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Hepatitis refers to a wide variety of illnesses that affect the liver, resulting in inflammation and injury, impairing its functioning. The main cause of hepatitis infection stems from a virus; however, it can also develop due to chronic alcoholism, autoimmune disorders, or certain drugs. Hepatitis can be classified into five key types: A, B, C, D, and E. Each type has its unique mode of transmission and associated risks. In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Bipin Vibhute, Head of the Liver & Multi-organ Transplant Department at Sahyadri Hospitals in Pune, discussed how to recognize the silent progression of hepatitis before it’s too late.

Understanding Hepatitis

During the course of the illness, the liver may become swollen or inflamed, usually due to a viral infection, although other causes are also possible. One of the most important organs in our body is the liver. It actively works to remove toxic compounds, synthesize essential proteins, and produce bile, which is vital for digestion. If liver damage from chronic hepatitis is severe, a person may develop cirrhosis, liver cancer, or liver failure (when the liver stops functioning completely). That’s why it is important to detect hepatitis early and begin treatment promptly to prevent long-term liver damage.

Recognizing The Symptoms Of Hepatitis

Identifying the symptoms of hepatitis early is essential for timely treatment. While symptoms can vary depending on the type of hepatitis, common signs include:

  1. Fatigue and Malaise – One of the most common symptoms of hepatitis is persistent fatigue. Individuals often feel unusually tired and weak, making daily activities more challenging. This occurs because the liver is compromised, and the body struggles to function without proper detoxification.
  2. Jaundice (Yellowing of Skin and Eyes) – Jaundice is a hallmark symptom of hepatitis. It occurs when the liver can’t process bilirubin—a waste product produced during the breakdown of red blood cells—leading to its accumulation in the blood. This causes the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow. Jaundice is more pronounced in hepatitis B and C, particularly in chronic stages.
  3. Abdominal Pain and Discomfort – Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen is a common symptom, often linked to liver inflammation. This pain may worsen after eating fatty or greasy foods. The liver’s increased size due to swelling can put pressure on surrounding organs, causing discomfort.
  4. Loss of Appetite and Nausea – Hepatitis can significantly reduce appetite, leading to unintentional weight loss. In addition to appetite loss, nausea and vomiting may occur due to the liver’s impaired ability to detoxify. This can contribute to a general feeling of unwellness.
  5. Dark Urine and Pale Stool – Hepatitis can affect bile production, which impacts stool color. Pale or clay-colored stools may indicate a lack of bile, while dark urine is a sign of increased bilirubin levels in the bloodstream.
  6. Flu-like Symptoms – Hepatitis A, in particular, may initially present with flu-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, and chills. This is often mistaken for a common viral infection, but the presence of jaundice or abdominal pain can help distinguish it from other illnesses.

Types Of Hepatitis And Their Risk Factors

  1. Hepatitis A – Caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV), it is typically transmitted through contaminated food and water (fecal-oral route). It is usually a self-limiting disease that resolves on its own without long-term liver damage. However, severe cases can occur, especially in older adults or those with pre-existing liver conditions.
  2. Hepatitis B – Caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), it can be transmitted through blood, sexual contact, or from an infected mother to her child during childbirth. Unlike hepatitis A, hepatitis B can become chronic, leading to long-term liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Chronic hepatitis B requires antiviral treatment to control the viral load.
  3. Hepatitis C – Caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), it is primarily transmitted through blood-to-blood contact. It is the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. If left untreated, it can progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer. Early detection and treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) can cure most cases of hepatitis C.
  4. Hepatitis D and E – Hepatitis D occurs only in individuals already infected with hepatitis B, as it relies on the HBV virus to replicate. Hepatitis E is mainly transmitted through contaminated water and is more common in developing countries. Both types can cause severe liver damage, although they are less common than A, B, and C.

Preventing Liver Damage With Vaccination And Lifestyle Modifications

  1. Vaccination – Vaccination remains the most reliable method for preventing hepatitis A and B. The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for children, some adults, and those traveling to endemic regions. Hepatitis B vaccines are given in a series and are recommended for high-risk groups—such as healthcare workers, injecting drug users, and individuals with multiple sexual partners. Currently, no vaccines exist for hepatitis C, D, or E, but ongoing research on hepatitis C vaccines shows promise.
  2. Avoiding Risky Behaviors – Hepatitis B and C are blood-borne viruses; therefore, sharing needles and certain personal items like razors and toothbrushes should be avoided. Safe sex practices and the use of condoms can also reduce the risk of hepatitis B transmission.
  3. Maintaining Liver Health Through Diet – Protecting the liver requires a healthy, well-balanced diet. Abstaining from alcohol is especially important, as excessive drinking can damage liver cells—even in individuals without pre-existing liver conditions. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats supports liver function. Reducing sugar and fat intake helps control weight and lowers the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
  4. Regular Screening – Individuals at high risk for hepatitis—such as those with a history of drug use, healthcare workers, or people with multiple sexual partners—should undergo regular screening for hepatitis B and C. Early detection allows for prompt treatment, reducing the risk of complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Medical Interventions And Treatment

Finally, Dr. Bipin Vibhute, Head of the Liver & Multi-organ Transplant Department at Sahyadri Hospitals in Pune, stated that supportive care is the only treatment available for hepatitis A, which involves managing symptoms such as fatigue and pain while the body heals itself. Chronic infections of hepatitis B and C are treated with antiviral medications that target the infection.

For hepatitis B, medications are prescribed to reduce the viral load, making it easier for the liver to recover. Hepatitis C is treated with a class of medications called direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), which have a high success rate in curing the infection when taken as prescribed. In severe cases where the liver is extensively damaged, a liver transplant may be necessary. However, the best strategy is to detect hepatitis early and begin treatment with antiviral medications before the liver suffers serious damage.

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