Viral Hepatitis is a condition that affects near about 300 million people across the globe. Unfortunately, only 20 percent of the patients know that they are infected. Viral hepatitis, as the name suggests, refers to severe inflammation in the liver that is triggered by certain viruses. It is highly contagious and can be either acute or chronic. Viral hepatitis is often referred to as a silent killer as the symptoms are not usually evident till the condition has progressed to a later stage. Nearly 1.5 million people lose their battle with viral hepatitis every year.
What is Viral Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is a condition in which the liver becomes inflamed. This can happen due to a variety of different factors, however, in the case of viral hepatitis, the underlying reason is a viral infection. This makes the condition highly contagious. Viral hepatitis is broadly classified into two types, i.e acute viral hepatitis which does not last for more than 6 months, and chronic viral hepatitis, which lasts for longer than six months.
What are the different types of Viral Hepatitis?
Viral hepatitis is broadly classified into 5 different types. These are:
What are the symptoms of Viral Hepatitis?
Symptoms that suggest that a person may have viral hepatitis include:
When is the right time to see a doctor?
It is advisable to see a liver specialists as soon as you notice any of the symptoms. Experiencing these does not necessarily indicate that you have viral hepatitis and hence it is better to go for a detailed assessment before reaching any conclusion.