LIVER – one of the vital organ that performs many crucial functions of the living body. This includes its role in facilitating digestion, filtering toxins from the body, breaking down of fat and carbohydrate, removal of bilirubin, cholesterol, aiding in the blood clotting, synthesis of albumin etc. It is always advised to receive proper liver treatment in case of any discomfort or malfunction of the liver occurs.

We are observing World Hepatitis Day on 28th July. So, let’s have a look at the 5 different hepatitis types in brief.

Hepatitis, in general, is a condition that is characterized by inflammation of the liver. These occur mostly due to the viral infections, but can also onset due to high dosage of alcohol, drugs, medicines etc. Autoimmune hepatitis is a special case, in which it onsets when the body produces antibodies against the liver tissue.

The 5 common types are Hepatitis are A, B, C, and D and E, where a different type of virus is responsible for each type.

Hepatitis A

It is caused by Hepatitis A Virus (HAV). It gets transmitted through consumption of food and water contaminated by feces from a hepatitis A infected person.

Hepatitis B

It is caused by the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). It is transmitted by coming in contact with infectious body fluids from a hepatitis B infected person. It also can spread by using common blades or razor.

Hepatitis C

It is caused by the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). It transmits through direct contact with infectious body fluids from a hepatitis C infected person. It typically spread through needles or intimacy with an infected person.

Hepatitis D

It is also known as the Delta Hepatitis and is caused by the Hepatitis D Virus (HDV). It transmits through direct contact with infected blood from a hepatitis D infected person. It usually onsets in conjugation with Hepatitis B.

Hepatitis E

It is caused by the Hepatitis E Virus (HEV). Being a waterborne disease it transmits through water contaminated by fecal matters. It typically spreads in an area with poor sanitation.

In conclusion, Hepatitis A is always short term but highly acute, whereas type B, C, D, and E, mostly onsets as long termed and chronic. Type E gets equally acute and pose severe threats if infects pregnant women.

Despite the type and its degree of severity, it is best not to endure discomforts due to malfunctioning liver and seek quality liver treatment on time.