Hepatitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Hepatitis adalah peradangan hati yang dapat dipicu oleh berbagai faktor, seperti infeksi virus, mengkonsumsi alkohol secara berlebihan, penggunaan obat tertentu, hingga gangguan autoimun. Penyakit ini dapat berkembang dalam dua bentuk, yaitu akut (kurang dari 6 bulan) dan kronis (lebih dari 6 bulan), dengan tingkat keparahan yang bervariasi. Pada jenis tertentu, virus dapat tetap berada di hati meskipun penyakit tampak sembuh.

Causes of Hepatitis

Here is a more detailed explanation of each hepatitis:

1. Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection usually occurs through close contact with an infected person, unprotected sex with an infected person, and consuming contaminated food or drink. The disease is usually temporary and rarely causes serious complications. Most people who are infected with hepatitis A virus are:

• Homeless.

• International travelers.

• Men who have sex with men.

• Illegal drug users.

Hepatitis A is usually temporary and rarely causes serious complications.

2. Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is caused by infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) which can be transmitted through:

• Blood transfusions, using contaminated needles, or using tools such as razors that are the same as those of infected people.

• Having unprotected sex with an infected person

• Transmission from mother to baby during pregnancy (vertical transmission).

The risk of contracting the hepatitis virus also varies greatly by age. The younger a person is when infected, the greater the chance of contracting chronic hepatitis. Chronic hepatitis infection can trigger the risk of other serious diseases such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.

3. Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Similar to the transmission of the hepatitis B virus, the hepatitis C virus can be transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse and also the use of unsterile needles. The hepatitis C virus can also be transmitted from pregnant women to their fetuses.

4. Hepatitis D

Hepatitis D is an inflammation of the liver caused by infection with the hepatitis D virus (HDV). This infection is usually rare, but once it occurs it can cause serious complications. Hepatitis D virus infection is usually found together with hepatitis B virus infection. Therefore, transmission of hepatitis D is also the same as transmission of hepatitis B. In addition, transmission of this virus can also occur due to the use of less sterile injection needles and blood transfusions.

5. Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E is caused by infection with the hepatitis E virus (HEV). Hepatitis E virus infection usually occurs in areas with poor sanitation systems. In addition, the hepatitis E virus can also be transmitted through the use of water and eating utensils that have been contaminated with the hepatitis E virus. Symptoms of hepatitis E virus infection are the same as those of hepatitis A. This virus is found in the feces of patients with hepatitis E and is transmitted through food or drink contaminated with the virus.

Hepatitis Risk Factors

There are various factors that can increase the risk of hepatitis transmission, namely:

• Not washing hands after using the toilet or before eating.

• Consuming undercooked or contaminated food.

• Sharing personal items such as razors.

• Having unprotected sex, especially with someone who has hepatitis.

• Using drugs with unsterile needles.

• Working in health or waste management.

• Having a history of blood transfusion without strict examination.

• Consuming alcohol or certain drugs without medical supervision.

Symptoms of Hepatitis

Symptoms of hepatitis can vary depending on the cause and severity. Some people may not have symptoms, but common ones include:

• Extreme fatigue.

• Muscle and joint pain.

• Mild fever.

• Loss of appetite.

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen.

• Dark colored urine.

• Pale colored stools.

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).

Hepatitis Prevention

Some steps that can be taken to prevent hepatitis include:

• Get vaccinated to prevent hepatitis A and B

• Maintain cleanliness by washing hands before eating and ensuring that the food consumed is clean.

• Practicing safe sex by using protection and avoiding multiple partners can reduce the risk of hepatitis B and C.

• Avoid sharing needles

• Limit alcohol consumption and avoid excessive drinking to maintain liver health and prevent further damage.

Hepatitis Treatment

Treatment for hepatitis is adjusted according to the cause:

• Hepatitis A and E

  
  

  This infection usually resolves on its own. Treatment focuses on symptom relief and recovery.

• Hepatitis B and C

  
  

  Antiviral drugs are often used to control viruses, reduce inflammation, and prevent further liver damage.

If you experience symptoms that indicate hepatitis, consult a doctor immediately to get the right treatment, because early detection is very important to prevent serious complications. Please Click here

Reference

Hepatitis . (nd). NHS. Retrieved January 15, 2025, from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hepatitis/

Hepatitis . (nd). World Health Organization (WHO). Retrieved January 15, 2025, from https://www.who.int/health-topics/hepatitis#tab=

Hepatitis: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment . (2022, December 28). Ministry of Health. Retrieved January 15, 2025, from https://yankes.kemkes.go.id/view_artikel/1993/hepatitis-jenis-penyebab-

Hepatitis – NFID . (nd). National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. Retrieved January 15, 2025, from https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/hepatitis/