Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Types of Hepatitis

Hepatitis is defined as the clinical condition characterized by the inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis is commonly caused by virus hence named as viral hepatitis.  Other common causes include alcohol abuse, administrations of certain medications, accumulation of certain toxins, other auto immune disorders, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Auto immune hepatitis is caused when the body’s immune system mistakes liver cells to foreign substance and attacks them. Hepatitis A, B and D can be prevented by the process of immunization. Whereas Hepatitis C should be provide with anti-viral drugs for the treatment. Medications to treat auto immune hepatitis include immune suppressants such as tacrolimus. Hepatitis A usually stays acute, whereas hepatitis B, C and D can turn to chronic conditions. Hepatitis E is said to be dangerous to pregnant women. Hepatitis virus don’t directly induce apoptosis rather infects them which activates the immune system.