10 Facts about Hepatitis

 

Hepatitis indicates serious inflammation of the liver. The spread of ‘Hepatitis viruses’ is the leading cause of infection among people, but alcohol, drugs, and autoimmune are some of the biggest concerns that provoke severity of the disease-causing life-altering liver ailments. Worldwide, viral hepatitis B and C affect 325 million people leading to 1.4 million deaths per year.

 

On this World Hepatitis Day, we have discussed the 10 important facts about hepatitis to raise awareness about the condition and its preventive measures.

 

• Hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cancer  

Chronic infection due to hepatitis B or C viruses doubles the risk of having cirrhosis or liver cancer over time. According to WHO, a person dies every 30 seconds from a hepatitis related illness, as it is one of the leading causes of deaths worldwide. Hepatitis C is the most serious form which can be cured with specific medications and lifestyle changes. In Hepatitis B and C, alcohol consumption and uncontrollable drug intake can worsen liver scarring and hasten the progression leading to developing liver cancer in no time. 

 

• Early diagnosis is vital for the treatment

You can get hepatitis and not know it. That’s why regular testing is important. Delay in recognising the symptoms and lack of awareness amongst people prevents them from seeking timely treatment. It is important to know that hepatitis is curable, and is completely treatable, if detected on time. People with Hepatitis C can be treated entirely within 2-3 months of diagnosis with the right treatment measures, whereas Hepatitis B is also controlled and treated with medications. However, your negligence towards seeking diagnosis can only increase the risk of chronic liver ailments or can lead to growth of cancer cells. 

 

• Viral hepatitis have 5 different forms

Hepatitis is a condition of liver inflammation which is broadly differentiated into five forms including A, B, C, D, and E. All of these hepatitis viruses can cause acute to life-altering liver diseases in the infected person. Hepatitis is the second most killer infection after tuberculosis in the world. In the absence of other liver diseases, Hepatitis A and E can cause illness for a short duration whereas, hepatitis B,C and D may last for prolonged duration causing serious liver damage. It is essential to detect the condition in the early stage and treat it before the development of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis or aggressive cancer cells. 

 

• Hepatitis is highly Preventable 

While vaccination is one of the safest and effective steps towards Hepatitis prevention, one can look for other ways to avoid the spread of hepatitis infections. Hygiene and cleanliness are the most important factors to protect from the hepatitis virus. It is advisable to wash your hands thoroughly after using the restroom, or coming in contact with other people’s blood, stool or bodily fluids. Avoid eating uncooked or raw food, contaminated water, and ensure that you wash all the food items before cooking. Do not share personal or intimate products such as razors, trimmers, toothbrushes, etc. Clean & cover cuts and wounds with the antiseptic solutions. Avoid taking drugs or heavy alcohol consumption. 

 

• Hepatitis isn’t just about STD

Unprotected intercourse has the highest risk of transmitting viral hepatitis, but there are several other ways one can get infected with the hepatitis. Exposure to infected syringes, contaminated medical equipment, intravenous drug abuse, or infected blood transfusions can lead to getting Hepatitis C, whereas ingestion of contaminated water or food can increase the risk of having acute hepatitis A. 

 

• Hepatitis can be asymptomatic

Often, people suffer from hepatitis and don’t show any signs at all! It happens mostly in the case of Hepatitis C where people aren’t aware about their condition and can spread it to others. Many people learn about the ailment after getting symptoms of liver diseases such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite or yellowing of skin which is mistaken for jaundice. Late diagnosis or no diagnosis increases the risk of acute hepatitis C progress to chronic hepatitis C.

 

• Hepatitis can be spread through Contaminated water 

Not all hepatitis viruses spread through direct contact of body fluids as Hepatitis A and E are transmitted due to infected water or food. In India, mostly children are prone to getting hepatitis A and E due to lack of sanitation facilities and poor hygienic conditions. Drinking safe potable water while travelling is a must to ensure safety against Hepatitis. Meanwhile, routine childhood vaccination and vaccination of at risk adults against Hepatitis A is the most effective way to reduce the risk of infection. 

 

• Jaundice cannot signify signs of hepatitis

There is a significant risk of having cirrhosis with hepatitis B and C, while other forms such as A, E or D aren’t linked to life-threatening conditions. If a person has a strong immunity, he or she can fight with the viruses such as hepatitis A or E without undergoing major medical treatment. Apparently, if the liver is affected and starts to exhibit early symptoms then it becomes easy to diagnose hepatitis. However, it is not necessary that everyone’s symptoms show up, the absence of yellow skin, or jaundice-like conditions doesn’t mean that one cannot have Hepatitis. 

 

• Vaccinations can protect from some types of hepatitis

Today, we have some effective vaccinations available to provide protection against different types of Hepatitis, including hepatitis A which spreads through ingestion of virus contaminated food or water, and hepatitis B that occurs through infected blood, semen or other bodily fluids. Hepatitis C can only spread through infected blood. According to WHO, “The best way to protect yourself is to get the hepatitis B vaccine, which is up to 95% effective at preventing infections.” Pregnant women are advised to undergo hepatitis tests at the earliest so they can get vaccinated before it can infect the fetus. 

 

• Drinking too much alcohol can make it worse

Once diagnosed, certain medications can help in controlling hepatitis but your lifestyle choices play a big role in managing the progression of the condition. If someone is a heavy drinker, it will become difficult to protect the liver from severe scarring. In both Hepatitis B and C, alcohol contributes to aggravating the condition and increases the risk of serious liver inflammation that leads to liver cell damage and cell death. Along with limiting alcohol, shedding some extra weight is equally important to drain build-up fat which can also lead to cirrhosis.