Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver. The liver cells and liver can get damaged in this condition. A viral infection is one of the most common causes of hepatitis; however, there are many other causes of hepatitis. Symptoms, causes, and treatment can vary depending on the common types of hepatitis.

To help you understand the condition in a better manner, here are the common types of hepatitis and their respective causes.

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is considered as the most contagious liver infection and it is caused by the hepatitis A virus. This virus can cause inflammation and affect the liver’s ability to function. A person suffering from hepatitis A may feel fatigued. Sudden nausea and vomiting, accompanied by abdominal discomfort, clay-colored bowel movement, dark urine, loss of appetite, yellowish skin and mild fever are common symptoms. Contaminated food and water are the main causes of hepatitis A. Close contact with a patient of hepatitis A or having sex with an infected person can also cause this condition. Eating raw shellfish from polluted water is also one cause.

Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a chronic liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). If it lasts for more than six months, it can worsen. A chronic hepatitis B can lead to liver failure, liver cancer or cirrhosis. Abdominal pain, dark urine, fever, joint pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, weakness and yellowing of skin and eyes are common symptoms of hepatitis B. Sexual contact with an infected person can cause this condition. HBV easily spreads through needles and syringes contaminated with infected blood. Pregnant women can pass the virus to their babies during childbirth.

Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is another viral infection that causes inflamed liver, which can lead to serious liver damage in some cases. A person suffering from hepatitis C will bleed and bruise easily, will have fatigue, poor appetite, and yellowing of eyes and skin. Swollen legs, itchy skin, fluid build-up, dark colored urine, weight loss, drowsiness and slurred speech can also be noticed in an infected person. Hepatitis C virus spreads when contaminated blood with the hepatitis C virus enters the bloodstream of an infected person.

Hepatitis D
Hepatitis D is an infection that causes inflammation of the liver. The inflammation can affect liver function badly and cause long-term liver problems such as cancer and liver scarring. Hepatitis D can only infect a hepatitis B patient. If it lasts for more than six months, it can get chronic and complications can increase with time. It can be transmitted through infected urine, vaginal fluids, semen, blood, and from mother to child.

Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E is an infection that causes swelling in the liver. It generally affects pregnant women or people with weak immunity. The main causes of this condition are feces, undercooked meat, and polluted water. Fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark-colored urine, joint pain, and yellow skin and eyes can be observed in an infected person.

Doctors suggest washing hands properly, using washed food items, keeping the environment clean, and taking the necessary precautions to stave off these common types of hepatitis.