Three Types of Viruses
There are three common infectious diseases of the liver, aka hepatic disease, and all are caused by a virus. Hepatitis A, HAV, is caused by eating contaminated foods and drinks. Hepatitis B, HBV, is typically caused by sexual contact. Hepatitis C, HCV, is caused by direct contact with contaminated blood. Good hygiene is an essential practice in preventing transmission.
Hepatitis can also be caused by alcohol and other toxins and infections, as well as an autoimmune response where the body attacks itself. Obesity can also cause liver damage, leading to inflammation. These causes are non-infectious.
Patients infected with HBV or HCV develop chronic viruses that live and multiply in the liver for years or decades. There has yet to be an explanation as to why the liver cannot kick these two infections. These diseases carry the threat of chronic inflammation of the liver and can lead to scarring on the liver (cirrhosis), liver cancer or liver failure.
The 8 Signs of Hepatitis
Typically, hepatitis starts with flu-like symptoms. Except for signs of jaundice, which is associated with liver and other diseases. Eight signs of a hepatitis infection are:
1. Jaundice -- the yellowing of the skin, mucus membranes and the white of the eyes. It is caused by high levels of bilirubin, a chemical in the blood. Jaundice is not an illness, per se, but is the visible symptom of an underlying disease process.
2. Mild fever
3. Dark urine
4. Light-colored stools