What Adds to the Risk of Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is today’s one of the major health concerns. According to a study around 290 million people across the world are living with viral hepatitis unaware. In some cases of Hepatitis, symptoms don’t occur even for years and in some cases, it can even cause liver failure. The liver’s proper functioning is necessary for the better health of even other organs in the body. Here some experienced doctors are sharing about the disease and its cure.

Hepatitis B:-

Dr. Naveen Kumar, Consultant, Gastroenterology, Narayana Hospital says: –

Hepatitis B is a type of liver infection. If a person is exposed in adulthood, most are able to clear the virus from their bodies without treatment. For other people, acute hepatitis B leads to a life-long infection known as chronic hepatitis B which can result in liver failure, liver cancer if not treated on time. Basically, this infection spreads from infected blood, unsafe sexual practices, and from infected mother to child. Prevention is the key and early treatment is the best way to prevent its complications. Never ignore symptoms like: –

• Fever

• Repeated episodes of Vomiting

• Fatigue

• Loss of appetite and Jaundice

Hepatitis can be asymptomatic even for decades and can convert into chronic liver failure. According to Dr. G.S. Lamba, Chief of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Sri Balaji Action Medical, Institute:-

Hepatitis B and C: – Both Hepatitis B and C are caused majorly by blood contact. In Hepatitis B around 90% of cases come out normal while 10 % may go on to develop chronic infection. In some of these patients, the virus remains active causing progressive liver damage and finally resulting in liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. While early detection is the key, one major trait of Hepatitis C is that it doesn’t show any symptoms even for decades, and when the symptoms appear the liver is already damaged to a great extent. Around 80% of cases of Hepatitis C convert into chronic liver disease.

Hepatitis A and E: – Unlike Hepatitis B and C these are caused by the consumption of infected water or food. The infected person develops symptoms like fever, loss of appetite, and vomiting followed by jaundice. In the majority of people, complete recovery would occur without any permanent damage to the liver. Treatment is mainly symptomatic.

Prevention:

Following steps would help in preventing Hepatitis B & C:-

• Safe blood transfusion. Blood should be tested to rule out hepatitis B&C before transfusion.

• Apart from other life-threatening infections, intravenous drug abusers are at a very high risk of hepatitis virus infections.

• Tattoo lovers should be aware that reuse of the same needle used on other persons can bring the infection.

• People taking salon services like manicure, pedicure, shaving, etc should be aware that contamination by the blood of these instruments carries the risk of hepatitis infection. Blades, nail cutters, etc may accidentally cut the skin and get soiled with blood so it is not wise to use the same tools on other people.

• Avoid unsafe sexual practices.

• Do not use reusable syringes or needles.

• Pregnant mothers with hepatitis B infection should seek proper medical advice to prevent transmission of infection to the newborn infant.

• Get yourself vaccinated against hepatitis B

While Hepatitis A and E can be prevented by:-

• Maintaining basic hygiene

• Consumption of properly cooked food, and clean filtered water.

Never ignore symptoms like:-

• Loss of appetite

• Repeated episodes of vomiting.

• Unexplained weakness lethargy or weight loss

• Jaundice

• Bruises on skin and bleeding from gums.

Hepatitis B and C are now very much treatable. Early diagnosis and treatment can save the liver and prevent the development of liver failure and liver cancer.