Hepatitis Explained: Causes, Challenges, and the Way Forward

Hepatitis remains one of the most persistent health concerns globally. Every year, the disease claims over a million lives and infects millions more. July 28 marks World Hepatitis Day. The day serves as a reminder that while hepatitis continues to affect millions globally, the efforts to combat it are gaining strength every day.

In this blog post, we explain to you the fundamentals of hepatitis, covering its basics, types, and treatment options. Also, we shed light on the efforts and initiatives by governments, healthcare providers, and other organizations worldwide aimed at improving awareness, prevention, and treatment of the condition. Continue reading!

What Is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is a condition characterized by the inflammation of the liver. Inflammation is swelling that happens as the body’s response to injury or infection. Several things can result in liver injury and trigger hepatitis. Additionally, some viral infections can lead to hepatitis. Furthermore, hepatitis can occur as a result of diseases affecting the liver or the individual’s exposure to toxins like chemicals, drugs, or alcohol.

Individuals affected by hepatitis may experience sudden symptoms. In acute hepatitis, the symptoms may go away within a few months. However, the symptoms won’t go away and slowly get worse if the individual has chronic hepatitis. Hepatitis can significantly increase the risk of developing liver cancer. The cancer can then spread (metastasize) to other parts of the liver or other organs, necessitating liver metastases treatment.

Types of Hepatitis

There are several hepatitis types. Each of these types may be acute or chronic. Below, we’ve given an overview of some of the most common ones:

Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is caused by the infection from the hepatitis A virus (HAV). This type of hepatitis is an acute disease.

Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is the result of infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 257 million individuals globally are affected by this hepatitis type.

Hepatitis C: The hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes hepatitis C. HCV is a common bloodborne viral infection. It typically occurs as a long-term disease.

Hepatitis D: Hepatitis D is caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). For replication, it needs the presence of the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis D is the most severe form of viral hepatitis.

Hepatitis E: As a waterborne disease, hepatitis E is caused by exposure to the hepatitis E virus (HEV). It’s typically prevalent in regions with poor sanitation. It usually results from the ingestion of contaminated water that contains fecal matter. This rising incidence of hepatitis E has led to increased demand for hepatitis E diagnostic tests.

Toxic Hepatitis: This hepatitis form results from exposure to chemicals. This hepatitis form may be either acute or chronic. Drug-induced hepatitis and alcohol-induced hepatitis are other toxic hepatitis types.

Autoimmune Hepatitis: Autoimmune hepatitis occurs when the liver mistakenly attacks the body’s immune system. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications such as portal hypertension, cirrhosis, and even liver failure.

Diagnosis of Hepatitis Explained

Treating hepatitis requires a correct understanding of what causes it. A series of tests is typically conducted to diagnose the condition accurately. Below, we’ve explained them in detail:

History and Physical Exam

Diagnosing hepatitis starts with the healthcare professional assessing the individual’s medical history. This is done to rule out any risk factors they might have. During a physical examination, gentle pressure may be applied to the abdomen to assess for tenderness or pain. The healthcare professional may also check for liver swelling or yellow discoloration in the eyes or skin.

Liver Function Tests

These tests are performed to evaluate the liver's functioning. They typically involve the use of blood samples. Abnormal results of liver function tests may be the first sign that there’s an issue.

Other Blood Tests

If the results of the liver function tests are abnormal, additional blood tests are typically recommended to identify the source of the problem. These tests help determine if the individual has infectious hepatitis. They do so by checking for the presence of hepatitis viruses or the antibodies produced by the body to combat them.

Liver Biopsy

The treatment of hepatitis also involves assessing the liver for potential damage. During a liver biopsy, a sample of liver tissue is removed. This enables the healthcare provider to determine the effect of infection or inflammation on the liver.

History of World Hepatitis Day

The hepatitis virus was discovered by geneticist and physician Dr. Baruch Samuel Blumberg in the late 1960s. Dr. Blumberg was also responsible for the development of the first hepatitis B vaccine. He also received the Nobel Prize for the same. The birthday of Dr. Blumberg, which is on July 28, was selected as World Hepatitis Day to mark his contributions and achievements in the identification and treatment of the condition.

The world’s first hepatitis-related awareness campaign took place in October 2004. The event, named “International Hepatitis C Awareness Day,” was organized by various patient groups from Europe and the Middle East. Over time, these groups started holding similar events on different dates. As a result, it became challenging to convey a unified global message.

To bring everyone together and have a greater impact, the World Hepatitis Alliance and other organizations decided to adopt a single date. In 2008, May 19 was declared World Hepatitis Day. Then, in 2010, a resolution was passed by the World Health Assembly to move the day to July 28. The day was chosen to honor Dr. Baruch Samuel Blumberg.

Celebrating World Hepatitis Day 2025

The theme for World Hepatitis Day 2025 is Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down. It calls for urgent action to reduce barriers that prevent people from getting the care they need. These barriers take the form of costs, social stigma, and gaps in the healthcare system.

The campaign serves as a reminder that we need to make hepatitis care and liver disease diagnostics more accessible and improve the coordination of services. Additionally, it urges us to take strong action to stop hepatitis and liver cancer so we can end it as a major health problem by 2030.

To Conclude

To conclude, hepatitis is a major health concern whose effects are felt in every part of the world. With early diagnosis and curative treatment, it’s possible to win the fight against hepatitis. As we reflect on the progress made and the work ahead, let World Hepatitis Day serve as a global reminder that health equity, education, and action are essential every day of the year.