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Hepatitis is a group of infectious diseases, usually caused by a variety of viruses such as A, B, C, D, and E. The leading cause of hepatitis is a viral infection. Hence, it's often referred to as viral hepatitis.
History of Viral Hepatitis
Baruch Samuel Blumberg, a Nobel laureate, discovered the Hepatitis B virus. He also created its diagnostic test and vaccine. The World Health Assembly marked 28th July as World Hepatitis Day in honour of Baruch Samuel Blumberg. The aim of celebrating World Hepatitis Day is to create awareness and prevent viral hepatitis cases.
Get in touch with Manipal Hospitals for Hepatitis B treatment in Jaipur. Our experienced doctors in the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Centre of Excellence can address all your concerns related to diagnosis, treatment, and vaccination of hepatitis.
What is Viral Hepatitis?
Hepatitis leads to inflammation and deterioration of the liver. The liver filters blood processes nutrients and fights infections. A damaged liver impacts these critical functions of the human body.
Types of Hepatitis
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Hepatitis A
A form of hepatitis that rarely results in severe complications. The liver usually heals in a few months after hepatitis A. A vaccine is available for the prevention of hepatitis A.
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Hepatitis B
A condition of hepatitis that has a few cases of chronic infection. A person who might not have any symptoms can be a spreader of this variant. A vaccine is also available for the prevention of hepatitis B.
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Hepatitis C
Roughly 80% of people infected with hepatitis C develop a lifelong liver problem. There is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C.
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Hepatitis D
A hepatitis B vaccine also protects against hepatitis D, as it impacts people who already have hepatitis B.
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Hepatitis E
A form of hepatitis that spreads via contaminated water and food. A vaccine is available now with limited availability.
Some hepatitis cases do not fall under the above hepatitis categories as other viruses may also trigger hepatitis: Some such viruses are:
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Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
CMV spreads via close contact with an infected person or a monkey.
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Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
EBV is a common human virus that spreads mainly via contact with body fluids.
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Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
HSV causes genital and oral herpes and is primarily sexually transmitted.
Is Viral Hepatitis Fatal?
Most people recover from viral hepatitis with timely treatment. Around 20% of patients develop chronic liver disease, including liver failure or liver cancer. However, rare hepatitis may also result in death.
What Causes Hepatitis?
Here are the common causes of known hepatitis types.
Hepatitis A
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Consumption of infected food or water
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Consumption of undercooked meat
Hepatitis B & C
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Sexual contact with an infected person
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Getting exposed to utilized needles
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Contact with infected blood
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Contact with body fluids like the sweat of an infected person
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Transfer from mother to an unborn child
Hepatitis D
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Transfer to child from mother during their birth
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Contact with the body fluids of an infected person
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One can only be infected if they have hepatitis B
Hepatitis E
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Consumption of contaminated food or water
Common Symptoms of Viral Hepatitis
Some of the commonly observed symptoms of hepatitis are:
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Dark urine
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Pain in the stomach
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Jaundice- yellow skin or white eyes
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Pale fecal matter discharge
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Constant low fever
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Lack of hunger
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Tiredness
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Joint pain
How to Prevent Hepatitis?
Monsoons increase hepatitis infections by manifolds. Here are some precautions we can take, especially during the monsoons, to stay safe from hepatitis.
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Avoid street foods.
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Avoid pre-cut fruits washed with unsanitary water.
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Drinking juices and eatable like Paani-Puri made with contaminated water.
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Avoid eating unclean, raw, and uncooked food.
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Observe good sanitary habits and wash hands with soap frequently.
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Report areas with open defecation as it pollutes groundwater sources.
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Do not share needles. It is often a practice among drug addicts.
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Avoid unprotected sex with multiple partners.
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Maintain good hygiene when travelling to areas with poor sanitation.
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Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B. Consult with a Gastroenterologist in Jaipur to know more about the vaccination process.
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Consume packaged drinking water when travelling.
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Rest if you are feeling weak or ill.
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Avoid excess consumption of alcohol.
The Best Treatment for Hepatitis in Jaipur
Manipal Hospitals, Jaipur, offers the best treatment for hepatitis in Jaipur. Prominent differentiating factors of Manipal Hospitals, Jaipur are:
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24/7 Care
Manipal Hospitals, Jaipur, is a multispeciality hospital that offers 24*7 care for its patients with the availability of expert medical staff and facilities.
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Advanced Diagnosis
The leading gastroenterology hospital in Jaipur offers world-class diagnosis, blood tests, and services to help patients discover if they have hepatitis or other diseases.
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Team of Experts
We have the best gastroenterology doctors in Jaipur to handle hepatitis. Experts from other departments also help patients with any complications that may arise during the treatment.
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Round-the-Clock Pharmacy
Equipped with a 24*7 pharmacy, we ensure that patients can access their medicines whenever needed.
This monsoon, stay safe and protected from harmful viral hepatitis and other infections, follow the precautions mentioned above and stay updated with the latest knowledge by listening to our medical podcast and reading blogs by leading experts.
