What Is Viral Hepatitis?
Viral hepatitis is a liver inflammation caused by viruses. There are five types of Hepatitis, but the most common ones in India are hepatitis A, B, and C. They all affect the liver, and while some symptoms may overlap, each has different treatments.
Hepatitis A: This type of Hepatitis typically doesn’t result in long-term infection or complications. The liver usually heals within about 2 months. Vaccination can prevent it.
Hepatitis B: Most people recover from this type within 6 months. However, it can sometimes lead to long-term infection and liver damage. Even if you don’t feel sick, you can still spread the virus if you have it. Vaccination is an effective preventive measure.
Hepatitis C: Many people with this type don’t show symptoms. Around 80% of those infected develop a long-term infection. It may progress to cirrhosis, which is liver scarring.
At present, there is no vaccine accessible for the prevention of hepatitis C.
How Do You Get Hepatitis A?
The main way to get hepatitis A is by consuming food or drinks that have the hepatitis A virus in them. This often occurs in restaurants, where an infected worker might not wash their hands properly after using the bathroom and then handles food, potentially transmitting the disease to you.
Hepatitis A can also be contracted through contaminated items purchased at the supermarket, especially:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Shellfish
- Ice and water
Additionally, you could catch or spread hepatitis A by not washing your hands after changing a baby’s diaper, particularly in places like daycare centers.
Another route of transmission is through sexual contact with someone who has hepatitis A.
How Do You Get Hepatitis B?
The hepatitis B virus is found in blood, semen, and other bodily fluids. Typically, you contract it through:
- Sexual Contact: Having sex with someone who’s infected with hepatitis B.
- Sharing Needles: Sharing unclean needles when using illegal drugs can transmit the virus.
- Direct Contact: Coming into contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. This could happen by sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes with someone who has hepatitis B, or by touching the open sores of an infected person.
- Mother-to-Child Transmission: If a pregnant woman has hepatitis B, she can pass the virus to her unborn child. Babies born to infected mothers need immediate treatment within the first 12 hours after birth.
How Do You Get Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is mainly spread through:
- Needle Sharing: Sharing needles, similar to hepatitis B, can transmit the virus.
- Blood Contact: Coming into contact with infected blood. This can happen through various means, including blood transfusions before 1992 when better screening was established. Nowadays, blood used in transfusions is thoroughly checked to ensure it’s free from hepatitis B and C viruses.
- Sexual Contact: Although less common than with hepatitis B, you can still catch hepatitis C through sexual contact with an infected person.
- Mother-to-Child Transmission: If a pregnant woman has hepatitis C, there’s a possibility of passing it to her newborn, though it’s rare.
It’s important to debunk some myths about hepatitis C. Contrary to common misconceptions:
It’s not transmitted through food or water like hepatitis A.
You can’t spread it by kissing, hugging, sneezing, coughing, or sharing eating utensils like forks, knives, or spoons.
How Do I Know If I Have Viral Hepatitis?
The most well-known sign of viral hepatitis is jaundice, which can cause your skin or the whites of your eyes to turn yellow. However, not everyone with hepatitis experiences jaundice. You might feel like you have the flu, with symptoms such as feeling weak, tired, and nauseous. These symptoms are common for various types of hepatitis:
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Dark-colored urine
- Light-colored bowel movements
- Joint pain
Should you encounter any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult your doctor promptly. Sometimes, people infected with hepatitis have no symptoms at all. To confirm whether you have hepatitis, you’ll need to undergo testing.
How Long Before I Have Symptoms?
Hepatitis is often called a “silent” disease because many people have mild symptoms or none at all.
Hepatitis A: Symptoms usually appear 2 to 6 weeks after catching the virus. They typically last less than 2 months, but sometimes can linger up to 6 months. Warning signs include fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-colored bowel movements, joint pain, and jaundice.
Hepatitis B: Symptoms are similar to hepatitis A and usually emerge around 3 months after infection, though they can appear anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months later. While symptoms may be mild and last only a few weeks for some, others may develop long-term liver problems if the virus persists in the body.
Hepatitis C: Early symptoms resemble those of hepatitis A and B, typically appearing 6 to 7 weeks after infection but could show up anytime from 2 weeks to 6 months later. About 25% of people with hepatitis C clear the virus without treatment, but for others, it may persist for years, potentially leading to liver damage.
It’s important to note that all types of hepatitis can be spread even if you don’t show any signs of being sick.
Wondering if You Should Get Tested?
