associated with ingestion of contaminated food or with anal/oral sex. It causes an acute hepatitis and doesn't have a chronic stage. Hepatitis B: Caused by a hepadnavirus, which can cause both acute and chronic hepatitis. Can be transmitted via blood (such as by sharing needles), tattoos, or sexually. However, in about half of cases the source of infection cannot be determined. Hepatitis C : can be transmitted through contact with blood (including through sexual contact if the two parties' blood is mixed) and can also cross the placenta. Hepatitis C may lead to a chronic form of hepatitis, culminating in cirrhosis. It can remain asymptomatic for 10-20 years. Alcoholic and drug-induced hepatitis are both caused by over consumption of drugs and hepatitis. If you think you may have any form of hepatitis, please see your doctor immediately.