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Hepatitis is a dangerous liver disorder that can have long-term health repercussions. Certain lifestyle choices and risk factors can significantly increase your chances of contracting the disease. Hepatitis is often associated with poor lifestyle decisions such as unhealthy eating habits, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, and risky sexual behavior, all of which raise the risk of catching the virus that causes the illness.

Healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, can help maintain liver health and reduce the burden on this vital organ. Limiting or abstaining from alcohol is another crucial step, as heavy drinking is a leading cause of liver damage and inflammation that can result in hepatitis. Since hepatitis B and C are frequently transmitted through bodily fluids, it's also important to practice safe sex and avoid sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia. In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Raosaheb Rathod, a consultant gastroenterologist, hepatologist, and therapeutic endoscopist at Medicover Hospitals in Navi Mumbai, discussed the actual causes of hepatitis.

According to Dr. Raosaheb, hepatitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the liver and can be caused by either infectious or non-infectious viruses. Factors contributing to hepatitis include toxins, viruses, chemicals, drugs, alcohol, genetic disorders, and an overactive immune system. There are multiple types of hepatitis, such as A, B, C, D, and E. It is a progressive condition with symptoms like jaundice, dark-colored urine, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, itching, joint and muscle pain, and diarrhea.

What Causes Hepatitis?

Hepatitis A (HAV): Caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), it can be easily transmitted through contaminated food or water or close contact with an infected person. Generally, it is short-term and does not cause chronic infection, with a lower risk of chronic liver disease. Prevention includes vaccination, good hygiene practices while handling food, and boiling or purifying water to eliminate pathogens.

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Hepatitis B (HBV): Transmitted through contact with infected body fluids such as blood, semen, or vaginal discharge, it can spread through sexual contact, sharing needles, or from mother to fetus during birth. Hepatitis B can be acute or chronic and may lead to serious complications like liver damage. Preventive measures include practicing safe sex, avoiding needle sharing, and vaccination.

Hepatitis C (HCV): Spread through blood-to-blood contact, symptoms include easy bleeding and bruising, fatigue, loss of appetite, ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen), and leg swelling. The use of shared needles increases the risk of blood-to-blood contact. Hepatitis C can lead to severe conditions like liver damage, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.

Hepatitis D (HDV): Occurs only in individuals already infected with hepatitis B, spreading through infected blood and body fluids. Symptoms of hepatitis B worsen over time, leading to severe liver disease. Vaccination against hepatitis B can help prevent this serious infection.

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Hepatitis E (HEV): Transmitted through water or food contaminated with the hepatitis E virus (HEV), it is more common in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene, such as inadequate hand washing before meals, food preparation, or after using the bathroom or touching contaminated surfaces.