What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is a condition where the liver becomes inflamed because of a viral infection, but the inflammation may also be caused by medications, toxins, drugs, or excessive alcohol consumption. Viral hepatitis can be either A, B, C, D, or E type and autoimmune hepatitis is when the body begins to make antibodies against the tissue of the liver. Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are the most common hepatitis infections, and both tend to be long-term, chronic conditions. Autoimmune hepatitis is three times more common for women than it is for women. 

What Causes Hepatitis?

Hepatitis A or E is caused by exposure the Hep A or E virus in food or water. Hepatitis B and C is caused by exposure to the Hep B or C virus through contact with bodily fluids. Hepatitis D is caused by coming into contact with blood infected with the Hep D virus. For cases of noninfectious hepatitis the causes can vary, from alcohol abuses to misuse of Rx medication to exposure to certain environmental toxins.

The possible causes for autoimmune hepatitis include gene interactions, exposure to viruses or medicines, or a history of viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D or E), mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr virus), measles, or herpes. A disorder called hypergammaglobulinemia may also be the reason a person develops autoimmune hepatitis. For some people it may be a combination of genetic and environmental factors that is the answer for what causes hepatitis.

Hepatitis Symptoms

The hepatitis symptoms a person experiences will be different based on what type of the infection they have. Ones that are common for all of them include fatigue, appetite loss, pain in the abdomen, flu-like symptoms, dark urine, pale stools, unexplained weight loss, and yellowed skin and eyes (jaundice). With the B and C types it is common for hepatitis symptoms to not be experienced until liver function is compromised because of the infection. 

Hepatitis Treatment

For Hepatitis A treatment may not be required as it is usually a short-term illness that will clear on its own. The standard approach to hepatitis treatment for B and C types is to have the patient start on a course of medication with antivirals / DAA combination drugs like Epclusa or Harvoni. 

For autoimmune hepatitis the most commonly prescribed medication for treatment is Prednisone, and it is often paired with an immunosuppressant (Imuran) to limit the immune system response that is fueling the inflammation in the liver. 

There are vaccines for Hepatitis A, B, and D but none are currently available for Hepatitis C or E.