Hepatitis is a serious liver condition that many individuals in India face. There are millions of Indians living with hepatitis B and C, as India alone carries about 40% of the viral hepatitis burden in South-East Asia. This makes it a major health concern.
The most common hepatitis causes and symptoms include viral infection via infected blood, body fluids, unsafe injections, or unprotected intercourse. Early signs of hepatitis could be tiredness, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellowing of eyes or skin, and dark urine.
Knowing the warning signs, causes, and symptoms of hepatitis helps you act on time and protect yourself and your loved ones. Read this blog to get comprehensive knowledge about hepatitis: its types, common symptoms, and how to prevent them.
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About Hepatitis Disease
Hepatitis means inflammation or swelling of the liver. It happens when the liver gets injured because of infection, alcohol, drugs, or toxins. The most common cause is viral infections; however, liver issues and heavy alcohol abuse can also trigger it. Since your liver is crucial for digestion and detoxification of toxins from the body, hepatitis can affect your overall health if not treated on time.Read Also: Viral Infections Symptoms Causes Safety
Types of Hepatitis
- Viral hepatitis: This is the most common type of hepatitis, caused by viral infection. There are several types of viral hepatitis, such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Hepatitis D and hepatitis E are less common.
- Acute or Chronic Toxic Hepatitis: This type of hepatitis is caused by exposure to chemicals. Some types of toxic hepatitis are alcohol-induced hepatitis and drug-induced hepatitis.
- Autoimmune hepatitis (rare case): It happens when your immune system harms liver tissues by mistake.
Hepatitis A
It is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus.Symptoms
- Clay- or gray-colored stool
- Loss of appetite
- Low-grade fever
- Dark urine
- Joint pain
- Jaundice
- Unexplained tiredness and weakness
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- It can spread through contaminated food, water, or close contact with an infected person.
- There is a high risk for travelers and drug users.
- Close contact with someone contracted with hepatitis A
- Prevention is best by vaccination. Two shots: the first shot is followed by a booster shot 6 months later.
- Good hand hygiene, such as washing hands before eating and after using the toilet.
Hepatitis B
It is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV)Symptoms
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness
- Dark-colored pee
- Light- or clay-colored poop
- Swelling from fluid in your belly or arms and legs Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes due to jaundice
- It spreads via close contact with infected blood, body fluids or from mother to baby at birth.
- Unprotected intercourse
- Sharing needles
- Exposure in healthcare settings or contaminated medical instrument like a scalpel
- The best prevention is vaccination
- Safe intimate practices
- Avoid sharing sharp objects or needles
Hepatitis C
It is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV).Symptoms
- Abdominal pain
- Dark-colored pee and/or light-colored poop
- Fever, fatigue, nausea and body aches
- Jaundice
- Blood in your poop
- Bloody vomit
- Excessive bleeding and bruising
- Itchy skin all over
- Reddish or dark-colored palms
- Small, spiderlike blood vessels showing in your skin
- Swollen belly from fluid accumulation in your belly
- It spreads mainly via contact with infected blood like sharing needles, poor or unsafe medical practices, or from mother to baby.
- Getting a tattoo or body piercing with contaminated equipment.
- Unregulated blood transfusions before 1992.
- Avoid contact with infected blood
- Early testing and treatment can cure most cases and prevent liver damage.
Hepatitis D
It is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV); however, it only infects individuals who have already contracted hepatitis B.Symptoms
- Fever
- Belly (abdominal) pain
- Loss of appetite
- Dark pee (urine)
- Pale or gray poop (stool)
- Jaundice
- Nausea and vomiting
- It only happens after hepatitis B virus (HBV). Because it needs HBV to survive and make more copies of itself.
- It spreads via contact with infected blood or body fluids (shared needles or unprotected intercourse).
- Hemodialysis
- Unprotected intercourse with someone who has HBV and HDV
- There is no vaccine for hepatitis D itself
- Get the hepatitis B vaccination to effectively prevent HDV
- Avoiding needle sharing
- Practice safe sex
- Screening blood donors
Hepatitis E
It is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis E virus.Symptoms
- Belly pain
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dark-colored pee
- Clay-colored poop
- Diarrhea
- Itching
- Joint pain
- Rash
- Jaundice
- Drinking dirty water
- Eating undercooked meat
- A pregnant female can pass the virus to the fetus before birth.
Risk Factors
- People who don’t have access to clean water or good bathrooms.
- Individuals with weakened immune systems.
- Drink clean water
- Practice good hygiene
- Avoid raw or undercooked meat
Chronic Toxic: Causes and Symptoms
It is liver inflammation caused by long-term exposure to harmful substances.The hazardous substance can be:
- Lead, mercury, and other heavy metals
- Chemicals used in agriculture or other industries
- Aflatoxins
- Fatigue
- Poor appetite
- Nausea
- Abdominal discomfort
- Jaundice
- Dark urine
- Itching
- Weight loss
Prevention includes early diagnosis and stopping exposure to the toxin.
Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH): Causes and Symptoms
It is a condition where your immune system by mistake attacks your liver. This cause liver inflammation and damage. Type 1 AIH is the most common. While Type 2 AIH is more rare but often more severe.Symptoms often begin gradually and include:
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Jaundice
- Itchy skin
- Dark urine
- Light-colored stools
- Enlarged veins in your esophagus
- Fluid build-up in your abdomen
Some types of hepatitis are conditions that can be prevented well. But if contracted with hepatitis and left untreated, they can lead to serious liver damage or failure. That's why you need to consult the best gastroenterologist in Mumbai to get the right treatment on time.
Contact Best Gastroenterologist in Mumbai
Consult the best gastroenterologist in Mumbai at Asian Heart Institute. A gastroenterologist is trained in diagnosing and treating hepatitis. They properly address its causes and symptoms with the right treatment. If experiencing any signs of liver or digestive issues, contact India’s top gastroenterology experts at the Asian Heart Institute for advanced care and tailored liver care. Book your appointment today!FAQs
Q1: What are the 7 early signs of hepatitis?A: The 7 early signs of hepatitis include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Dark urine
- Jaundice
- Loss of appetite
- Joint pain
A: Many individuals with hepatitis can live a normal life with proper and timely treatment and regular monitoring.
Q3: How can I check my hepatitis?
A: Hepatitis can be checked through blood tests. It can detect liver enzymes and virus presence.
Q4: Is hepatitis curable?
A: Some types of hepatitis are curable, like hepatitis C. Hepatitis A and E are usually self-limiting. While others (hepatitis B and D) can be managed to prevent liver damage.
Q5: What are hepatitis symptoms in women?
A: Common hepatitis symptoms in women include fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, nausea, and joint pain.
Q6: What are hepatitis symptoms in men?
A: Common hepatitis symptoms in men are fatigue, dark urine, jaundice, nausea, and abdominal discomfort.
Q7: What is the hepatitis test price?
A: Hepatitis test prices vary based on the hospital and liver specialist's experience. However, typically the price ranges between ₹500 and ₹2,500 depending on the test type and lab. Asian Heart Institute provides you the pocket-friendly hepatitis test price
