Types of Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a general term for liver inflammation. There are different types based on the cause of hepatitis. Hepatitis can be caused by viruses, alcohol, autoimmune or genetic disorders, chemicals, or drugs. Common symptoms of all types of hepatitis include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Additional symptoms of hepatitis that progresses to more severe disease include dark urine, easy bleeding and bruising, itching, confusion, and fluid build-up in the abdomen area.
Viral Hepatitis: There are different types of hepatitis viruses, including hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, and G. Types A, B, and C are the most common in the United States.
- Hepatitis A: This type of hepatitis is caused by the hepatitis A virus. It is usually transmitted through contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person. Hepatitis A is typically a short-term illness and does not cause chronic liver disease. Vaccines are available to help prevent hepatitis A.
- Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus. It is transmitted through contact with infected blood or other body fluids. This can happen through sexual contact, sharing needles or syringes, or from mother to child during childbirth. Hepatitis B can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Chronic infection can lead to liver damage and increase the risk of liver cancer. Vaccines are available to help prevent hepatitis B.
- Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus and is primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood. This can occur through sharing needles or syringes for drug use or certain medical procedures before 1992. Hepatitis C can also be transmitted sexually or from mother to child during childbirth, although these modes of transmission are less common. Most people with acute hepatitis C do not have symptoms, but chronic infection can lead to liver damage and other complications over time. Vaccines currently are not available to protect against hepatitis C.
- Hepatitis D: Hepatitis D is caused by the hepatitis D virus and only occurs in individuals who are already infected with hepatitis B. It is transmitted through contact with infected blood or other body fluids. Hepatitis D can cause more severe liver disease than hepatitis B alone. There currently is no vaccine for hepatitis D.
- Hepatitis E: Hepatitis E is caused by the hepatitis E virus and is primarily transmitted through contaminated water or food in areas with poor sanitation. It is usually a self-limiting infection that resolves on its own without causing chronic liver disease. There currently is no vaccine for hepatitis E.
- Hepatitis G: Hepatitis G is a newly discovered form of liver inflammation caused by the hepatitis G virus. However, it does not typically cause severe liver disease.
Non-viral Hepatitis
- Alcohol-induced Hepatitis (Alcoholic Hepatitis): This type of hepatitis is caused by heavy alcohol use.
- Autoimmune Hepatitis: This hepatitis is caused by the body’s immune system attacking healthy liver tissue. The cause of autoimmune hepatitis is unknown. There may be a genetic or environmental component.
- Toxic Hepatitis: This type of hepatitis occurs when the liver reacts to substances such as poisons, chemicals, medicines, herbals, and supplements.
Treatment options vary depending on the type of hepatitis. It's important to contact a healthcare professional for diagnosis if you have symptoms of hepatitis or think you may have been exposed to viral hepatitis or substances that can cause non-viral hepatitis. Early detection and treatment can help prevent further complications.