Hepatitis is a life-threatening health condition characterized by the inflammation of the liver tissues. It is commonly caused by a viral infection, but there could be other causes of the disease as well.

What is the cause of hepatitis?
Hepatitis is a severe inflammation of the liver which hampers its functioning. The primary cause of hepatitis is a viral infection, and the type of virus that causes hepatitis determines its severity. However, there may be other factors that lead to hepatitis as well. Excess consumption of alcohol, side effects of medications, an autoimmune response, or the presence of certain toxins in the blood can also lead to hepatitis.

Types of viral hepatitis
Based on the type of virus that leads to liver inflammation, hepatitis can be of five types:

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is an acute and dangerous form of hepatitis caused by HAV (hepatitis A virus). It is mostly transmitted through the consumption of water or food contaminated with the feces of a person who has this condition. Mild cases of hepatitis A are easy to control. Vaccination is available and recommended for infants and toddlers at the age of one. Maintaining good hygiene can help to control this disease.

Hepatitis B
The hepatitis B virus is transmitted through the exchange of body fluids like blood, mucus, saliva, semen, or any other fluid exchanged through physical or sexual contact. Use of contaminated syringes, or sharing razors with a person who has this condition can lead to an increased risk of hepatitis B. It may become chronic in some cases, leading to liver failure, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer.

Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is caused by HCV (hepatitis C virus). It only spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, particularly by sharing needles or through sexual contact. Most people with this condition exhibit no symptoms until liver damage occurs, which happens gradually over the years. It is considered to be one of the most severe viral diseases to affect the liver. Refraining from sexual contact and not sharing needles with a person who has this infection can help prevent the condition.

Hepatitis D
Hepatitis D is also called delta hepatitis. It is caused by HDV (hepatitis D virus). It spreads through direct contact with infected blood. It is a rare form of hepatitis and can only occur along with hepatitis B as the HDV cannot multiply without the presence of hepatitis B.

Hepatitis E
It is a waterborne form of hepatitis caused by HEV (hepatitis E virus). Poor sanitation and consumption of water contaminated by feces are the root causes of this disease.

Other types of hepatitis

Alcoholic hepatitis
Excess consumption of alcohol can lead to liver damage and cause alcoholic hepatitis. This condition can lead to permanent liver damage.

Toxic hepatitis
Exposure to toxins and excessive consumption of prescription or over-the-counter medication can lead to toxic hepatitis.

Autoimmune hepatitis
Autoimmune hepatitis is an uncommon organ-specific condition that manifests as a chronic inflammatory disease of the liver. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the liver and causes liver damage.