• 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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Food Poisoning in Monsoon

How to Prevent Food Poisoning in Monsoon

Monsoon brings relief from the heat—but along with cool breezes and rains come increased chances of infections, especially food poisoning. The high moisture in the air creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, making food more likely to spoil and cause illness.

In this article, we’ll help you understand how to stay safe with easy, practical tips on how to prevent food poisoning in monsoon.

 

Why Is Food Poisoning So Common in Monsoon?

The damp and humid conditions during the rainy season promote bacterial and fungal growth. This contamination can easily affect the food we eat and the water we drink.

Common causes of food poisoning in monsoon include:

  • Eating contaminated street food
     

  • Drinking unfiltered or untreated water
     

  • Improper storage or refrigeration
     

  • Eating undercooked or reheated leftovers
     

Symptoms can range from mild stomach pain to vomiting, diarrhea, and fever—and can become serious if not treated on time.

 

How to Prevent Food Poisoning in Monsoon: Easy Tips

Let’s go step by step into what you should do (and not do) during this season to avoid foodborne illness:

 

1. Avoid Street Food and Raw Salads

Street vendors often use unclean water and keep food exposed to dust, flies, and pollution. In monsoon, this risk becomes even higher.

What to avoid:

  • Chaat, golgappas, sandwiches from carts
     

  • Cut fruits or raw vegetables sold outside
     

  • Juices from roadside stalls
     

Instead, eat home-cooked meals where you can control the hygiene.

 

2. Drink Only Boiled or Purified Water

Unfiltered water is a major cause of stomach infections during monsoon. Make sure your drinking water is:

  • Boiled for 10 minutes, or
     

  • Filtered using a RO/UV purifier, or
     

  • Packaged from a trusted brand
     

Avoid consuming water-based drinks like sherbets or ice made with unclean water.

 

3. Eat Fresh and Hot Food

In monsoon, bacteria multiply quickly. Avoid eating food that has been left out for hours.

Tips:

  • Eat freshly cooked meals while still warm
     

  • Avoid reheating food multiple times
     

  • Don't leave cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours
     

 

4. Refrigerate Perishables Quickly

Your fridge is your best friend in this season—but only if you use it right.

Refrigeration tips:

  • Store cooked food in airtight containers
     

  • Don't keep raw meat and vegetables together
     

  • Use leftovers within 24 hours
     

  • Check for expired or spoiled food regularly
     

 

5. Clean Fruits and Vegetables Properly

Rainwater often brings mud and germs to fresh produce. Even greens from the market can carry bacteria and insect eggs.

Cleaning tips:

  • Wash produce thoroughly with clean water
     

  • Use salt water or vinegar soak for 10–15 minutes to disinfect
     

  • Peel fruits like mangoes and bananas before eating
     

  • Avoid leafy vegetables that are difficult to clean, like spinach and lettuce
     

 

6. Practice Good Kitchen Hygiene

Contamination often starts in your kitchen.

Hygiene habits to follow:

  • Wash hands before and after handling food
     

  • Keep utensils and chopping boards dry and clean
     

  • Don't let water collect on kitchen surfaces
     

  • Wash dish cloths and sponges regularly
     

 

Related Health Checkups to Consider

If you're experiencing stomach problems or want to monitor your digestive health during monsoon, these lab tests (available via SecondMedic powered by Thyrocare) may help:

???? Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Checks for infections or inflammation.

???? Stool Routine & Culture Test

Detects bacterial infections, parasites, or digestive disorders.

???? CRP Test (C-Reactive Protein)

Shows whether your body is fighting an infection.

???? Food Intolerance Test

For people with recurring food-related digestive issues.

All tests come with home sample collection and online report access at www.secondmedic.com.

 

Foods You Can Eat During Monsoon

Here are some healthy, safe food choices during the rainy season:

  • Warm soups and khichdi – light and easy to digest
     

  • Steamed vegetables – safer than raw
     

  • Ginger tea – helps digestion
     

  • Turmeric milk – natural immunity booster
     

  • Boiled eggs or well-cooked lean meat
     

Avoid oily, uncooked, or refrigerated food that’s more than a day old.

 

Conclusion

Monsoon brings beauty, but also bacteria. Staying safe is all about being smart with your food and water. By following simple hygiene rules and eating fresh, clean food, you can enjoy the season without worrying about stomach issues.

Be alert, eat smart, and protect your family by following these tips on how to prevent food poisoning in monsoon.

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