HEPATITIS: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO YOUR LIVER’S SILENT ENEMY.

Millions of individuals around the world suffer from hepatitis, a common and potentially dangerous illness. Its indicator is liver inflammation which can be minor or severe and if unchecked could result in liver cancer which is a long-term liver damage or even death. Hepatitis is an inflammatory illness of the liver that can be caused by an array of reasons including viral infections, alcohol consumption and certain drugs.

In order to process nutrients, filter blood and combat infections, the liver is vital. When it gets strained or inflamed, its function maybe significantly compromised. Depending on the underlying cause, hepatitis can be;

• Acute (short term)
• Chronic (long term)

 

 

ACUTE HEPATITIS

A temporary inflammation of the liver that typically goes away in less than six months. Alcohols, poisons, infections and even the body’s immune system might be responsible for this. Hepatitis A(HAV), Hepatitis B(HBV) or Hepatitis C (HCV) are responsible for majority of acute hepatitis cases. Fatigue, discomfort in the abdominal region, and jaundice are also some of the symptoms. Although acute hepatitis can sometimes become chronic hepatitis which lasts a long term.

 

CHRONIC HEPATITIS

A long-term illness that can cause continuous liver inflammation and damage. Unlike the acute form, chronic hepatitis can silently damage the liver over time without obvious symptoms. Most commonly caused by HBV and HCV infections which has the potential to proceed to cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer and also autoimmune diseases and fatty liver disease especially in obese or diabetic individuals.

 

TYPES OF HEPATITIS: what you should know.

There are several types of hepatitis which can be categorized as VIRAL and NON-VIRAL hepatitis.

The most common types of viral hepatitis are: A, B, C, D and E.

Non-viral causes of hepatitis include autoimmune hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis and drug induced hepatitis. These types aren’t caused by viral infections but by noninfectious factors such autoimmune illnesses, excessive alcohol consumption and specific drugs/toxins.

 

 

 

• HEPATITIS A

Caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV) which is primarily spread through the consumption of virus containing fecal matter. Ingestion of contaminated food or water. It’s an acute hepatitis.

PREVENTION:

• Good hygiene practices, such as properly washing hands and avoiding contaminated food or water.
• Get vaccinated: hepatitis A vaccine is safe and effective.
• Avoid raw or undercooked foods especially seafood, eat food that is freshly cooked and drink water that is properly boiled.

Cleanliness and vaccination can go a long way in protecting you from Hepatitis A!

 

• HEPATITIS B

Caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) which is transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen or other bodily fluids. HBV can cause both acute and chronic infections which can lead to liver cirrhosis or liver cancer.

SYMPTOMS: individuals with HBV show little to no symptoms especially early on but when they appear, includes:

• Loss of appetite.
• Dark urine.
• Jaundice.
• Whole body discomfort; joint pain, fatigue.

PREVENTION:

• Avoid sharing personal items such as toothbrushes, nail cuticles trimmers/ clippers, razors etc.
• Get vaccinated: hepatitis B vaccine is safe and safe and over 95% effective.
• Sexually active: practice safe sex if you’re uncertain of your partner’s HBV status and also get tested regularly.
• Safe medical practices: Receive injections, tattoos or piercings from professional personnel and also get them done with sterilized equipment.
• Test during pregnancy: pregnant women should be screened and if positive, the baby should be given medication at birth to prevent transmitting the infection.

DIAGNOSIS: Through blood tests such as:

• HBsAG (Hepatitis B surface antigen) which shows the current infection.
• Anti-HBs; which shows immunity.
• HBV DNA; which measures the amount of virus in the blood.

TREATMENT: there’s no cure yet, but adequate treatment can suppress the virus and prevent liver damage.

• Acute hepatitis B: Adequate rest, proper hydration, nutrition and medical checkups are needed, often times medication isn’t needed.
• Chronic hepatitis B: Antiviral medications may be necessary to lower viral load as well as shield the liver.

hepatitis b is preventable and manageable!

 

• HEPATITIS C

Caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) and typically transmitted by blood contact via needle sharing with infected blood through dangerous practices such as inadequate sterilization. Chronic hepatitis C infection can cause long term liver damage which is a prevalent cause of liver failure requiring liver transplantation in some cases.

SYMPTOMS: May not occur until the liver has already suffered extensive damage.

 

PREVENTION:

• Ensure blood products and tattoos come from a safe and screened source.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as razors, needles, toothbrushes etc.

DIAGNOSIS: Through blood tests such as:

• Anti-HCV antibody testing which shows previous/present infections.
• HCV RNA test which confirms active infection.
• Liver function tests.

TREATMENT: Its one of the few chronic viral infections that is curable. Direct acting antiviral (DAA) is the main drug used to treat hepatitis C which acts as wall by stopping the virus from multiplying in the body. It is determined by the HCV genotype, prior treatment history and the presence of liver cirrhosis or underlying liver ailments. It is safe and over 95% effective. The main intent of this treatment is to obtain the SVR (Sustained Virologic Response) status, a condition in which the virus is no longer identified in the blood post treatment.

Hepatitis c is curable but get tested!

 

• HEPATITIS D

Also known as Delta hepatitis is caused by hepatitis D virus (HDV). It’s a rare form that only occurs in conjunction with hepatitis B infection. It needs HBV to survive and multiply, it is transmitted through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. Hepatitis D often causes more aggressive liver diseases than hepatitis B alone.

