Hepatitis: causes, types and treatments

*This text has been written based on the information received from health institutions and organizations, hospitals and health professionals. If you or someone you know has any of the symptoms described here, our recommendation is to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

This hepatitis It is an inflammation of the liver that, although preventable, treatable and curable, still affects many people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization at least 354 million people diseaseIt can be initiated by viral infection, use of hepatotoxic substances such as alcohol, drugs, drugs and even autoimmune diseases in rare cases. Diagnosis is made by blood tests.

Viral hepatitis is the most common and is mainly caused by strains A, B, C, with a lower prevalence by D and E. These viral strains have different modes of transmission and also different manifestations of the disease.

However, it is common to all species. hepatitis silent progression without clear signs and symptoms of infection. Many infected people can live for years without realizing they have the virus.

Symptoms are non-specific when present and may include fever, fatigue, abdominal pain and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). For some types of infections, these symptoms appear only in the acute phase of the disease and disappear after weeks. Below we will see the modes of transmission of the main viruses.

How does hepatitis develop?

virus hepatitis a (HAV) can be acquired through the consumption of food and water contaminated with faeces due to a lack of basic sanitation and dangerous personal hygiene conditions. Inflammation caused by this virus is usually asymptomatic and does not progress to a chronic condition and is completely treatable.

In case of virus hepatitis B, conditions are slightly different. Transmission of this virus occurs through blood, bodily secretions, sexual contact, and contact during pregnancy or childbirth.

It is extremely important for pregnant women to take tests in the antenatal period so that the child does not develop the chronic form of the disease if the mother tests positive for the virus.

In most cases, hepatitis B has a good prognosis, although there is no cure. With medical monitoring, it is possible to control the progression of the disease, and only a small percentage of individuals will develop cirrhosis or a liver tumor.

virus hepatitis C it is also transmitted through blood and sexual contact, but remains active for the rest of the host’s life in 80% of cases. According to data from the Hospital Israelta Albert Einstein website, before the virus disappears, people who develop this type of hepatitis are 20% more likely to develop cirrhosis and 3% more likely to develop a liver tumor.

type D virus hepatitis Type B coinfection is considered the most serious, causing chronic superinfection. Thus, superinfection can create a more serious condition, leading to rapid progression of cirrhosis and death.

Finally, E type. This strain has the same fecal-oral mechanism as the virus. type AHowever, it can also be transmitted through the consumption of undercooked meat and products from infected animals. Its prognosis is positive and the acute phase of the infection lasts from 2 to 6 weeks. However, there is a greater risk for pregnant women who need medical follow-up due to the risk of death.

What is the prevention and treatment of hepatitis?

The best form of prevention is vaccination. for hepatitis There are very effective vaccines of types A and B. With an indication of four doses of type B for infants (at birth, 2, 4 and 6 months) and three doses for adults, this method of prevention is the safest, because inflammation is silent and tests are not even. always possible.

Other prevention methods include personal hygiene, not sharing toothbrushes, syringes, nail clippers, and other personal items, getting periodic blood tests, and having sex with a condom.

There is no specific treatment for it. hepatitis Types A and E, in these cases, the doctor will indicate the best course of action, especially if symptoms are present and self-medication is contraindicated.

cases hepatitis For types B, C and D, there are specific treatment protocols aimed at reducing the chance of disease progression, thus avoiding the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer that can lead to death.

In most cases, hepatitis is preventable and treatable. It is important to keep up-to-date tests and rapid tests before donating blood. We can prevent infection and contamination by taking all care.