Types of Hepatitis and their Causes
Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver and may result from various causes.
In Hong Kong, viral hepatitis is more common. Hepatitis caused by alcohol, drugs, chemicals or genetic diseases is less common. There are at least 5 viruses that can cause infective hepatitis. These are hepatitis A, B, C, D and E viruses. Each type has different characteristics and is transmitted in different ways.
Hepatitis A and E are transmitted by contaminated food and water; hepatitis B, C and D on the other hand are transmitted by blood or body fluids.
Signs and Symptoms of Acute Hepatitis
Infection with the hepatitis virus does not result in symptoms until after the incubation period is over. This period differs for different viruses, from 2 weeks to 6 months.
The majority of patients do not have symptoms. Among those who do, symptoms develop gradually. Early symptoms and signs are nonspecific and resemble those of the flu. These include
As the condition worsens, the skin and the 'white' of the eyes will become yellow in color. At the same time, the urine also gets darker, almost like tea. This is called jaundice. The majority of patients recover in a course of 3-6 weeks.
As the symptoms of hepatitis caused by different hepatitis viruses are similar, the type of hepatitis may only be diagnosed through blood tests.
