Have you ever had a stomach ache, vomiting, and a yellowing of the skin? Or have you developed a fever with a lack of energy and a loss of appetite? These are symptoms of a liver infection called Hepatitis E, which we sometimes don't pay much attention to. So let's learn more about Hepatitis E today.
What is Hepatitis E?
Simply put, Hepatitis E is a viral infection of your liver. It is caused by the Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) . It can cause digestive symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
For most people, Hepatitis E is not a serious condition. It usually resolves within a few weeks without any special treatment. However, if you are pregnant, it can be a bit more serious. Hepatitis E can cause liver failure and complications during pregnancy. So if you are pregnant and suspect you have Hepatitis E, it is important to tell your doctor right away.
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis E?
When hepatitis E develops, the following symptoms may initially appear:
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Appetite
- Stomach pain (abdominal pain)
After a few days, additional symptoms may appear. These include:
- Itching
- Rash
- Joint pain
- Dark urine
- Pale or clay-colored poop
- Diarrhea
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice )
However, some people can contract this disease and recover without showing any symptoms.
What are the causes of Hepatitis E?
As mentioned earlier, Hepatitis E is caused by the Hepatitis E virus (HEV) . There are several main ways this virus can enter our bodies:
- Drinking water contaminated with infected feces. This is the most common way to get Hepatitis E. Remember, this risk is higher in places where water is not properly treated.
- Eating undercooked meats. Even in countries like the United States where hepatitis E is not common, people can sometimes get infected with the virus by eating undercooked pork, venison, wild boar, or seafood such as shellfish.
- Vertical transmission: This occurs when the infection spreads from mother to child through the placenta during pregnancy.
Is Hepatitis E contagious from person to person?
No, Hepatitis E is not a contagious disease. That is, it is very rarely spread through casual contact, such as talking. It is mainly spread through contaminated water and food.
Who is at highest risk of developing Hepatitis E?
Hepatitis E is most common in South and East Asia, Africa, and Central America. People who live in areas without access to clean water, proper sanitation, or adequate health care are at greatest risk.
The disease can spread as an epidemic in areas of emergency, such as war, or when large numbers of people are displaced to one place. However, there are also sporadic cases reported around the world.
What are the possible complications of Hepatitis E?
Pregnant women who contract hepatitis E, especially during the third trimester, are at highest risk of developing complications . The main ones are:
- Liver failure.
- Miscarriage.
- Stillbirth.
Even in non-pregnant women, hepatitis E can rarely cause liver failure. If you have a compromised immune system , you are at higher risk of developing a chronic hepatitis E infection.
How is Hepatitis E diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose hepatitis E through blood tests or stool tests . In the laboratory, these samples are checked for signs of the virus (its genetic material or antigens ) or antibodies made against the virus.
Can Hepatitis E be cured?
There is currently no specific treatment for Hepatitis E. However, if your immune system is weak and you have long-term Hepatitis E, your doctor may give you antiviral drugs, such as ribavirin , or treatments that stimulate the immune system, such as interferon . However, keep in mind that these treatments are not suitable for pregnant women.
What happens if I get Hepatitis E?
Hepatitis E infection usually lasts about one to six weeks. However, it can take longer for your liver to fully recover. Most of the time, hepatitis E infection does not cause any complications.
But if you are pregnant, especially in the last three months of pregnancy, doctors will need to monitor you and your unborn baby very closely. You may even need to be hospitalized.
If your immune system is weak, your body may have a harder time fighting the virus. So the infection may be long-lasting (several months or more). You may need medication to help your body fight the virus.
What is the mortality rate due to Hepatitis E?
Hepatitis E is a rare cause of death in non-pregnant women. However, the mortality rate for hepatitis E in pregnant women can be as high as 30%. Also, some studies show that the mortality rate for babies born to mothers who contract hepatitis E during pregnancy can be as high as 6%. This is a matter of real concern.
Can Hepatitis E be prevented?
Yes, you can. If you live in an area where Hepatitis E is common, or are traveling to one, you can reduce your risk by taking these precautions:
- Drink only bottled or purified water.
- Don't use ice (unless you are sure it was made with clean water).
- Use bottled or purified water for cooking (for example, washing fruits and vegetables).
- Eat only fruits and vegetables that have been peeled or washed thoroughly with bottled/purified water.
- Wash your hands often, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
Remember: Personal hygiene and clean food and drink are the best ways to protect yourself from Hepatitis E.
Is there a vaccine for Hepatitis E?
Yes, a vaccine for Hepatitis E, HEV p239 (Hecolin®) , is available in China and several other parts of the world. However, this vaccine is not currently available in countries like the United States. It is best to ask your doctor about the situation in Sri Lanka.
How do I take care of myself?
If you have Hepatitis E, you can take care of yourself by:
- Stay hydrated. If you are vomiting or have diarrhea, drink plenty of fluids, especially water and soup.
- Avoid alcohol completely. Alcohol can put additional stress on your liver and can also cause dehydration.
- See your doctor regularly. He or she will want to monitor your liver function, see if your symptoms are improving, and ask if you can return to work/school.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have symptoms of Hepatitis E, and you live in or have traveled to an area where the disease is common, especially if you are pregnant, see a doctor immediately.
When should I go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) ?
If you have severe symptoms like these, go to an emergency room immediately:
- Severe stomach pain.
- Severe vomiting or an inability to keep anything down.
- Vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
- Yellowing of the eyes, yellowing of the skin (jaundice ).
- Confusion or altered mental status ( hepatic encephalopathy) - This is a condition in which the brain is affected by liver damage.
- Dark-colored urine or a significant decrease in the amount of urine.
- Clay-colored or gray stools.
What questions should I ask my doctor?
It may be helpful to ask your doctor questions like these:
- How should I take care of myself at home?
- When can I go back to work/school?
- What serious symptoms should I look out for?
- When should I come see you again?
What is the difference between Hepatitis E and other types of hepatitis?
Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E are all infections of the liver caused by viruses. But each of these is caused by different types of viruses. Each virus spreads a little differently, some have vaccines, some don't. Some require treatment, others don't. Hepatitis E is different from most other types of hepatitis because it is not usually spread from person to person.
Hepatitis E can cause uncomfortable symptoms, and you need to be vigilant about your health to make sure they don't get worse. Fortunately, most people recover without any complications.
However, if you are pregnant, finding out you have Hepatitis E can be scary. It can add unnecessary stress to an already emotional time. If you are pregnant and suspect you have Hepatitis E, tell your doctor right away. They can monitor you and help you identify any serious symptoms that can help keep you and your pregnancy healthy.
Finally, take-home message:
So, Hepatitis E is a liver infection that is mainly spread through contaminated water and food. While it is not a serious illness for most people, pregnant women are at particular risk. Therefore, it is very important to take care of hygiene and seek medical advice immediately if symptoms appear. Pregnant women in particular need to be aware of this and protect themselves and their unborn child. If you have any further questions about this, don't hesitate to talk to your family doctor.
` Hepatitis E, Hepatitis E, Liver, Viral Infection, Jaundice, Pregnancy, Health, HEV, Symptoms
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