Hepatitis: what it is, types, and how viral hepatitis types differ

In 1888, the Russian clinician Sergei Botkin scientifically established that infectious jaundice is an infectious disease with primary damage to the liver. Since then, medicine has distinguished not one "jaundice" but a whole family of conditions under the general word "hepatitis." Below is a reference on what this disease is, what forms it has, and which are considered the most severe.

Hepatitis: what kind of disease it is

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver: swelling that occurs when the tissue of the organ is damaged or infected. Inflammation affects how well the liver performs its work. The most common cause is infection with a hepatitis virus, but it is not the only one: many years of alcohol abuse also lead to inflammation.

The course can be acute or chronic: some forms cause only acute infection, others cause both acute and chronic. Acute hepatitis usually does not cause serious complications, although recovery takes months; a long-term process threatens cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.

Types of hepatitis: viral and non-viral forms

The main described causes are viruses, alcohol, toxins, medications and the immune system; viral hepatitis is the most common type. In addition, liver inflammation is caused by other infections (for example, infectious mononucleosis and cytomegalovirus), alcohol and poisonous mushrooms, some medications, including statins and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hemochromatosis. Alcoholic hepatitis is distinguished separately — a stage of alcoholic liver disease — and autoimmune hepatitis, in which the immune system attacks the body's own liver; it is more common in women, and it cannot be contracted.

Types of viral hepatitis: A, B, C, D, E

There are five main viruses that cause different types of the disease, and each has its own route of transmission.

• Hepatitis A — usually through contaminated water and food; a vaccine exists.
• Hepatitis B — with infected blood and biological fluids; a vaccine against hepatitis B exists.
• Hepatitis C — with infected blood; symptoms often appear months or years after infection.
• Hepatitis D — with blood and biological fluids; it occurs only in people with hepatitis B.
• Hepatitis E — more often from raw or undercooked meat and shellfish, in some regions — from contaminated water and food.

Infection with blood-borne viruses is possible at birth, during unprotected sex, during blood transfusion, through shared needles, razors and toothbrushes, and through poorly processed tattoo instruments. Hepatitis A and E usually resolve on their own, although E can be severe in pregnant women and people with weakened immunity. Worldwide, about 170 million people have hepatitis C, and twice as many have hepatitis B.

Which hepatitis is the most dangerous

Hepatitis B and C can become chronic, and chronic liver diseases, including these two, are among the ten leading causes of death worldwide — cirrhosis and liver cancer are associated with them. Hepatitis C is insidious in that it shows no signs for years. Hepatitis D occurs only in people with hepatitis B, and hepatitis E is dangerous for pregnant women and people with weakened immunity.

How hepatitis manifests, including joint pain

Many people with hepatitis feel nothing or notice symptoms long after infection. With acute infection, manifestations begin after 2 weeks to 6 months; with chronic infection, after years. These are yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, itchy skin, pain in the upper abdomen on the right under the ribs, pale stools and dark urine, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, high fever, loss of appetite. Possible symptoms include joint pain.

Sometimes, 5–7 days before the main symptoms, there are flu-like phenomena, diarrhea and abdominal pain. The symptoms themselves usually last 1–3 weeks but can be prolonged and recur. There are vaccines against hepatitis A and B.

Diagnosis and when to see a doctor

The doctor asks about symptoms and past illnesses, examines the patient, and orders blood tests, including for viral hepatitis; ultrasound, CT or MRI may be needed, and sometimes a liver biopsy. If hepatitis is suspected, the visit should not be postponed: early detection of chronic forms can help prevent complications.

Hepatitis itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103/112 — if a person has a life-threatening condition, for example signs of stroke or heart attack.

This material is for reference: it helps to understand what is being discussed but does not replace a doctor's consultation.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer