Hepatitis A, B, C

Hepatitis is a state or condition where in hepatic cells at the liver, are inflamed or has been infected. “Hepa” is derived from hepatic or liver and “itis” means inflammation or swelling. However, there are 3 common classifications/types of hepatitis. They vary in causes, routes/ method of acquisition, as well as treatments.

The three common types of hepatitis are; Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Let us start with their common feature. First is that they are all infection of the liver and requires prompt medical attention. Also, they are all viral in nature. It means that all the causative agents are hepa viruses with different strains and features.

Hepatitis A is the most common of all hepatitis. It is acquired via oral-fecal route and is a common problem in countries or remote places where hygiene, water sanitation, and sewage system is generally poor. Hepatitis can also be acquired through sexual intercourse and can be considered as an STD.

Hepatitis B can be acquired through blood and other body fluids. It is highly prevalent in cases of unprotected sex and health worker exposures. This type is potentially lethal when symptoms are left untreated. Some may even be carriers through a lifetime.

Hepatitis C is transmitted through blood to blood. It is a possible prerequisite to chronic infection once the symptoms already started to occur. Live cirrhosis is one of its common complications.

General symptoms of hepatitis are nausea, vomiting, and more importantly jaundice of the skin and the sclera. Jaundice is a state where pigments of skin or the white of the eyes become yellow. There are other 7 known types of hepatitis and it is essential that one seeks medical attention right away because of possible liver cirrhosis. Effective prevention of hepatitis is hygiene and antiviral medications are available to market as treatments.