Is your liver in trouble? Let's learn about Hepatitis!

The liver is one of the most important organs in our body. The liver works like a factory in our body. However, this liver can also develop diseases. One of the main diseases that causes problems to the liver is hepatitis. You may have heard this name too. Today, let's talk about what hepatitis is, why it occurs, and how to avoid it.

What exactly is Hepatitis?

Simply put, Hepatitis is an inflammation of your liver . Now you might be wondering what this inflammation is. When our body gets an infection or something gets damaged, our immune system fights against it. That's when inflammation occurs. So, hepatitis is caused by things that damage the liver.

There can be many reasons for this. Hepatitis can be caused by certain viral infections. It can also be caused by other diseases that affect the liver, or by exposure to toxic chemicals, alcohol, and certain medications.

This hepatitis condition can occur suddenly and get better within six months . We call it acute hepatitis. But sometimes it does not get better, it gradually gets worse, and it lasts for a long time . That is why it is called chronic hepatitis.

What are the main types of hepatitis?

There are different types of hepatitis. Each of these types can be acute or chronic. Let's look at the main types that are seen:

• Viral Hepatitis: This is the most common type of hepatitis. Again, there are several types of this. The main types that are commonly seen in Sri Lanka are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. In addition, there are types called Hepatitis D and Hepatitis E, but they are a little less common.
• Toxic Hepatitis: This is caused by exposure to various chemicals. Alcohol-induced hepatitis and drug-induced hepatitis are other forms of toxic hepatitis. This can also be acute or chronic.
• Autoimmune Hepatitis: This is a rare, chronic type of hepatitis. What happens here is that our own immune system mistakenly attacks our own liver tissue. Think of it as if our own body's own defenses are attacking us.

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis?

This is a bit of an insidious disease. Sometimes you may not notice any major changes at first. Even if symptoms appear, they come on gradually. See if you have any of these things:

• Bloating (diarrhea)
• Feeling very tired, lifeless
• General discomfort, feeling unwell
• A viral infection can cause fever.
• Nausea, loss of appetite
• Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen

These are the first symptoms that may appear. However, if chronic hepatitis develops and the liver becomes more damaged, other symptoms may appear. These include:

• Confusion, memory loss, and drowsiness (called hepatic encephalopathy )
• Dark urine and light stools
• Itching ( Pruritus )
• Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (this is what we call jaundice )

Why do we get hepatitis? What are the causes?

As we've discussed before, there are many causes of hepatitis. The main cause is exposure to viruses. In addition, hepatitis can be caused by other health conditions that damage the liver, as well as toxins such as alcohol, certain medications (even those prescribed by a doctor can sometimes have an effect), and chemicals.

How is viral hepatitis transmitted?

This is something we all need to know, because this is a contagious disease.

• Through bodily fluids: Hepatitis B can be transmitted through things like saliva, semen, and vaginal fluids. This means that if you have unprotected sex with someone who has the virus, you can get it. It can also be passed from a mother with chronic hepatitis B to her baby during birth.
• Through infected blood: Hepatitis B, C, and D can be transmitted through contact with the blood of someone who has the virus. This risk is especially high when people who inject drugs share needles. There is also a risk from places like tattoo parlors and ear piercings that use unsterilized equipment.
• Food poisoning: Hepatitis A and E can be contracted by drinking contaminated food or water that contains the virus. Think about it, we sometimes eat food from roadside stalls or drink water that has not been properly purified. During the rainy season, such water is more likely to be contaminated. Hepatitis A and E can develop at such times.

Important: Always taking care of cleanliness helps prevent many diseases!

What other conditions can cause hepatitis?

Hepatitis can be caused by any disease that affects the liver. Some examples are:

• Cholestasis: In this condition, bile accumulates in the liver and causes inflammation.
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV): This is caused by the herpes virus. If your immune system is weak, it can cause liver problems (CMV hepatitis).
• Epstein-Barr virus: This is also a highly contagious virus. It can cause acute hepatitis and sometimes chronic hepatitis.
• Hemochromatosis: This is a rare genetic condition that causes the body to absorb more iron than it needs.
• Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD): In this condition, excess fat builds up in the liver, causing hepatitis. We also call this "fatty liver."
• Wilson disease: This is also a rare genetic condition. What happens here is that too much copper accumulates in the body. When copper levels in the liver increase, inflammation occurs.

What are the complications that can occur due to Hepatitis?

If hepatitis becomes severe or persists for a long time, serious complications can occur.

• Cirrhosis: This is scarring of the liver caused by chronic hepatitis. Just as a wound leaves a scar on the skin, the liver also becomes scarred in this way. This is a serious liver disease.
• Liver cancer: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer. Studies have shown that cirrhosis, caused by hepatitis B and C viruses, is responsible for about half of these HCC cancers.
• Liver failure: This is when the liver stops working completely. This condition can occur if acute viral hepatitis suddenly attacks the liver. Cirrhosis, a condition caused by chronic hepatitis, can also lead to liver failure.
• Portal hypertension: In this condition, scar tissue caused by cirrhosis obstructs blood flow through a main vein in the liver.

