• 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?

  • WhatsApp share link icon
  • copy & share link icon
  • twitter share link icon
  • facebook share link icon

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.

Read Blog
Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Mosquito-Borne Diseases to Watch Out for in 2025

With changing weather patterns, longer monsoons, and rising humidity, 2025 is expected to see a spike in mosquito-borne illnesses across India. These diseases may seem common, but their symptoms can be severe—and in some cases, even fatal.

Let’s break down the mosquito-borne diseases to watch out for in 2025, their symptoms, risks, and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

 

What Are Mosquito-Borne Diseases?

These are illnesses spread by mosquito bites. When a mosquito bites someone infected with a virus or parasite, it can carry and transmit it to the next person it bites.

Mosquitoes like Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex species are the main culprits in spreading:

  • Dengue
     

  • Malaria
     

  • Chikungunya
     

  • Japanese Encephalitis
     

  • Zika Virus (less common in India)
     

 

Why 2025 Could Be a Riskier Year

Due to:

  • Heavy rainfall
     

  • Urban waterlogging
     

  • Higher humidity
     

  • Poor sanitation and stagnant water
     

…mosquito breeding will increase, especially during and after monsoon season. Experts suggest 2025 may see early outbreaks and longer illness durations.

 

1. Dengue Fever

Spread by: Aedes aegypti mosquitoes (bite during the day)
Symptoms:

  • High fever
     

  • Severe headaches
     

  • Muscle and joint pain
     

  • Skin rash
     

  • Low platelet count
     

Risks: If untreated, it can develop into Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, which causes internal bleeding and organ failure.

Test to confirm:

  • Dengue NS1 Antigen (early detection)
     

  • IgM/IgG antibodies
     

 

2. Malaria

Spread by: Anopheles mosquitoes (bite at night)
Symptoms:

  • Cyclic fever and chills
     

  • Sweating
     

  • Headaches
     

  • Vomiting
     

  • Muscle pain
     

Risks:
Severe malaria can affect the brain (cerebral malaria) or kidneys. Delayed treatment is dangerous.

Test to confirm:

  • Malaria antigen test
     

  • Peripheral smear test
     

 

3. Chikungunya

Spread by: Aedes mosquitoes
Symptoms:

  • Sudden fever
     

  • Joint pain that may last weeks or months
     

  • Headache
     

  • Rash
     

  • Fatigue
     

Risks:
Chronic arthritis-like symptoms may linger long after the virus is gone.

Test to confirm:

  • Chikungunya IgM Antibody test
     

 

4. Japanese Encephalitis (JE)

Spread by: Culex mosquitoes
Mostly affects: Children and young adults in rural or semi-urban areas

Symptoms:

  • High fever
     

  • Confusion
     

  • Seizures
     

  • Stiff neck
     

  • Vomiting
     

Risks:
Severe cases can lead to brain swelling, coma, or even death. JE has a vaccine available.

Test to confirm:

  • JE IgM Antibody ELISA
     

 

5. Zika Virus (Less Common but Rising Risk)

Spread by: Aedes mosquitoes
Symptoms:

  • Mild fever
     

  • Rash
     

  • Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
     

  • Joint pain
     

Special risk:
In pregnant women, Zika can cause birth defects like microcephaly.

Test to confirm:

  • Zika virus RT-PCR test
     

 

How to Protect Yourself in 2025

Here are easy steps to prevent mosquito bites and reduce illness risk:

Use Repellents

  • Apply mosquito repellents on skin and clothes
     

  • Use plug-in vaporizers or coils at home
     

Avoid Stagnant Water

  • Clear water from flower pots, coolers, and garbage areas
     

  • Clean water tanks and gutters regularly
     

Wear Full-Sleeved Clothes

  • Cover arms and legs, especially during dawn and dusk
     

Install Nets

  • Use mosquito nets around beds and windows
     

Get Tested Early

  • If you feel feverish or have symptoms after a mosquito bite, get tested quickly from trusted labs like SecondMedic.com, powered by Thyrocare
     

 

Conclusion

The year 2025 may bring fresh challenges in the form of rising mosquito-borne illnesses. Staying informed, preventing bites, and getting tested early are your best defenses.

Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Be alert, act early, and protect your loved ones from mosquito-borne diseases to watch out for in 2025.

See all

Live Doctor consultation
Live Doctor Chat

Download Our App & Get Consultation from anywhere.

App Download
call icon for mobile number calling and whatsapp at secondmedic