• Published on: Sep 08, 2021
  • 4 minute read
  • By: Dr Rakesh Rai

What Is The Main Cause Of Hepatitis & What Happens If You Have Hepatitis?

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What is the main cause of hepatitis & What happens if you have hepatitis?

The virus is the most common cause, but auto-immune hepatitis can also occur when the body's immune system attacks and destroys its own kidney cells. Hepatitis is primarily caused by a virus, but there are many other possibilities. A viral infection is the primary cause of hepatitis. And various types of viruses can lead to hepatitis-- some fairly benign, some very serious—such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

The main cause of hepatitis is the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) can also cause acute hepatitis, but they are responsible for the majority of chronic cases. Chronic hepatic problems may result in the development of cirrhosis or liver cancer, which can be ultimately fatal. It's also possible for an individual to experience co-infection with HAV and HBB/HCV without knowing it since some people infected with HAV do not show any symptoms.

                                  

The human body typically gets rid of the virus in 1-3 months or so without needing any help from drugs or therapies, but about 15% to 40% of people infected with hepatitis A see their symptoms persist for 6 months to 3 years. This can be especially hard on people who are young and otherwise healthy because it often results in interruption of school or work life, not to mention the loss of self-esteem which can damage personal relationships.

Permanently resolving this requires active participation by both doctor and patient; unfortunately, many factors combine to reduce the likelihood that someone will recover completely naturally, including an existing chronic liver disease like cirrhosis (in which case

The main cause of hepatitis is bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and chemical substances that damage the liver. The secondary causes may be alcohol abuse or chronic fatty liver disease.

A damaged or diseased liver can lead to alcoholic cirrhosis and other diseases such as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and encephalopathy.

Hepatitis refers broadly to any inflammatory disorder involving the liver, a diverse organ having many functions in the body. The immune system's response damages hepatocytes - cells that form bile ducts to remove toxins from the blood, produce clotting proteins for blood clots, store energy from food in glycogen so it can be used later when glucose supply from food runs low after starvation occurs.

Some viruses, but more often a drug or toxin that irritates the liver. Drugs and other toxins that can damage the liver include industrial solvents like ammonia, industrial chemicals like benzene, alcohol, acetaminophen (Tylenol), erythromycin (mostly taken to decrease antibiotic resistance), tetracycline antibiotic with surgery concurrent antibiotics), drugs for prevention of malaria such as chloroquine plus proguanil or mefloquine with surgery concurrent clindamycin plus primaquine) and ursodeoxycholic acid.

In adults, viral hepatitis is the most common cause of infectious chronic liver disease, and it's often spread by close contact. In children, foodborne outbreaks are more common. Your body's immune system is a major cause of hepatitis and can be activated by something like a viral infection.

The key to understanding liver disease comes when you realize that the immune system - via T cells and B cells; NK cells; macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells - create inflammation in your gut which ultimately drains into your liver. And when these "Do-or-Die" T lymphocytes or "natural killer" (NK) cell attacks occur it triggers scarring in various regions of your liver which leads to cirrhosis.

The main cause of hepatitis is viral, but it's important to note that there are two types of hepatic viruses that can cause this condition. The first is Hepatitis A (HAV), which comes from fecal matter and is usually spread by food or water contaminated with infected feces. The second type of virus, Hepatitis B (HBV) comes from blood contact, sexual intercourse, or childbirth; however, both types can be transmitted through blood transfusion or drug use (especially needles). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HAV affects about 150 Americans each year; HBV affects roughly 2 million people annually.

The main cause of hepatitis is the virus. But there are other causes including bad hygiene, drinking contaminated water or using dirty injections needles. Furthermore, the hepatitis viruses may spread from an infected mother carrying the disease to her unborn child before it's even born! That can lead to two very different types of hepatitis - one that has a strong reaction where the pregnant woman develops significant liver damage and another that barely affects her at all. And then of course not surprisingly- people who already have chronic health conditions such as diabetes or cirrhosis (liver scarring) and those with weak immune systems due to age or chemotherapy for cancer patients with low white blood cell counts can be more prone to experiencing a chronic infection.