How do doctors diagnose hepatitis? (Diagnosis)

If you have symptoms of hepatitis, a doctor will first ask you about your symptoms, examine you, and ask about your family history of illness and your habits. Then, they may do tests like these:

• Liver function tests: These check how well the liver is working.
• Imaging tests: These may include a nuclear liver and spleen scan or a test such as elastography . These look at the condition of the liver.
• Liver biopsy: Sometimes a very small piece of the liver is taken and examined under a microscope to see exactly what is wrong.

What are the treatments for Hepatitis?

Because there are many causes of hepatitis, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. Treatment depends on the type of hepatitis you have. In general, treatments include:

• Lifestyle changes: Things like completely avoiding alcohol, eating lots of fruits and vegetables, and getting plenty of rest can help control the symptoms of hepatitis A and acute hepatitis B.
• Antivirals: These are given for chronic hepatitis B. These medications cannot cure the disease completely. But taking them can reduce the risk of you passing hepatitis B to someone else, and also reduce the risk of complications. These medications may need to be taken for life.
• Direct-acting antivirals (DDA): These drugs can completely cure Hepatitis C! They work by targeting the proteins that the virus uses to infect our body's cells.
• Liver transplant: If chronic hepatitis B causes liver failure, a liver transplant may be necessary.

Can Hepatitis be completely cured?

It really depends on the type of hepatitis you have. For example, hepatitis A often gets better without any specific medical treatment. Hepatitis C can be cured with the DDA drugs we mentioned earlier. Chronic hepatitis B can be managed, and a liver transplant can be a cure. If you have hepatitis, ask your doctor what you can expect after treatment.

What happens if you get hepatitis? What is the outlook?

This also varies from person to person, depending on the type of hepatitis you have. For example, acute hepatitis A often resolves without treatment. On the other hand, chronic hepatitis B is a lifelong condition. If you have it, you will need to take medication every day.

What are the ways to prevent hepatitis?

This is the most important thing! Isn't it better to prevent illness before it occurs than to suffer after it occurs?

• Getting vaccinated: There are vaccines to prevent viral hepatitis A and B. Getting these provides great protection.
• Practice good hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet, before and after preparing food, and before eating. This is a very simple thing, but it can prevent many illnesses.
• Using medications correctly: If you have a drug use problem, getting treatment for it can help prevent toxic hepatitis. Also, follow the instructions exactly, even if you take medication prescribed by a doctor.

If I have hepatitis, how do I take care of myself?

Once you know you have hepatitis, the best thing you can do is take care of your liver. Here are some things to help:

• Avoid alcohol: Even drinking 1.5 to 2 ounces of alcohol per day can cause liver damage, so it's best to avoid alcohol altogether.
• Eat well: Fill your plate with lean proteins (like fish, chicken), fruits, and vegetables. The Mediterranean diet is a good example of a liver-healthy eating plan.
• Manage your mental health: Living with a long-term illness like chronic hepatitis can be stressful. Using stress management techniques can be very helpful.

When should I seek medical advice?

If you notice any changes in your body that indicate your hepatitis is getting worse, be sure to see a doctor. Watch for symptoms like these:

• New onset of stomach pain
• Feeling more tired than usual
• Appetite
• Unbelievably thin

I have hepatitis. How can I prevent it from spreading to others?

Hepatitis is spread in different ways and for different periods of time. For example, if you have acute hepatitis A, you can spread the virus to others even before you know you have it, up to a few weeks after symptoms start. But if you have chronic hepatitis B, you can spread the virus to others for the rest of your life. So you will need to take medicine to reduce your risk of spreading the virus to others. Your doctor will tell you how to reduce your risk.

If you have hepatitis, your first reaction may be, "How can I get better?" Your second thought may be, "How can I prevent it from spreading to others?" The answers to both of these questions depend on the type of hepatitis you have. Your doctor will recommend the best treatment for your condition. He or she will also explain what you can do to prevent the disease from spreading.

You may have many questions. Don't be afraid to ask them. Your doctor will be happy to help you manage hepatitis and how it affects your life.

Finally, let's summarize what we have discussed (Take-Home Message)

So, now you know that hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by viruses, toxins, and certain medical conditions.

• Be aware of symptoms . If you have jaundice, stomach pain, or fatigue, see a doctor.
• There are several types of hepatitis ( A, B, C, D, E , and others). Each has a different cause and treatment.
• Prevention is the best thing. Cleanliness, vaccinations, and safe sex are very important.
• There are treatments . Some types, like hepatitis C, can be completely cured. Others, like chronic hepatitis B, can be managed and lived with.
• If you have hepatitis, follow your doctor's instructions to avoid infecting others .
• Don't worry. This condition can be controlled with proper medical advice and treatment. Take care of your liver!

I hope this information is useful to you. Stay healthy!

` hepatitis, liver, jaundice, virus, inflammation of the liver, cirrhosis, liver cancer