Tomorrow is World Hepatitis Day, so this seems an apt time to discuss the variations of this virus. The most common forms of viral hepatitis that are proven to cause liver disease are hepatitis A, B and C. Less common types of hepatitis are D, E and G.
Hepatitis A
The hepatitis A virus (HAV) is known as infectious hepatitis, because it spreads relatively easily from those infected to close contacts. Symptoms begin within two to six weeks after contact with the virus and typically lasts less than two months. Once the infection ends, there are no chronic effects. Nonetheless, it is possible to have a relapse. Once recovered from hepatitis A, a person no longer carries the virus and remains immune for life.
HAV can be epidemic, infecting dozens to hundreds of people at a time. These outbreaks have been linked to infected food handlers who inadvertently contaminate prepared foods. Those at an increased risk of contracting HAV include children and employees at daycare centers, people living in congested or unsanitary conditions and sexually active individuals of either gender.
Hepatitis B
In contrast to HAV, hepatitis B (HBV) can take on both acute and chronic forms. Commonly known as “serum hepatitis,” HBV is one of the most frequent infectious diseases worldwide. About 90 percent of those infected will have the acute version and likely recover within three months. The remaining 10 percent account for those with chronic conditions and serious complications.
Some people may be symptom free, yet carry the virus in their blood and infect others through tiny breaks in the skin, mouth or genitals. When in its chronic form, HBV may destroy the liver through a scarring process called cirrhosis. A mother with hepatitis B may even pass the infection to her infant during birth. Fortunately, casual contact (no contact with blood or bodily fluids) cannot transmit hepatitis B.
Hepatitis C
First identified in 1989, hepatitis C (HCV) is spread mainly by contact with infected blood; hence, HCV is the major cause of transfusion hepatitis. Since the early 2000s, donated blood is regularly tested for HCV. Although HCV is mild in its early acute stage, it is more apt to produce chronic liver disease than HBV. It is believed that two out of three people infected by HCV may continue to carry the virus in their blood and transmit the infection to others in much the same way hepatitis B is passed on, via tiny breaks in the skin, mouth or genitals.
About 20 percent of patients who develop hepatitis C will recover within four to eight weeks. Two risks are that they might develop a chronic liver infection and/or serious complications such as liver cancer.
Hepatitis D
Otherwise known as hepatitis delta virus (HDV), hepatitis D only occurs in patients who are also infected by hepatitis B. Hepatitis D either occurs at the same time or develops later when HBV becomes chronic. When both hepatitis B and D are present, patients tend to be more likely to develop chronic liver disease; however, the majority recover from acute hepatitis. If severe liver failure develops, the chance for survival is no better than 50 percent, but a liver transplant improves this to 70 percent.
Hepatitis E
Discovered in 1987, hepatitis E (HEV) is also known as epidemic non-A, non-B. It is acute and short-lived but sometimes may still cause liver failure. HEV is found in countries where sanitation conditions are poor and the drinking water supply becomes contaminated. Epidemics of HEV have occurred in Asian and South American countries. Although no outbreaks have been reported in North America, travelers returning from a region where HEV is present may be inadvertent carriers.
Hepatitis G
In early 1996, hepatitis G (HGV) or hepatitis GB virus was noted. Little is known about this type of hepatitis other than its contraction via transfused blood. Hemophiliacs and others with bleeding conditions that require large amounts of blood or blood products are at risk of contracting HGV. Also at risk are those who undergo hemodialysis treatments for kidney disease. Patients with hepatitis G are often also infected by hepatitis B or C, or both. Little is known about HGV but evidence suggests this illness is mild and does not last long.
Treatment
Hepatitis can be diagnosed once a healthcare professional conducts a thorough physical examination and tests for specific antigens and antibodies in the blood. Liver function tests that measure enzyme levels may also be performed to confirm the type of hepatitis present.
Once symptoms appear, antibiotics or other medications cannot shorten the course of infectious hepatitis. Treatment includes bed rest, a healthy diet, abstinence from alcohol and the avoidance of medications that can cause liver damage.
Alternative Treatments
Naturopathic professionals may recommend the use of milk thistle, while the National Institute of Health and other entities continue to conduct clinical studies to determine its effectiveness.
Licorice (Glycyrriza glabra) may also be used to treat hepatitis. Its properties include protecting the liver and enhancing the immune system. Extended use of licorice should not be undertaken without medical consultation, since potassium deficiency may result.
Vitamin C may be taken as a nutritional supplement. It has been shown to help diminish acute hepatitis and help prevent the disease in hospitalized patients.
Liver extracts are effective in liver regeneration, and have been used for over a century.
Thymus extracts enhance the immune system, which may help the body fight a hepatitis virus.
A practitioner of Chinese herbal medicine may recommend Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis, which improves liver function; Fructus Citrulli Vulgaris, which helps to expel jaundice; or other herbs for hepatitis symptoms.
Prevention
The best way to prevent any form of viral hepatitis is to avoid contact with blood and other bodily fluids of infected individuals. There are also vaccines for hepatitis A and B.
When traveling to countries with high incidences of any form of hepatitis, avoid water and ice if unsure of their purity, and boil water before drinking it. Eat only foods that are packaged or well cooked. When eating fresh fruit, make sure to peel or pare it.
Always take IMMUNE+++ wherever you go to help boost immunity and bring a mini-hand sanitizer.