HEPATITIS 101: TYPES, HOW TO PREVENT IT, WHAT TO EAT & HOW IT’S TREATED

Hepatitis is a serious yet often misunderstood condition that affects the liver, an organ essential for digestion, detoxification, and immune support. It can range from a short-term illness to a chronic, life-threatening disease. In the UAE and globally, Hepatitis A, B, and C are the most common types, and knowing the differences between them is crucial for prevention, timely diagnosis, and effective treatment.

In this blog, you’ll discover:

• The different types of hepatitis (A, B, C, D, and E) and how each is transmitted.
• Early signs and symptoms to watch for.
• The latest treatments, including cures for hepatitis C and vaccines for A and B.
• How it can affect pregnancy and long-term health.
• What to eat and avoid with liver inflammation.
• And most importantly, how you can protect yourself and your loved ones through prevention, vaccination, and healthy habits.

Whether you’re concerned about your liver health or looking to learn more for someone you care about, this blog will walk you through everything you need to know, backed by the expertise of Reem Hospital’s medical team.

What Is Hepatitis? What Does It Mean?

The word hepatitis comes from the Greek words “hepar” meaning liver and “-itis” meaning inflammation. It simply means inflammation of the liver. This condition can be caused by viruses, toxic substances (like alcohol or certain medications), autoimmune reactions, or even metabolic diseases. Inflammation can interfere with the liver’s critical roles of filtering blood, digesting food, storing energy, and fighting infections.

Depending on the cause and type, it can be short-term (acute) and resolve on its own, or become long-term (chronic) and progressively damage liver tissue, possibly leading to cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.

Types of Hepatitis & How They Spread?

Identifying Early Signs & Symptoms

Hepatitis can range from silent to severe. Recognizing the signs early is key, especially for types B, C, and E.

Common Symptoms

• Fatigue & Weakness
• Loss of Appetite, Nausea & Vomiting
• Abdominal Pain—especially in the upper right quadrant
• Jaundice—yellowing of eyes and skin
• Dark Urine & Pale Stools
• Itchy Skin & Rash
• Fever, Joint Pain, Swelling

Hepatitis C and B symptoms may be subtle or delayed. Consider testing if you have risk factors or unexplained fatigue and digestive issues.

Did you know?
Many people with Hepatitis C don’t show symptoms for years, making regular screening the only way to catch it early and prevent liver damage.

Diagnosis and Lab Markers: How Hepatitis Is Confirmed?

Accurate diagnosis of hepatitis is essential not only for identifying the type of infection (A, B, C, etc.) but also for evaluating the extent of liver damage and guiding treatment decisions. Here are the primary tools your gastroenterologist may use:

1. Blood Tests (Liver Function Panel & Viral Markers)

These are usually the first steps in identifying liver inflammation or viral hepatitis:

• ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) and AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase): These enzymes are released into the blood when liver cells are damaged. Elevated levels often signal liver inflammation.
• Bilirubin: A yellow compound produced during red blood cell breakdown. High levels may lead to jaundice and indicate impaired liver processing.
• Albumin and Prothrombin Time (PT/INR): Assess the liver’s ability to synthesize proteins and clot blood.
• Virus-Specific Tests:
  • Antigen/Antibody screening (HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HAV IgM, etc.) to identify the virus type.
  • RNA or DNA PCR testing to detect the viral load, crucial in managing hep. B and C.

2. Imaging Tests

These help visualize the liver and detect structural changes:

• Ultrasound: A non-invasive scan to check for fatty liver, fibrosis, or tumors.
• CT (Computed Tomography) or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provide more detailed views of liver architecture, masses, or blood flow anomalies.

3. Liver Biopsy or FibroScan

• Liver Biopsy: A small tissue sample is taken using a needle to assess inflammation, scarring (fibrosis), and long-term damage like cirrhosis.
• FibroScan (Transient Elastography): A non-invasive ultrasound-based test that measures liver stiffness, helping assess the severity of fibrosis without needing a biopsy.

Hepatitis treatment options

Prevention & Recovery Tips for Hepatitis

• Stay Up to Date with Vaccinations
  The most powerful tool in prevention is immunization. Ensure you and your family are protected with the Hep. A vaccine and the Hep. B vaccine, both safe, effective, and widely recommended for children and adults. For adults at higher risk (healthcare workers, international travelers, pregnant women), the hepatitis B vaccination is essential.

• Practice Safe Food and Water Hygiene
  Since hepatitis A and E spread via the fecal-oral route, avoid unclean or undercooked food, drink only filtered or bottled water when traveling, and wash hands thoroughly after bathroom use and before meals. These measures reduce the risk of it from food poisoning or contaminated water.
• Use Safe Blood and Injection Practices
  Hepatitis B, C, and D are often transmitted through blood exposure, so never share needles, razors, or toothbrushes. Always ensure medical or tattooing procedures are performed with sterile equipment. Screen all donated blood to prevent Hep. C transmission.
• Practice Safe Sex
  Hep. B can be transmitted sexually. Use protection and get tested regularly if you have multiple partners or engage in high-risk behaviors.
• Screen High-Risk Individuals
  Routine screening is vital for pregnant women, travelers to endemic areas, and healthcare workers. Hepatitis during pregnancy, especially types B and E, requires early detection to reduce risks to both mother and baby.

Did you know?
Hepatitis B is up to 100 times more infectious than HIV, yet it’s preventable with a safe and effective vaccine.

Recovery & Screening

• Attend Regular Follow-ups
  Patients diagnosed with hepatitis B or C should schedule regular check-ups, including liver function tests (ALT, AST), imaging, and viral load monitoring. This helps assess grading, treatment success, or risk of liver complications such as cirrhosis or hepatitis-induced liver failure.
• Adopt a Liver-Friendly Lifestyle
  A recovery diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can support liver repair. Stay well-hydrated and limit alcohol, which can worsen liver inflammation and increase scarring.
• Maintain Long-Term Protection
  For those living with chronic Hep. B, viral suppression with antivirals helps prevent flare-ups and reduces the risk of transmission to others. This, along with hepatitis B vaccine coverage, plays a critical role in public health safety.

Conclusion

Hepatitis is common—but manageable and, in some cases, curable. With vaccines for Hep. A and B, and pioneering treatments for Hep. C, there’s more hope than ever before. Understanding types, preventing spread, adopting a liver-friendly diet, and monitoring treatment can help you stay healthy for years to come.

At Reem Hospital, our hepatitis specialists, lab teams, and nutrition counselors offer comprehensive screening, personalized treatment, vaccine administration, and long-term follow-up care. If you suspect you’re at risk—or just want guidance—reach out to ustoday. Your liver health matters.

For more details: DOH