How Is Hepatitis Caused And Some Common Types?

Hepatitis is a condition that affects the liver by causing inflammation which is a common outcome resulting from a viral infection. While different types of hepatitis diseases are caused by different causes, there are some reasons like medications, toxins, alcohol, and drugs that are typically known.

Types

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

• Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is the result of an infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. This type of hepatitis is an acute disease.

• Hepatitis B

The hepatitis B virus causes hepatitis B. This is often a chronic disease that lasts longer.

• Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C comes from the hepatitis C virus. It is one of the most common bloodborne infections in the world. It is a long-lasting condition.

• Hepatitis D

This is a not so commonly found form of hepatitis that only occurs in hepatitis B infected people. This virus not only causes liver inflammation but also cannot be contracted without an existing HBV infection.

• Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E is waterborne. Hepatitis E virus infection is responsible for it. It is generally acute but can be severely chronic for pregnant women.

Causes of Viral Hepatitis

It is true that different types of viral hepatitis infections are caused by distinct modes of transmission. Here are the causes of a hepatitis infection:

• hepatitis A- When a person is exposed to the hepatitis A virus through food or water.

• hepatitis B- When an individual comes in contact with hepatitis B virus through the transmission of bodily fluids like blood, semen, etc.

• hepatitis C- When someone gets infected with the hepatitis C virus through the contamination of bodily fluids.

• hepatitis D- When a person is exposed to hepatitis D virus-infected blood, it causes this disease.

• hepatitis E- When a person comes in contact with the hepatitis E virus through water or food.

Causes of Non-viral Hepatitis

Although hepatitis is commonly caused due to an infection, other factors can also be reasons to cause hepatitis.

Alcohol

Excessive alcohol can lead to liver damage, causing inflammation. It can also be called alcoholic hepatitis. The alcohol impacts the liver cells directly. Moreover, it can also cause cirrhosis or even permanent liver failure.

Autoimmune system response

In rare cases, the immune system of a person attacks the liver itself. It leads to inflammation that can be mild to severe according to the infection. Moreover, it’s more common in females than in males.