Causes, treatment options and prevention, future without hepatitis

Hepatitis Day: Hepatitis causes anorexia and discoloration of the skin

Hepatitis is defined as inflammation of the liver and is most often caused by the hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D and E. According to the World Health Organization, there are 325 million people suffering from hepatitis B and C, and more than 1.3 million people die worldwide each year. In India, 40 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus and 6 to 12 million people are infected with hepatitis C virus. The cause of serious concern is that only about 20% of these patients have access to testing, prevention and treatment information. Approximately 290 million people around the world suffer from these virus infections unnoticed. Therefore, it is even more important to start an action plan to find these “missing millions” through health awareness efforts. This ensures that these people receive proper and appropriate care and do not suffer.

World Hepatitis Day: Theme and Significance

World Hepatitis Day 2020 theme is “Hepatitis Free Future”, and it is becoming more important to know about the nature, prevention and treatment of these viral diseases. Hepatitis A and hepatitis E are usually self-limited infections and less severe than other types of viruses. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are the leading causes of hepatitis-related mortality and can lead to serious conditions, including long-term liver disease such as cirrhosis, acute chronic liver failure, liver cancer, and even death. It may cause a failure. Hepatitis D usually occurs in combination with hepatitis B. Hepatitis B and C pose a serious threat to India, as the numbers suggest.

Also read: World Hepatitis Day 2020: Understanding Five Types of Hepatitis

Hepatitis symptoms

The most common symptoms of these viruses are loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), pale stools, dark urine, abdominal pain, joint pain, fatigue, sudden weight loss, nausea, fever, vomiting. there is. However, apart from these common symptoms, they may not appear until liver damage occurs. Some patients with viral hepatitis A, B, and E may have sudden exacerbations, jaundice, drowsiness, and coma, often referred to as acute liver failure. Identifying patients with hepatitis B and C is often difficult. This is because no symptoms appear until about 80% of the liver is damaged. Patients with cirrhosis due to viral hepatitis B and C may have jaundice, fluid in the abdomen (ascites), bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, blood clotting problems, and damage to the brain, kidneys, and lungs due to liver damage. Knowledge of risk factors and performing diagnostic tests when someone has a risk factor are the main pillars to fight hepatitis. Diagnosis usually includes a physical examination, liver function tests, and blood tests to determine the type and load of viruses in the body.

Hepatitis causes liver damage
Photo credit: iStock

Hepatitis treatment

Post-diagnosis treatment strategies are based on whether the infection is acute or chronic. In the current scenario, people with pre-existing health conditions are at increased risk of becoming infected with the COVID-19 virus, so it is important to have them tested and start medication. Increasing awareness through campaigns, initiatives and discussions can disseminate information as well as reduce prejudice about illness. Awareness also allows access to tests and ultimately leads to early diagnosis.

Also read: Experts Bust Some Common Myths About Hepatitis

Hepatitis B and C are chronic diseases, but they are treated in the form of antiviral drugs. Patients with chronic hepatitis B and C require regular monitoring and assessment (monitoring) of liver cancer. The CDC recommends that all newborns receive the hepatitis B vaccine. This vaccine is also recommended for adults at high risk of developing hepatitis B and is a very effective method of prevention. Hepatitis C is currently treatable with antiviral drugs. Apart from following the prescribed treatment, it is also important to follow hygiene practices to prevent the disease from spreading to others.

In conclusion, educating the masses is a step-by-step approach to finding these missing millions and getting appropriate treatment and care. Only then will we be able to significantly reduce the number of patients suffering from these diseases, eliminate the risk of viruses in the future and realize the dream of a “hepatitis free” India.

Also read: 5 foods that damage your liver

(Dr. Amery Sonawane, Consultant, Liver and Gastroenterology, Apollo Hospital, Navi Mumbai)

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