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by either viruses or toxins, including alcohol and prescription medications. Symptoms may include fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting pain in the right side below the ribs when taking deep breaths. The most common type in America is Hepatitis A which you get from sharing food or drinks that are contaminated with tiny amounts of stool from infected people; also known as "gastroenteritis." Getting vaccinated prevents the most acute form usually found in children

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by viruses, alcohol, medication. With hepatitis A virus - the symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. The patient may also have jaundice or low levels of proteins within their blood. Hepatitis B virus - It's usually transmitted through contact with infected blood or other sharps objects such as needles. The symptoms can take up to 6 months before showing signs and it may include dark urine and light-colored stools, joint pain in the lower part of arms and legs (joints hurt worse when pressed) personality changes together with depression phase feelings such as irritability or sadness for no reason at all fatigue along with soreness. If the infection is acute then there may be nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and jaundice. If chronic then fatigue, loss of appetite, and liver damage may occur.

We recommend immunization for Hepatitis A with the appropriate protection against Hepatitis B with appropriate protection against Hepatitis C with appropriate protection against Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (genital herpes).

Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver. If you have acute hepatitis, there are often no symptoms associated with it; if you have chronic hepatitis, the most common symptom is fatigue. You can't get Hepatitis from drinking alcohol or eating too much greasy food (unless it's cooked in oil that hasn't been cleaned). You also don't get it by sharing personal items like towels or razors with an infected person.

A person with Hepatitis may feel tired, be pale and lose weight. They may not look sick but can carry the virus that damages their liver. The symptoms of HAV (hepatitis A) last only a few weeks to a couple of months, while symptoms from Hepatitis B can last six months or more; in both cases, there is no specific treatment.

Most people recover fully, and the liver will regain its former function without any need for transplantation or medical intervention in most cases but is often permanently damaged and scarred in others with chronic infections. Hepatitis C sometimes results in severe cirrhosis after decades of infection because it does not cause symptoms until late-stage disease when signs

Hepatitis is an unfortunate and contagious liver disease that we see in at least 500,000 people every year. Hepatitis can be caused by either a virus or a toxin/irritant such as alcohol. Symptoms include jaundice (yellow skin), dark urine, sudden fever that isn't relieved with antibiotics or acetaminophen, abdominal discomfort, and pain that doesn't feel like dysentery - which are hallmarks of the toxic type of hepatitis. Many times, you'll have elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood followed by the destruction of red blood cells due to obstruction of bile ducts if not treated early on.

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How Weekly Onsite Yoga Benefits Corporate Wellness: A Preventive Approach to Workplace Health

How Weekly Onsite Yoga Benefits Corporate Wellness: A Preventive Approach to Workplace Health

Corporate wellness programs are evolving rapidly. Traditional initiatives such as annual health checkups and gym memberships are no longer sufficient to address modern workplace health challenges. Rising stress levels, sedentary routines and burnout have pushed organisations to adopt preventive, sustainable wellness strategies. One of the most effective among these is weekly onsite yoga.

Understanding how onsite yoga weekly benefits corporate wellness highlights why this ancient practice has become a modern workplace necessity. Yoga addresses both physical and mental health, making it uniquely suited for today’s high-pressure corporate environments.

 

Why Corporate Wellness Needs Preventive Solutions

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and workplace health reports, lifestyle-related disorders such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity and mental health conditions are increasingly affecting working professionals.

Key workplace health challenges include:

  • prolonged sitting
     

  • poor posture
     

  • chronic stress
     

  • sleep disturbances
     

  • reduced physical activity
     

Preventive interventions are essential to reverse these trends before they result in chronic disease and productivity loss.

 

What Is Weekly Onsite Yoga?

Weekly onsite yoga involves structured yoga sessions conducted at the workplace by trained instructors. These sessions typically include:

  • stretching and mobility exercises
     

  • breathing techniques
     

  • simple yoga postures
     

  • relaxation and mindfulness practices
     

Sessions are designed to be inclusive, requiring no prior yoga experience.

 

Why Weekly Frequency Matters

Consistency is the foundation of wellness.

Weekly yoga sessions:

  • reinforce healthy habits
     

  • prevent accumulation of stress
     

  • support gradual physical improvement
     

  • encourage long-term participation
     

Unlike one-time workshops, weekly programs deliver sustained impact.

 

Physical Health Benefits of Onsite Yoga

Reduces Musculoskeletal Problems

Desk-based work often leads to back pain, neck stiffness and joint discomfort. Yoga improves:

  • posture
     

  • flexibility
     

  • muscle strength
     

This reduces work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

 

Improves Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health

Regular yoga practice supports:

  • blood pressure regulation
     

  • improved circulation
     

  • better glucose control
     

WHO recognises yoga and similar mind-body practices as beneficial for lifestyle disease prevention.

 

Enhances Energy Levels

Yoga improves oxygenation and circulation, reducing fatigue and mid-day energy crashes.

 

Mental Health Benefits in the Workplace

Reduces Stress and Burnout

Yoga lowers cortisol levels and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation.

This helps employees:

  • manage deadlines calmly
     

  • recover from mental fatigue
     

  • reduce anxiety
     

Improves Focus and Cognitive Performance

Breathing and mindfulness practices improve:

  • attention span
     

  • mental clarity
     

  • decision-making
     

Better focus directly translates into improved productivity.

 

Supports Emotional Wellbeing

Regular yoga enhances emotional regulation, reducing irritability and improving workplace relationships.

 

Impact on Productivity and Performance

Healthy employees perform better.

Weekly onsite yoga contributes to:

  • reduced absenteeism
     

  • fewer stress-related sick days
     

  • improved work engagement
     

  • sustained productivity
     

EY-FICCI corporate wellness studies show that preventive wellness programs deliver measurable performance benefits.

 

Role in Building a Wellness-Oriented Culture

Onsite yoga sends a strong message that employee wellbeing is a priority.

It helps organisations:

  • foster trust and engagement
     

  • encourage work-life balance
     

  • create a supportive environment
     

Wellness culture improves retention and employer branding.

 

Inclusivity and Accessibility

One of yoga’s biggest strengths is adaptability.

Onsite yoga:

  • suits all age groups
     

  • accommodates different fitness levels
     

  • requires minimal equipment
     

  • can be modified for health conditions
     

This inclusivity ensures broad participation.

 

Cost-Effectiveness and ROI

Compared to advanced medical interventions, onsite yoga is:

  • low-cost
     

  • scalable
     

  • preventive rather than reactive
     

By reducing long-term healthcare costs, yoga delivers high return on investment for employers.

 

Yoga as Part of Preventive Healthcare

Preventive healthcare focuses on reducing risk factors before disease develops.

Weekly onsite yoga supports prevention by:

  • lowering stress-related disease risk
     

  • improving metabolic health
     

  • encouraging active lifestyles
     

  • supporting mental resilience
     

NITI Aayog recognises workplace wellness as a key lever for national health improvement.

 

Integration with Corporate Wellness Programs

Onsite yoga works best when integrated with:

  • preventive health checkups
     

  • stress management initiatives
     

  • nutrition education
     

  • digital health tracking
     

Integrated programs deliver stronger outcomes than isolated activities.

 

Overcoming Common Barriers

Some organisations hesitate due to:

  • time constraints
     

  • perceived lack of interest
     

  • space concerns
     

However, short, well-structured sessions (30–45 minutes) overcome these challenges effectively.

 

Long-Term Impact on Organisations

Organisations that adopt weekly onsite yoga observe:

  • healthier workforce
     

  • reduced burnout
     

  • improved morale
     

  • better long-term healthcare outcomes
     

Lancet workplace health studies show that consistent mind-body interventions yield benefits within 6–12 months.

 

Conclusion

Understanding how onsite yoga weekly benefits corporate wellness reveals why it is more than a fitness activity—it is a preventive health strategy. By addressing physical strain, mental stress and lifestyle risks, weekly onsite yoga supports healthier employees, stronger productivity and sustainable wellness culture. In today’s demanding corporate environment, investing in regular yoga sessions is an investment in long-term organisational resilience and success.

References

  • ICMR – Workplace Health and Lifestyle Disease Reports

  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Adult Health and Stress Indicators

  • NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Workplace Wellness Strategy

  • WHO – Physical Activity, Yoga and Mental Health Guideline

  •  Lancet – Mind-Body Interventions and Workplace Health Outcomes

  • EY-FICCI – Corporate Wellness and Productivity Report

  •  Statista – Corporate Wellness Program Trends India

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