Hepatitis is a global health problem, affecting millions of people around the world. It shows clinically liver inflammation Which is a clinical feature caused by various conditions such as infection with viruses, excessive alcohol consumption. certain medications or autoimmune diseases etc.

Being the largest gland of the human body, the liver has to perform many important functions, but hepatitis becomes destructive for the liver and causes liver lesions and may even progress to cancerThe most common cause of hepatitis is viral infection and depending on the causative virus and transmission mode, there are five types of viral hepatitis – hepatitis A, B, C, D and E.

To gain insight into the five types, we speak to Dr Shubham Vatsya, Senior Consultant, Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, Delhi.

Dr. Vatsya says that the causative organism behind this hepatitis is usually spread through food and water contaminated with the feces of infected persons. hepatitis a virus (HAV). “This reason reflects its prevalence in areas with poor sanitation. Symptoms usually manifest as extreme fatigue, JaundiceNausea, vomiting, right abdominal pain or dark yellow urine,” he says.

To prevent this, prioritize drinking safe water and follow good hygiene practices. Even HAV vaccines are quite effective prevention strategies.

What is this hepatitis usually caused by? hepatitis b virus (HBV) and is spread by contact with blood and body fluids such as semen and saliva. “Avoid practices like needle sharing and unsafe sex To prevent this infection. If hepatitis B becomes chronic, it can be harmful to the liver and even turn into cancer,” says Dr Vatsya.

Symptoms are similar to hepatitis A, but may not appear in the early stages of infection. According to Dr. Vatsya, vaccination is a great help in preventing this infection and is usually given to newborn babies.

“The causative organisms are hepatitis c virus (HCV), hepatitis C is caused by blood-to-blood contact such as blood transfusions and needle sharing. It most often becomes apparent when the liver becomes severely damaged, terming it a ‘silent epidemic,” he says. Chronic hepatitis C is one of the most common causes of liver cancer and remains symptomless for many years until the condition has already worsened. “The most effective treatment is the use of antiviral drugs such as direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). “There is no known vaccination for hepatitis C to date,” says Dr. Vatsya.

Hepatitis D is one of the most severe forms of hepatitis that severely damages the liver, leading to liver failure. According to Dr. Vatsya, “The microorganism is behind this.” hepatitis d virus (HDV). The seriousness of this infection is its co-existence with hepatitis B, so people infected with HBV should take extra precautions. There are few treatment options available for this hepatitis and it is characterized by extreme symptoms like jaundice, fatigue, nausea, pain in the right abdomen and dark urine.

Caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV), this hepatitis type is spread by contaminated food and water and is more prevalent in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene. “The symptoms are similar to those of hepatitis A and it is usually an acute infection. The only treatment required is adequate rest, water intake and good diet,” says Dr Vatsya.

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