If your doctor suspects you might have hepatitis, they can use blood tests to check for different types of Hepatitis like A, B, C, or D. You’ll usually get the results within a few days.
Hepatitis can vary in severity. Some types might go away on their own, while others can become long-term problems that harm your liver and potentially lead to liver cancer. If your doctor thinks you might have a chronic form of hepatitis B or C, they might suggest a liver biopsy. This involves taking a tiny sample of your liver tissue with a needle and sending it to a lab to check for damage.
Getting tested early for chronic hepatitis is important because it allows you to start treatment sooner. Medication can help reduce or even halt the damage these viruses can do to your liver.
Many people with hepatitis C don’t experience any symptoms, so they may not realize they’re infected. That’s why it’s crucial to see a doctor and get tested, especially if you fall into certain risk categories. Chronic hepatitis testing is recommended for:
- Individuals born between 1945 and 1965
- Those who received blood-clotting factor drugs before 1987
- People who got blood transfusions or an organ transplant before 1992
- Individuals who have been on dialysis for an extended period
- Anyone who has injected illegal drugs, even once
- People living with HIV
- Individuals born to mothers who had hepatitis C
- Those with known exposure to hepatitis C, such as healthcare workers who were stuck by a needle with hepatitis C-positive blood, or individuals who received an organ or blood transfusion from a donor with hepatitis C
What Are The Types of Hepatitis Tests
Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver, can be caused by various viruses, including hepatitis A, B, and C. Timely and accurate diagnosis of hepatitis is crucial for appropriate management and treatment. Several tests are available to detect and monitor hepatitis infections, each serving a specific purpose. This overview presents a summary of common hepatitis tests used in clinical practice.
Types of Hepatitis Tests:
| Test Type | Description |
| Hepatitis A Antibody (IgM) Test | Detects antibodies the immune system produces in response to the hepatitis A virus. |
| Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Test | Identifies the presence of the hepatitis B surface antigen, indicating active infection. |
| Hepatitis B Core Antibody (Anti-HBc) Test | Detects antibodies against the hepatitis B core antigen, indicating previous or ongoing infection. |
| Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (Anti-HBs) Test | Measures antibodies produced in response to hepatitis B surface antigen, indicating immunity. |
| Hepatitis C Antibody Test | Screens for antibodies to the hepatitis C virus, indicating past or current infection. |
| Hepatitis C Viral Load Test | Measures the amount of hepatitis C virus RNA in the blood, helping to assess the severity of infection and monitor treatment. |
| Liver Function Tests (LFTs) | Assess liver function by measuring levels of enzymes, proteins, and bilirubin in the blood, which may indicate hepatitis-related liver damage. |
| Hepatitis B DNA Test | Detects and quantifies the amount of hepatitis B virus DNA in the blood, useful for diagnosing and monitoring chronic hepatitis B infections. |
| Hepatitis B e Antigen (HBeAg) Test | Detects the presence of HBeAg, a marker of active hepatitis B virus replication and infectivity. |
| Liver Biopsy | Involves taking a small sample of liver tissue for microscopic examination to assess liver damage, inflammation, and scarring caused by hepatitis. |
Accurate hepatitis diagnosis is crucial for proper management. Tests for hepatitis A, B, and C, along with liver function assessments, help healthcare providers determine the type and progression of the disease, guiding treatment decisions. Early detection and monitoring are vital for preventing complications and enhancing patient outcomes.
How Can I Prevent Spreading Hepatitis to Others?
For hepatitis A, a simple way to prevent spreading the virus is by washing your hands frequently. This helps keep the virus away from food and drinks.
If you have hepatitis B or C, it’s important to take steps to avoid exposing others to your blood. Here’s what you can do:
- Cover any cuts or blisters you have.
- Dispose of used bandages, tissues, tampons, and sanitary napkins carefully.
- Avoid sharing your personal items like nail clippers, toothbrushes, or razors.
- If your blood gets on surfaces, clean them with a mixture of household bleach and water.
- Refrain from breastfeeding if your nipples are cracked or bleeding.
- Do not donate blood, organs, or sperm.
- If you use drugs by injection, never share needles or any other equipment.
By following these precautions, you can help prevent the spread of hepatitis to others.
Conclusion
Understanding the various types of hepatitis and taking proactive steps toward diagnosis and treatment is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. At Ayushman Diagnostic & Imaging Centre, we recognize the importance of accessible healthcare, especially when it comes to hepatitis testing.
Are you seeking affordable hepatitis tests in Dwarka? Look no further than Ayushman Diagnostic & Imaging Centre. Your health is our priority.