Hepatitis is a condition that causes the swelling of the liver. The liver is an organ in the abdomen that filters waste and is necessary for metabolic function. Hepatitis can be caused by infections, drug abuse, medications, and immune disorders. There are 3 forms of viral hepatitis, hepatitis A, B, and C. While they all cause liver disease, they differ in the way it is transmitted, the severity of the disease, the geographical locations of the disease and its prevention methods.
Hepatitis A infection causes acute inflammation of the liver, causing it to swell. It last for several weeks and leads to lifelong immunity.
The virus is transmitted through:
Hepatitis B infection is the most common infection of the liver. It leads to immunity as well but may be a long-term infection that may cause serious complications such as cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.
The virus is mainly found in the blood, as well as in vaginal secretions and semen. The virus is transmitted through:
Hepatitis C infection causes chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. The virus is mainly found in the blood and is transmitted through sharing contaminated needles.
General symptoms of hepatitis include:
Symptoms of Hepatitis A include:
Hepatitis A
There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A but there are treatment measures that help improve your condition:
Hepatitis B
Treatment of hepatitis B depends on the symptoms and stage of your disease and includes:
Hepatitis C
Treatment of hepatitis C aims to delay its complications, and these include:
