• 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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CRP Test Meaning and When to Do It

CRP Test Meaning and When to Do It

If you’ve recently had blood work or your doctor suspects an infection or inflammation, they may have recommended a CRP test. But what is it? Why is it important? And when exactly should you get it done?

Let’s simplify the medical jargon and walk you through the CRP test meaning and when to do it, especially in the Indian healthcare context.

 

What Is a CRP Test?

CRP stands for C-reactive protein. It is a substance produced by your liver in response to inflammation in the body.

The CRP test is a blood test that measures the amount of C-reactive protein in your blood. High levels of CRP usually mean there’s inflammation in your body, which could be due to an infection, injury, or a chronic disease like arthritis.

High CRP = Inflammation Alert

This test doesn’t tell you what’s causing the inflammation—it simply tells you that something is wrong, and further testing might be needed.

 

What Does the CRP Test Detect?

While CRP is a general marker, it is helpful in detecting:

  • Bacterial or viral infections
     

  • Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
     

  • Inflammatory bowel diseases
     

  • COVID-19 severity
     

  • Heart disease risk (especially with high-sensitivity CRP or hs-CRP)
     

 

When Should You Do a CRP Test?

You should get a CRP test done when:

  1. You have fever or chills that won’t go away
     

  2. You’re showing signs of infection like cough, swelling, or pain
     

  3. Your doctor is monitoring an autoimmune disease
     

  4. You’re recovering from surgery or injury
     

  5. Your doctor is checking inflammation due to chronic disease
     

  6. You are showing COVID-like symptoms (to assess severity)
     

 

Normal CRP Levels:

CRP Level

Interpretation

Below 1 mg/L

Low risk of inflammation

1–3 mg/L

Moderate risk

Above 3 mg/L

High inflammation or infection present

Above 10 mg/L

May indicate serious infection or disease

Note: For heart disease risk, a high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test is used.

 

Is Fasting Required for the CRP Test?

No, fasting is not required. You can take the CRP test at any time of day, unless it is being done with other tests that require fasting (like blood sugar or cholesterol).

 

Lab Tests Packages Including CRP

You can book a CRP test alone or as part of a health package via SecondMedic.com, powered by Thyrocare:

Basic CRP Test

  • Detects inflammation/infection
     

  • Simple blood draw
     

  • Home sample collection
     

COVID Monitoring Panel

  • CRP, D-Dimer, Ferritin, CBC
     

  • Recommended if you have COVID symptoms or are recovering
     

Inflammation Panel

  • CRP + ESR + CBC + Liver Profile
     

  • For those with chronic fatigue, joint pain, or autoimmune diseases
     

 

Lifestyle Tips If Your CRP is High

A high CRP may indicate ongoing inflammation. Along with medical treatment, here are some tips:

  • Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
     

  • Cut down on sugar and processed food
     

  • Include omega-3 rich foods like flaxseed and fish
     

  • Exercise regularly
     

  • Manage stress and sleep better
     

  • Quit smoking and limit alcohol
     

 

5 Most Asked Questions About the CRP Test

1. What is the CRP test used for?

CRP tests are used to check for inflammation due to infections, autoimmune diseases, and to monitor treatment effectiveness.

2. What causes a high CRP level?

Infections, chronic inflammation, surgery, injuries, and lifestyle diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

3. Is a CRP test painful?

No. It’s a simple blood test and usually takes just a few minutes.

4. How long does it take to get CRP test results?

Most labs deliver CRP results within 24 to 48 hours.

5. Can CRP levels return to normal?

Yes, with proper treatment and lifestyle changes, CRP levels can go back to the normal range.

 

Booking a CRP Test Online (Thyrocare via SecondMedic)

Here’s how you can book it:

  1. Go to www.secondmedic.com
     

  2. Search for "CRP Test – Thyrocare"
     

  3. Select home sample collection
     

  4. Enter your location and schedule pickup
     

  5. Get digital results within 1–2 days
     

 

Conclusion

The CRP test is a simple, affordable, and powerful tool to detect inflammation early. Whether you’re dealing with an infection, monitoring a chronic condition, or recovering from illness, this test gives your doctor a clearer picture of what’s happening inside your body.

Don’t ignore signs like unexplained fever, fatigue, or body pain. Get tested.

If you’re wondering about CRP test meaning and when to do it — the answer is simple: whenever inflammation or infection is suspected, this test is your body's alert system.

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