Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver or liver. This condition can be caused by various things, ranging from viral infections, alcohol consumption habits, use of certain drugs, autoimmune diseases, and liver fluke infections. If caused by a viral infection, hepatitis can be transmitted to other people.
Hepatitis is characterized by symptoms such as fever, joint pain, abdominal pain, and jaundice. This condition can last for 6 months (acute) or more than 6 months (chronic).
If not treated properly, hepatitis can cause complications, such as liver failure, cirrhosis, fulminant hepatitis, or liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma).
Causes of Hepatitis
There are various things that can cause hepatitis, ranging from viral infections, alcoholism addiction, use of certain drugs, autoimmune diseases, and liver fluke infections.
The following is an explanation of each cause of hepatitis:
1. Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is caused by infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Transmission of this type of hepatitis can occur through food or drink contaminated with the hepatitis A virus.
2. Hepatitis B
This type of hepatitis is caused by infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis B can be transmitted through unprotected sex and blood transfusions. In rare cases, pregnant women who are infected with the hepatitis B virus can transmit this virus to their fetuses.
3. Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Transmission of hepatitis C can be through unprotected sex or the use of unsterilized needles.
Just like hepatitis B, this virus can be transmitted from a mother infected with hepatitis C to her fetus.
4. Hepatitis D
Hepatitis D is inflammation of the liver due to infection with the hepatitis D virus (HDV). This type of hepatitis is rare, but can cause serious health problems.
A person can get hepatitis D if they have a history of hepatitis B. Transmission of this virus can be through the use of unsterilized needles or blood transfusions.
5. Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E is caused by infection with the hepatitis E virus (HEV). Hepatitis E is transmitted through water or food contaminated with this virus. Therefore, hepatitis E is easily transmitted in an environment with poor sanitation.
6. Hepatitis due to alcoholism
Consuming alcoholic beverages in excess can cause inflammation of the liver and cause permanent damage to liver cells. This of course interferes with liver function. If left untreated, this condition can progress to liver failure and cirrhosis.
7. Hepatitis due to certain drugs
This type of hepatitis, which is also called toxic hepatitis, occurs due to the consumption of certain drugs that exceed the dose. The liver can become inflamed or damaged by working too hard at breaking down these drugs.
8. Hepatitis due to autoimmune disease
In hepatitis, which is caused by an autoimmune disease, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks liver cells, causing inflammation and liver damage.
9. Hepatitis due to liver worms
Liver inflammation can also occur due to infection with liver flukes, namely Opisthorchiidae and Fasciolidae. One of the species of opisthorchiidae liver flukes that most often causes infection is Clonorchis.
A person can get this type of hepatitis if they eat food that is cooked undercooked and contaminated with the liver fluke larvae.
10. Acute hepatitis of unknown cause
Apart from those mentioned above, there is also a type called mysterious acute hepatitis. The cause of hepatitis is unknown, but it is suspected that the disease is related to the Adenovirus and SARS-CoV-2.
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