On July 28, health professionals come together for World Hepatitis Day. According to a CDC report, 3.5 million Americans live with hepatitis C. Globally, that number reaches up to 325 million people when we consider those that suffer from chronic hepatitis. Unfortunately, many people remain unaware of Hepatitis or its complications. Despite these known statistics, this disease remains a global burden, threatening long-term health stability. The World Health Organization defines Hepatitis as “an inflammation of the liver”. As a result, it’s important to cover the five types of viral hepatitis.
Hepatitis (A B, and C)
Hepatitis A: An inflammatory disease of the liver, most cases involve some form of contact with a virus called HAV through contaminated water or food. In addition, Hepatitis A can also transmit via through sexual contact Symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, and malaise. Finally, type A Hepatitis is non-chronic, which allows individuals to manage themselves with proper care.
Hepatitis B: Individuals with Type B become at risk of developing chronic issues if the complications persist for more than 6 months. Consequently , Hepatitis B may increase the likelihood of developing liver complications . Symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, and joint pain. With regards to transmission, Hepatitis B involves personal contact through blood. Other forms include sharing needles. Aside from personal contact, Hepatitis B can also transmit genetically from mother to her offspring.
Hepatitis C: This inflammatory disease can spread through contaminated blood . Some of the symptoms associated with Hepatitis C include lack of appetite, itchy skin, excessive weight loss, and fatigue. These complications normally begin with an acute phase where symptoms persist without severe complications. Some modes of transmission involve needle exchange, genetic transmission, and tattoos. For this reason, it’s important for diagnosed patients to seek immediate treatment as prolong complications may result in liver caner or failure.
Hepatitis (D and E)
Hepatitis D: Known as the “delta hepatitis”, this liver infection operates through mucosal contact with infectious blood. However, unlike the previous categorical diseases, Hepatitis D remains uncommon in the United States. Unfortunately vaccines for those with Hepatitis D remain unavailable. In terms of longevity, Hepatitis D may develop rapidly and cause severe symptoms such as joint pain, abdominal pain, and fatigue. In addition, those with chronic hepatitis ( long lasting infection), are advised to seek medical attention immediately as severe symptoms may lead to liver failure or cirrhosis.
Hepatitis E: The final hepatitis disease is labeled as a liver disease. Interestingly enough, Hepatitis E remains a threat to developing nations. Some countries with cases of Hepatitis E include Middle Eastern and Central American countries; especially in overcrowded areas with limited resources . Consequently, transmission of Hepatitis E include contaminated water, consumption of under-cooked pork, and contaminated food. Symptoms of Hepatitis E generally develop 15 to 60 days after exposure to the disease.
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References
Hepatitis C Kills More Americans than Any Other Disease. (2016, May 4). Retrieved from http://www.apastyle.org/learn/faqs/web-page-no-author.aspx
What is hepatitis? ( 2016, July). Retrieved from http://www.who.int/features/qa/76/en/
Hepatitis B Overview. (2017, October 27). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-b/symptoms-causes/syc-20366802
Hepatitis E Questions and Answers. (2018, May 9). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hev/hevfaq.htm
