Causes of Hepatitis

Hepatitis

The liver is one of the most vital organs in the body, responsible for many essential functions, including regulating metabolism, storing vitamins, producing proteins, and generating bile. It also plays a crucial role in detoxifying harmful substances from the body. When liver cells become inflamed, this condition is referred to as hepatitis (English: Hepatitis). Some individuals with hepatitis may not exhibit any symptoms, while others may experience symptoms such as fever, nausea, jaundice, easy bruising, fatigue, muscle pain, and darker urine color.

Causes of Viral Hepatitis

Several viruses can lead to hepatitis, a condition commonly known as viral hepatitis (English: Viral Hepatitis). The following are the prominent viruses responsible for viral hepatitis:

Hepatitis A: This type of viral hepatitis is caused by the Hepatitis A virus (English: Hepatitis A), which typically spreads through the consumption of food and water contaminated with feces from an infected individual. Most often, this virus resolves on its own within a few months. However, certain treatments may help alleviate symptoms such as pain, itching, and nausea. Notably, a vaccine is available to prevent the Hepatitis A virus, recommended for travelers to regions where the virus is prevalent.
Hepatitis B: The Hepatitis B virus (English: Hepatitis B) is transmitted through infected blood, during childbirth from an infected mother to her baby, and via sexual contact. This virus has two stages: acute and chronic. While many patients, particularly adults, may recover within a few months without progressing to chronic hepatitis, some cases develop into chronic stages, potentially leading to complications such as liver cirrhosis (English: Liver Cirrhosis). A vaccine is available for at-risk individuals to prevent this virus.
Hepatitis C: Caused by the Hepatitis C virus (English: Hepatitis C), this viral infection is primarily spread through shared needles among drug users or accidental exposure through non-compliant medical practices. In the early stages, infected individuals may not present any notable symptoms, apart from mild flu-like signs. This often contributes to the transition of many cases to chronic hepatitis, significantly increasing the risk of liver cirrhosis and failure.
Hepatitis D: This viral form, known as Hepatitis D (English: Hepatitis D), can only infect individuals who are already infected with Hepatitis B, as the presence of Hepatitis B is a prerequisite for Hepatitis D infection. Modes of transmission include blood exposure and sexual contact.
Hepatitis E: The Hepatitis E virus (English: Hepatitis E) is the most common cause of acute liver inflammation. This virus typically infects individuals for a limited time and is transmitted through the consumption of undercooked or raw pork, its waste products, and occasionally contaminated game meat or shellfish.
Other viruses: Several other viral infections can also lead to hepatitis, including Cytomegalovirus (English: Cytomegalovirus), Herpes simplex virus (English: Herpes simplex), and Mononucleosis (English: Mononucleosis).

Other Causes of Hepatitis

In addition to viral infections, multiple non-viral factors can contribute to hepatitis. The following are noteworthy causes:

Drug-induced hepatitis: This type of hepatitis can arise from a variety of medications, ranging from mild to life-threatening inflammation. While it is unusual, drug-induced hepatitis may occur due to large doses or toxic amounts of medications, vitamins, supplements, or herbal remedies. Symptoms may develop rapidly following high intake or can emerge after prolonged use of certain drugs. Common drugs associated with liver inflammation include Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Naproxen, among others.
Exposure to chemicals or toxins: Chemical exposure in the workplace from solvents and organic substances can lead to liver inflammation, occurring through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact.
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: This advanced form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (English: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) results from fat accumulation in the liver, causing inflammation and damage.
Autoimmune hepatitis: In this condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks liver cells. While the exact cause is not well understood, genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role. Untreated autoimmune hepatitis can lead to liver cirrhosis and failure. It includes two main types:
- Type 1, which is the most common and can occur at any age, often associated with other autoimmune disorders such as Celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or ulcerative colitis.
- Type 2, which is more prevalent in children and young adults but can also occur in older individuals, frequently accompanying other autoimmune diseases.
Genetic disorders: Certain genetic conditions can lead to hepatitis, including:
- Hemochromatosis (English: Hemochromatosis), which results from excessive iron absorption and storage in the body, potentially causing chronic inflammation and damage to the liver.
- Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (English: Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency), the most common genetic cause of hepatitis in children.
- Wilson’s disease (English: Wilson disease), a rare genetic disorder characterized by the accumulation of copper in the liver, brain, eyes, and kidneys, resulting in acute and chronic liver inflammation.
Alcoholic hepatitis: This condition arises from excessive alcohol consumption that damages liver cells. Alcohol can cause fat accumulation in the liver, leading to cell damage and scarring, impairing the liver’s ability to eliminate alcohol. In severe cases, patients may require a liver transplant if they do not seek treatment or discontinue alcohol use. Alcohol can result in three syndromes: alcoholic hepatitis, fatty liver (English: Fatty Liver), and cirrhosis.

Hepatitis