Hepatitis is an inflammatory disorder of the liver. Typically, viral infection leads to hepatitis, but, in some instances, it can be caused because of autoimmunity (when immune system makes antibodies against the liver), use of certain medications, toxin exposure, and chronic alcohol abuse (called secondary hepatitis). The liver is one of the most crucial body organs for survival as it performs several exclusive functions like bile synthesis (aid in the digestion of fats), storage of several vitamins (vitamin A, D, E, and K), minerals, glycogen, and synthesis of albumin and blood clotting factors.

Symptoms
Some well-documented symptoms of hepatitis are a loss of appetite, chronic fatigue, pain in the abdomen, development of jaundice, yellow skin and eyes, a sudden and unexplained weight loss, appearance of dark urine, and pale stools.

Diagnosis

• History and physical examination – To diagnose hepatitis, first the doctor will take the patient’s history to determine any risk factors they may have for infectious or non-infectious hepatitis. During the physical examination, the doctor may press down slowly on the patient’s abdomen to check for pain or tenderness. The doctor may also feel to see if the liver is enlarged. If the patient’s skin or eyes are yellow, the doctor will note it down.
• Liver function tests – Liver function tests make use of blood samples to determine how efficiently the patient’s liver is working. Abnormal test results may be the first indication of a problem, especially if the patient doesn’t show any signs on physical exam of liver disease. The patient’s liver may be stressed, damaged, or not functioning properly if the liver enzyme levels are high.
• Other blood tests – If the liver function tests are abnormal, the doctor will most likely order other blood tests to detect the source of the problem. These blood tests can also check for the viruses that cause hepatitis. Also, they can be used to check for antibodies that are quite common in conditions like autoimmune hepatitis.
• Ultrasound – The doctor may conduct an abdominal ultrasound to get a close look at the liver and the nearby organs. It can reveal the fluid in the abdomen, liver damage or enlargement, liver tumors, and abnormalities in the gallbladder. At times, the pancreas shows up on the ultrasound images. This can be a useful test to determine the cause of abnormal liver function.
• Liver biopsy – A liver biopsy is an invasive procedure that involves the doctor taking a sample tissue from the patient’s liver. It can be done through the skin using a needle and does not require surgery. Typically, an ultrasound is used to guide the doctor when taking the biopsy sample. It allows the doctor to determine how the infection or inflammation has affected the liver. Also, it can be used to sample any areas in the liver that appear to be abnormal.

Types and treatment
Hepatitis developed because of viral infections is classified into five categories, hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, depending on the type of virus.

• Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A develops due to the infection of hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is spread when a person comes in contact with contaminated food or water that is infected with HAV. Hepatitis A is a short-lived but acute form of hepatitis. Bed rest is advisable. Vaccination is available for children and generally given between the age of 12-18 months.
• Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and transmitted when a healthy person comes in contact with HBV-contaminated body fluids such as vaginal discharge, blood, semen; sharing shaving razors; or unprotected sex with an infected partner. It is treated with antiviral medications and vaccination is available as a preventive strategy.
• Hepatitis C – The causative agent here is the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Like hepatitis B, hepatitis C also transmits through contaminated bodily discharge and sexual contact with an infected person. HCV is one of the most common blood-borne infections of viral origin in the country. Hepatitis C can be treated with the help of antiviral medications. In severe cases, where HCV has caused cirrhosis (liver damage), liver transplantation may be required. There is no vaccine for HCV.
• Hepatitis D – Hepatitis D is caused because of the hepatitis D virus (HDV). It is a rare and uncommon form of hepatitis in the country. Hepatitis D causes disease only in people already infected with HBV as HDV essentially requires HBV for its multiplication. The transmission is again via infected blood. It can be prevented with HBV vaccine. No separate antiviral medicines exist for HD.
• Hepatitis E – It is a waterborne disease caused when the water is infected with the hepatitis E virus (HEV). No separate medications are available for the hepatitis E. Patients are advised to take rest and remain hydrated.

Conclusion
Hepatitis is a liver disorder that adversely affects the liver functions and the body’s metabolism. Immediate consultation with the doctor is essential to prevent liver damage.