Hepatitis is an infectious condition of the liver, located on the upper right side of your abdomen. Hepatitis if not catered on time can become life threatening. So, try consulting the best liver specialist in Delhi, if you are looking for one in Delhi/NCR, who can address and treat your disease from its roots. Malfunctioning of the liver due to hepatitis may affect your body’s metabolic functions like filtering out the harmful toxins, breakdown of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, bile production, and synthesis of clotting factors.
What is hepatitis?
Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by a virus. However, a viral infection is not only the cause behind hepatitis, and there may be other possible causes behind it. These causes may include autoimmune malfunction or may result due to medications, excessive alcohol consumption and toxins.
According to WHO, around 2.5 lakh people die every year due to hepatitis B and C in India. Most people don’t even know that they have hepatitis. Hepatitis can be a life-threatening disorder, but right intervention and early diagnosis can prevent it. Treatment for hepatitis may vary depending upon its type. One can also get immunised for hepatitis to avoid infection, followed by lifestyle precautions.
The five types of viral hepatitis
Hepatitis due to viral infections can be classified into five types A, B, C, D, and E. Let’s discuss them in detail:
- Hepatitis A: It is caused by Hepatitis A virus, the virus is commonly transmitted through contaminated food or water. When a person consumes the contaminated food, he/she gets infected. Hepatitis A is a short-term disease and happens suddenly or is acute.
- Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is caused by the Hepatitis B virus and is potentially a life-threatening liver disorder. The Hepatitis B virus is transmitted when the infectious body fluids like vaginal secretions, blood and semen of the infected person come into contact with a normal person. The transmission mode includes sharing of razors, having sex with an infected partner, or using syringes. This type is usually chronic and develops over-time.
- Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C is the most common type of blood-borne disorder and usually comes from the Hepatitis C virus. The virus is transmitted directly through infected body fluids and sexual contact or injection overuse. Hepatitis C infection is also a chronic disease.
- Hepatitis D: Hepatitis D also known as Delta Hepatitis, is a life-threatening disorder caused by the hepatitis D virus and is transmitted when a non-infected person comes in direct contact with the blood of the infected person. It is a rare and uncommon type of disease that only occurs in conjunction with hepatitis B infection.
- Hepatitis E: It is another rare form of the disease and a waterborne disease that results from the hepatitis E virus (HEV). Hepatitis E virus is usually found in poor hygiene and sanitation areas, and the mode of transmission includes ingesting contaminated food and water.
Some other possible causes for hepatitis are listed as below:
- Alcohol and other chemicals that damage the liver: Excessive alcohol consumption causes liver damage and alcoholic fatty liver disease. Alcohol can damage the liver tissue and cause injury to the cells. Over time, if alcohol consumption is not controlled, it can cause permanent damage to the liver. The liver metabolises most of the medications we take through Cytochrome enzymes, and overuse of certain drugs may damage the liver and cause liver toxicity.
- Autoimmune system response: In some cases, the body’s immune system starts attacking its liver cells by recognising it as a harmful object. It leads to inflammation of the liver and damage that is more severe and hinders liver function. The disease is more common in women than in men.
Dr Piyush Ranjan is one of the best Liver Specialist Doctors in Delhi, who not only offers the patient the best treatment for hepatitis but also ensures patient satisfaction.
Common symptoms of hepatitis
The chronic form of hepatitis like Hepatitis B, C, and D may not show any symptoms initially and may develop over time. Signs and symptoms of acute hepatitis appear quickly. They include:
- Tiredness
- Lack of energy
- Flu-like symptoms like cold and fever
- Passing dark coloured urine
- Pale stool
- Unexplainable weight loss
- Skin and eyes may appear yellow
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, then try consulting the best Gastro Doctor, Dr Piyush Ranjan.