Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver, primarily caused by a viral infection. The disease can come with some painful symptoms and can be life-threatening too. Apart from a viral infection, there can be two other causes of hepatitis. These include autoimmune hepatitis, which is a disease that occurs when your body makes antibodies against your liver tissues. Hepatitis can also occur as a secondary result of drugs, medications, toxins, and alcohol. The following are the 5 common types of hepatitis.

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is the first among the most common types of hepatitis. It is caused by an infection with the HAV or hepatitis A virus. It is usually transmitted by consuming food or water that is contaminated by feces from a person, who is affected by Hepatitis A.

Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B, on the other hand, is transmitted through contact with infectious body fluids. These can be blood, vaginal secretion or semen containing the Hepatitis B virus or the HBV. Millions of people in the country suffer from this disease as a result of drug use, sex with an infected partner or sharing razors among many other potential factors.

Hepatitis C
The third in the list of the common types of hepatitis, hepatitis C is caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV is usually transmitted through direct contact with infected body fluids, but mostly through injection drug use and sexual contact. Hepatitis C is among the most frequent bloodborne viral infections in the country. A chronic form of this infection is extremely painful and life-threatening.

Hepatitis D
Also referred to as Delta Hepatitis, it is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). It occurs as a result of direct contact with infected blood. It is one of the not so common types of hepatitis and is quite rare because it occurs mostly in conjunction with the hepatitis B infection. The D virus, as such, cannot multiply without the presence of the B virus. In the country, it is uncommon compared to the other types of hepatitis mentioned so far.

Hepatitis E
Caused by the Hepatitis E virus, this one is primarily a water-borne disease. As such, this disease is usually found to be affecting people who live in areas with poor sanitation. Hepatitis E typically results from ingesting fecal matter that usually contaminates the water supply in these areas. Cases of Hepatitis E are reported in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. It is rather uncommon in the country.

Knowing about the common types of hepatitis can help you understand the symptoms as well as be aware of how exactly the disease affects a person. Certain types of this disease can be prevented with lifestyle alterations as well. For all these types, however, immediate medical attention is a must.