SYMPTOMS: could appear suddenly or develop alongside chronic hepatitis B

• Loss of appetite.
• Dark urine.
• Clay colored stool.
• Jaundice.
• Whole body discomfort; joint pain, fatigue.

PREVENTION: Hepatitis D virus exclusively infects individuals with existing HBV, the best and only efficient strategy to avoid HDV is to prevent HBV initially.

• Get vaccinated for hepatitis B.
• Practice safe sex.
• Avoid sharing personal items.
• Know your HBV status.

 

DIAGNOSIS: Through blood tests such as:

• Anti- HDV Antibody test which detects the antibodies the immune system makes against the hepatitis D virus.
• HDV RNA test which confirms the active hepatitis D virus.
• Liver function tests which helps access the damage caused by the virus.

TREATMENT: Precise anti-viral drugs to treat HDV aren’t available directly, hence treatment is generally focused on treating the actual cause which is HBV. Immunosuppressive medications are used to suppress the immune system’s response to reduce the inflammation and manage the condition.

Hepatitis D IS RARE BUT DANGEROUS!

 

• HEPATITIS E

Caused by Hepatitis E virus (HEV) and usually a mild acute illness, can be transmitted through contaminated water or food particularly in areas with poor sanitation methods.

SYMPTOMS: Usually appears a couple weeks after infected and may include;

• Jaundice
• Dark urine
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever.

PREVENTION: because Hepatitis E is mostly transmitted through contaminated water and food, preventive measures focus on hygiene and sanitation.

• Drinking clean, treated, boiled water
• Practice good hygiene.
• Eating properly cooked foods
• Enhance better sanitation practices.

DIAGNOSIS: Through blood tests such as:

• Antibody test- Anti HEV (IgM & IgG) which detects recent infections and also shows previous exposure/immunity.
• HEV RNA test which detects the virus in blood and stool.

TREATMENT: there’s no specific approved anti-viral treatment for HEV but most cases are mild and are self-limiting but some measures are taken for that to happen e.g. healthy diet, adequate rest and hydration. Cases which involves pregnant women, transplant patients and individuals with weak immunity may be in need of hospital care.

Prevention is important where access to treatment is limited!

 

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TESTED POSITIVE FOR HEPATITIS?

YOU STILL HAVE THE POWER!!!

Got your test results, you’ve tested positive?? Don’t fret here’s your liver saving strategy.

1. Recharge and heal: avoid physical exertion and prioritize sleep to assist the liver in its healing mode.
2. Flush the bad, fuel the good: adequate hydration speeds up the liver’s healing time, so maintain the body’s balance with clean fluids such as water, freshly pressed juices and oral rehydration solution.
3. Implement good hygiene: by regularly washing the hands with soap and water following the 60 seconds rule to avoid transmitting the virus to others.
4. Adhere to medical advice: maintain your doctor’s treatment plan and get periodic evaluations.
5. Feed your liver right: consumption of liver friendly foods like avocadoes, nuts, leafy greens, whole grains etc. should be incorporated into your meals.
6. Evade what hurts: making smart choices about your liver requires you to skip the booze and ditch the pills. Only take medications approved by your doctor.
7. Sharing isn’t always caring; know your status, don’t spread before it starts. Always have protected sex. Protect others and protect yourself.

 

 

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BOOST IMMUNITY, BEAT HEPATITIS

1. Get vaccinated; Protection from HAV and HBV is a vaccination shot away and most times at no cost.
2. Clean water, clean living; always ensure you’re drinking clean, boiled water especially when you’re in areas with poor sanitation.
3. Cooked food results safe stomach; if its uncooked and raw, detest from consuming it. You either boil it, cook it or LEAVE IT!
4. Your sharp, your safety: One cut can cost you no matter the size. Do not share personal items.
5. Wrap it up; intimacy with your partner especially when you’re not certain of their current status should involve protection.

 

AWARENESS IS THE FIRST STEP TO PREVENTION!

 

References

1. Saberifiroozi M. Prevention of hepatitis A infection. Hepat Mon. 2005; 5:19–27.

2. Ringelhan M, McKeating JA, Protzer U. Viral hepatitis and liver cancer. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2017;372(1732):20160274. doi:10.1098/rstb.2016.0274

3. Krajden M, McNabb G, Petric M. The laboratory diagnosis of hepatitis B virus. Can J Infect Dis Med Microbiol. 2005;16(2):65–72. doi:10.1155/2005/450574

4. Liang TJ. Hepatitis B: the virus and disease. Hepatology. 2009;49(S5):S13–S21. doi:10.1002/hep.22881

5. Zu Siederdissen CH, Cornberg M. Management of HBV and HBV/HDV-associated liver cirrhosis. Visc Med. 2016;32(2):86–94. doi:10.1159/000445518

6. Rizzetto M. Hepatitis D virus: introduction and epidemiology. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. 2015;5(7):a021576. doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a021576

7. Butt N, Khan M, Haleem F. Acute viral hepatitis: simultaneous infection from hepatitis A, B and E viruses. J Coll Physicians Surg Pak. 2019;29:S103–S5. doi:10.29271/jcpsp.2019.12.S103

8. Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), Acute hepatitis E—Level 4 cause, https://www.healthdata.org/research-analysis/diseases-injuriesrisks/factsheets/2021-acute-hepatitis-e-level-4-disease

9. WHO guidelines for the screening, care and treatment of persons with hepatitis C infection. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2014

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