The liver is a vital organ in the body that is located in the right upper region of the abdomen. It is responsible for some critical functions, such as:

• Produce bile that is essential for digestion

• To filter toxins from the body

• To excrete bilirubin, cholesterol, hormones, and drugs

• To breakdown complex nutrients such as fats, carbohydrates, and proteins

• Enzyme activation

• Store glycogen, minerals, and vitamins

• Synthesis of blood proteins

• Synthesis of clotting factors

It is highly observed that most individuals are unaware of if they have hepatitis. The treatment of the condition depends on its diagnosis and the type of hepatitis you are suffering from. So, before we get to the symptoms of the disease, let us understand the types of hepatitis.

Types of Hepatitis

The table below gives a brief overview of the different types of hepatitis.

Let us proceed to study the symptoms of Hepatitis in detail.

Symptoms of Hepatitis

In case the hepatitis condition is chronic as that of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, you may not experience any symptoms at the start. No symptoms are shown until the liver functions are affected. On the other hand, some common signs and symptoms of acute hepatitis include:

• Fatigue

• Flu-like symptoms

• Dark urine

• Pale stools

• Abdominal pain

• Appetite loss

• Sudden weight loss

• Yellow skin and eyes (signs of Jaundice)

In the case of chronic hepatitis, the symptoms may be more subtle.

Causes of Hepatitis

Previously, when we learnt about the types of hepatitis, we also discussed how you can contract the disease in brief. Treatment needed for the disease can get tricky if the cause of hepatitis is unknown, which can lead to further health complications. However, before we get to these complications, let us understand the causes of noninfectious hepatitis.

Causes of Non Infectious Hepatitis

1. Alcohol and Other Toxicants

It is a well-known fact that consuming excessive alcohol can damage the liver and cause inflammation. Hepatitis arising due to this is also known as alcoholic hepatitis. Here, the alcohol or intoxicating substance directly damages the liver cells. Thus, causing permanent damage and liver failure over time. Other intoxicating substances that can lead to this type of hepatitis are an overdose of medications and exposure to poisons.

2. Autoimmune System Response

For some people, their immune system sometimes mistakes the liver as a harmful entity. Because of this, there can be a continuous inflammation in the liver (ranging from mild to severe), hindering its functions. Women are three times more likely to suffer from this as compared to men.

Besides this, a few health complications can arise due to hepatitis.

Complications due to Hepatitis

In the case of chronic hepatitis B and C, since the virus affects the liver, the patient can be at the risk of acquiring:

• Chronic liver disease

• Cirrhosis

• Liver cancer

Furthermore, since hepatitis disrupts normal liver functions, a few liver complications, such as the following, can occur.

• Bleeding disorder

• Fluid buildup in the abdomen region (known as Ascites)

• Increase in blood pressure in the portal veins entering the liver (known as portal hypertension)

• Kidney failure

• Hepatic encephalopathy

• Hepatocellular carcinoma

• Death

If you are suffering from hepatitis B and C, your doctor will advise you against alcohol consumption as it can accelerate liver damage. Also, overuse of a few medications and supplements can affect liver functions. Before you start any medication course, ensure that you have a consultation from a medical practitioner.

Diagnosis of Hepatitis

Here’s how the doctor will diagnose you for hepatitis condition.

1. Understand your medical history and physical exam

At first, the doctor will examine your medical history to determine future complications that can potentially arise due to infectious or noninfectious hepatitis. During the physical examination, the doctor will gently press on your abdomen region for signs of pain/tenderness.

He/she might also find it necessary to check signs for liver enlargement. Besides, they will also see if your skin/eyes are yellow (jaundice) and note the same for future reference.

2. Liver function tests

The liver function tests will require your blood samples to determine the efficiency of the organ. Abnormality in the test results can indicate potential issues, especially if you show no symptoms of the same during the physical test. In case the test indicates high levels of liver enzyme, it means your liver is stressed, damaged, or not functioning  efficiently.

3. Blood tests

In case your liver function tests show an abnormality, the doctor will ask you to undergo blood tests to detect the source of the issue. With these tests, the doctors can determine the hepatitis viruses. On the other hand, it can help them understand whether the abnormality is due to autoimmune hepatitis.

Usually, a Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) blood test is done to confirm a hepatitis B virus infection in the body. If the test results are positive, it means the body is infectious for HBV, and the patient can spread it to others through blood or other body fluids.

Besides, an HCV blood test is done to detect the Hepatitis C virus. If the results are positive, it means the body was exposed to the virus. The doctor will further ask you to undergo an HCV RNA test to check if the virus is still in the body.

4. Ultrasound

Undergoing abdominal ultrasound helps the doctors take a closer look at the liver and surrounding organs. It helps in revealing the following:

• Abdominal fluids

• Liver damage or enlargement

• Liver tumour

• Abnormalities in gallbladder

Ultrasound is one of the most useful tests to determine the cause of abnormal liver function.

5. Liver biopsy

In a liver biopsy, the doctor takes a sample of your liver tissue. Usually, it is done via skin with a needle and does not require undergoing any surgery. The doctor uses ultrasound for directions during the entire process. This test helps determine the level of infection or inflammation in the liver.

Based on these various diagnosis results, the doctor will recommend the appropriate treatment.

Treatment for Hepatitis

The treatment your doctor recommends depends on the type of hepatitis infection you have. The following table gives a gist of the same.

Prevention of Hepatitis

Here are a few ways you can prevent contracting hepatitis.

1. Maintaining good personal hygiene

It is essential to practice personal hygiene to avoid contraction of Hepatitis A and E. When travelling, avoid drinking local water, eating raw or undercooked shellfish and oysters, and raw fruits and vegetables. When it comes to Hepatitis B, C, and D that is contracted via infected blood, the disease can be prevented by:

• Not sharing drugs needles

• Not sharing razors

• Avoid using someone’s toothbrush

• Not touching spilt blood

Note that Hepatitis B and C can also be contracted via sexual intercourse and intimate sexual act. Hence, it is essential to practice safe sex by using condoms and dental dams, which help restrict the spread of infection.

2. Vaccination

Vaccination plays a vital role in preventing hepatitis. Multiple types of hepatitis vaccines are readily available for public use. However, ensure that you are getting vaccinated by a trustworthy health practitioner.

Conclusion

While it is true that hepatitis infection can be prevented, it is equally understandable that hepatitis can be fatal if the proper medication is not provided. Furthermore, health complications and existing health concerns can lead to complications. The treatment of these complications is expensive and can take a toll on your savings. This highlights the need for having an adequate health insurance policy in place.

Whether it is hepatitis or any other illness, a comprehensive health insurance plan ensures that medical expenses (sudden or planned) are covered. However, get in touch with your provider to know the extensive details and benefits of the policy and its limitations.

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