• 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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sleep

How Lack of Sleep Weakens Immunity: Why Poor Sleep Makes You Fall Sick More Often

Sleep is one of the most powerful yet overlooked pillars of health. While nutrition and exercise receive significant attention, sleep often takes a back seat in modern lifestyles. Understanding how lack of sleep weakens immunity reveals why people who sleep poorly fall sick more often, take longer to recover and experience chronic inflammation.

In India, late-night work culture, excessive screen time and irregular schedules have made sleep deprivation increasingly common across age groups.

 

The Link Between Sleep and the Immune System

The immune system relies on sleep for:

  • repair and regeneration

  • immune cell production

  • inflammation control

During deep sleep, the body releases cytokines and antibodies that protect against infections.

 

What Happens to Immunity During Sleep

While sleeping:

  • immune cells identify pathogens

  • inflammatory responses are regulated

  • memory T-cells strengthen immune memory

This nightly process prepares the body to fight infections effectively.

 

How Sleep Deprivation Disrupts Immune Function

When sleep is inadequate:

  • immune cell activity decreases

  • antibody production drops

  • inflammation increases

WHO studies confirm that sleep deprivation weakens immune defence mechanisms.

 

Increased Risk of Infections

People who sleep less than 6 hours regularly:

  • fall sick more often

  • catch colds and flu easily

  • recover slower from illness

Lancet research shows a strong link between sleep duration and infection susceptibility.

 

Impact on Inflammation

Poor sleep increases inflammatory markers.

Chronic inflammation:

  • weakens immune response

  • increases risk of chronic diseases

ICMR reports highlight sleep deprivation as a contributor to low-grade systemic inflammation.

 

Effect on Vaccine Response

Sleep quality affects how well vaccines work.

Studies show:

  • poor sleep reduces antibody response

  • adequate sleep improves vaccine effectiveness

Sleep is essential for immune memory formation.

 

Hormonal Changes That Affect Immunity

Sleep regulates hormones such as:

  • cortisol

  • melatonin

Lack of sleep increases cortisol, which suppresses immune function.

 

Stress, Sleep and Immunity

Sleep deprivation and stress reinforce each other.

High stress:

  • disrupts sleep

  • suppresses immune cells

This cycle weakens overall resistance to illness.

 

Impact on Gut Immunity

The gut hosts a major part of the immune system.

Poor sleep:

  • disrupts gut microbiome

  • weakens gut immunity

Lancet studies link sleep deprivation to gut-related immune dysfunction.

 

Why Children and Older Adults Are More Vulnerable

Sleep deprivation affects:

  • children’s developing immune systems

  • older adults’ already weakened immunity

Adequate sleep is especially important in these age groups.

 

Signs Your Immunity Is Affected by Poor Sleep

Warning signs include:

  • frequent infections

  • slow wound healing

  • constant fatigue

  • increased allergies

These symptoms indicate compromised immune defence.

 

Long-Term Health Risks of Poor Sleep

Chronic sleep deprivation increases risk of:

  • infections

  • autoimmune disorders

  • metabolic diseases

  • heart disease

Sleep loss affects nearly every body system.

 

Role of Preventive Health Awareness

Preventive healthcare emphasises:

  • sleep as a foundation of immunity

  • early lifestyle correction

NITI Aayog recognises sleep hygiene as essential for population health.

 

How to Improve Sleep for Better Immunity

Effective strategies include:

  • fixed sleep and wake times

  • limiting screen exposure before bed

  • avoiding caffeine late in the day

  • creating a dark, quiet sleep environment

Consistency matters more than duration alone.

 

Myths About Sleep and Immunity

Myth: You can catch up on sleep later
Fact: Chronic sleep debt harms immunity.

Myth: Sleeping pills improve immunity
Fact: Natural sleep is more beneficial.

 

Why Sleep Is a Preventive Medicine

Sleep:

  • costs nothing

  • requires no equipment

  • delivers powerful immune protection

It is one of the most effective preventive health tools.

 

Conclusion

Understanding how lack of sleep weakens immunity highlights the critical role of sleep in protecting the body from infections and chronic disease. Poor sleep disrupts immune cell function, increases inflammation and reduces resistance to illness. Prioritising consistent, quality sleep is not optional—it is essential for strong immunity, faster recovery and long-term health. Protecting sleep today strengthens immune defence for tomorrow.

 

References

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Sleep, Immunity and Inflammation Studies

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Sleep and Immune Health Guidelines

  • National Institutes of Health – Sleep Deprivation and Immunity

  • Lancet – Sleep Duration and Infection Risk

  • NITI Aayog – Preventive Health and Lifestyle Recommendations

See all

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