Potential causes of hepatitis
The liver is responsible for filtering the blood and helping fight against infections. The liver also makes bile that aids in digestion and stores sugar that the body uses for energy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that when the liver is inflamed, a person is suffering from hepatitis.
The World Health Organization notes that hepatitis can be caused by a variety of infectious viruses and noninfectious agents. Without adequate treatment, hepatitis can be fatal. Here is a deep look at the origins of hepatitis and what people can do to safeguard themselves.
Autoimmune hepatitis
Autoimmune conditions occur when the body attacks its own cells. In this instance, the body’s immune system attacks liver cells, causing swelling, inflammation and liver damage. Autoimmune hepatitis may occur at any age and is often linked to other autoimmune disorders, such as type 1 diabetes and thyroiditis. Autoimmune hepatitis cannot be prevented.
Hepatitis A
About 20 to 25 percent of hepatitis cases in developing countries are attributed to hepatitis A. It is usually transmitted when someone ingests contaminated feces from an infected person after not properly washing his or her hands. Additional causes include eating shellfish harvested from contaminated water or drinking water contaminated with raw sewage, says Johns Hopkins Medicine. There is an HPA vaccine.
Hepatitis B
Many people infected with hepatitis B do not know they are infected. The CDC says rates of this virus are almost 12 times higher among Asian Pacific Islanders. Hepatitis B is a leading cause of liver cancer. Like hepatitis A, there is a vaccine available to help prevent hepatitis B.
Hepatitis C
Often people with hepatitis C do not experience any symptoms, and are only diagnosed when routine bloodwork shows abnormal liver enzymes. Risk factors include exposure to needles or a history of blood transfusions. Hepatitis C is spread through contact with contaminated blood. There is no vaccine available for hepatitis C, says the CDC.
Hepatitis D
This RNA virus was discovered in 1977. It is structurally unrelated to hepatitis A, B or C. It is a unique infection that requires the assistance of particles from hepatitis B to replicate. Johns Hopkins Medicine says hepatitis D is seen more commonly among people with a history of intravenous drug use and in persons from the Mediterranean basin.
Hepatitis E
This virus is similar to hepatitis A and they often present with similar symptoms. It also is transmitted through the fecal-oral route and is generally not fatal. Most people can recover completely.
Alcoholic hepatitis
Excessive consumption of alcohol can tax the liver and lead to alcoholic hepatitis. Reducing alcohol consumption can prevent alcoholic hepatitis.
Hepatitis refers to a wide range of illnesses that affect the liver that may stem from viruses, immune system dysfunction or alcohol use. There are ways to prevent or lower risk for hepatitis, says the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Not drinking too much alcohol and getting vaccinated are good starts.
