World Hepatitis Day

World Hepatitis Day

Jul 27th, 2020

Posts Tagged ‘ Hepatitis Symptoms ’

World Hepatitis Day

Monday, July 27th, 2020

Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver. Inflammation is a tissue’s reaction to irritation or injury which generally results in swelling and can cause pain. The condition can be self-limiting or can progress to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis, or liver cancer if left untreated. Hepatitis viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis in the world but other infections, toxic substances (e.g. alcohol, certain drugs), and autoimmune diseases can also cause hepatitis.

There are 5 main hepatitis viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. As per World Health Organisation (WHO), 300 million people across the world are infected with Hepatitis, yet unaware of it and do not undergo treatment. It is essential to be proactive about your liver health and get tested for hepatitis. Over time, untreated hepatitis B or C can cause hardening and scarring (cirrhosis) of the liver, which can cause complications like liver cancer or liver failure.

Types of Hepatitis

There are at least five different types of viral hepatitis: A, B, C, D and E.

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is spread by either direct contact with an infected person’s faeces or by indirect faecal contamination of food or water.

Symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Light stool
  • Dark urine
  • Jaundice

Maintaining high levels of hygiene, before and after meals, while cooking and after using the washroom is a good way to prevent hepatitis A. Take the Hepatitis A vaccination.

Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be spread through:

  • Urine
  • Semen
  • Body fluids
  • Mother to child

Symptoms can include:

  • Jaundice
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Fever

A blood test helps diagnose Hepatitis B. There is a vaccine available to protect people at high risk for the infection. Practice safe sex, do not share needles or razors, and get tattoos done only at hygienic places.

Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C (HCV) is most commonly spread by exposure due to contaminated blood or needles, and unsafe sex. Symptoms for HCV are similar to other types of hepatitis. There’s no vaccine available for Hepatitis C.

Hepatitis D
Unlike the other forms, hepatitis D can’t be contracted on its own. It can only infect people who are already infected with hepatitis B. People with HBV often develop hepatitis D (HDV).

Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is found in underdeveloped areas of the world and is spread by the faecal/oral route. The risk factors for hepatitis E are related to poor sanitation, contaminated drink water, and poor personal hygiene.

Hepatitis: Myths & Facts

Myth: All Hepatitis viruses are the same.
Fact: Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E are different viruses with different modes of transmission and clinical manifestations. While Hepatitis A and E are transmitted by ingestion of contaminated food, Hepatitis B and C are transmitted by blood transfusion, unprotected sex, and tattoos. Hepatitis D occurs only in patients with Hepatitis B.

Myth: All patients with Hepatitis have jaundice.
Fact: Absence of jaundice does not rule out acute hepatitis viral infection, which can present sometimes only with constitutional symptoms such as fever, vomiting, poor appetite, lethargy with high liver enzymes.

Myth: Hepatitis is hereditary
Fact: Hepatitis is not a genetic disease and is not inherited. However, Hepatitis B is often transmitted from mother to child during childbirth. This can be prevented if the Hepatitis status of the mother is known and the newborn is vaccinated on time.

Myth: If one gets hepatitis A, then one is immune to the other forms of hepatitis.
Fact: Patients with Hepatitis A get lifelong protection against hepatitis A only. One is still at risk of infection with other forms of hepatitis like B, C, and E.

Myth: Hepatitis virus cannot survive outside the human body
Fact: Hepatitis B virus can survive in dried blood for up to 7 days and remains capable of causing infection. Hepatitis C virus can survive on environmental surfaces for up to 16 hours.

Myth: Vaccine is available against all types of Hepatitis virus.
Fact: Vaccines are available only against Hepatitis A and B.

Prevent Hepatitis

Here are some health tips to follow to protect your liver health and to prevent the spread of the highly infectious viral Hepatitis infection:

  • Don’t have unsafe sex.
  • Don’t inject illegal drugs.
  • Don’t drink alcohol as it harms your liver and makes your hepatitis worst.
  • Don’t share any personal items such as razors or toothbrushes.
  • Speak to your doctor about getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.
  • Follow strict food safety guidelines.

Hepatitis in India
With an estimated 40 million people suffering from chronic Hepatitis B and six to 12 million people infected with Hepatitis C, Hepatitis has become a public health concern in India. Viral Hepatitis caused by Hepatitis Viruses A, B, C, D and E is a huge economic and social burden on the affected individuals and their families. Low awareness levels and lack of timely treatment may damage your liver health.

Concerned about any jaundice like symptoms? Suspect Hepatitis? Specialists at our Department of  Hepato Pancreato Biliary help you with further diagnosis and testing. The team supports Hepatitis patients with a complete recovery plan. For more information about Hepatitis and its treatment please visit: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/hepatopancreatobiliary.html

World Hepatitis Day

Sunday, July 28th, 2019

World Hepatitis Day is observed on 28th July every year. Hepatitis refers to an inflammatory liver condition. This is commonly caused by a viral infection, but there are other possible causes of hepatitis. These include autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis that occurs as a secondary result of medications, drugs, toxins, and alcohol.

Your liver performs many critical functions for your body including:

  • Bile production, which is essential to digestion.
  • Filtering of toxins from your body.
  • Excretion of bilirubin, cholesterol, hormones, and drugs.
  • Breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
  • Activation of enzymes.
  • Storage of glycogen (a form of sugar), minerals, and vitamins (A, D, E, and K).
  • Synthesis of blood proteins, such as albumin.
  • Synthesis of clotting factors.
Types

Hepatitis has several different types, but the symptoms of each are similar. Hepatitis can take acute or chronic forms. The three main types of hepatitis are known as hepatitis A, B, and C. Each is caused by a different virus.

Hepatitis A

It is often mild, and most patients make a full recovery, after which they are immune and therefore protected from the virus in the future. However, if it progresses, symptoms can be severe or life-threatening. There is a vaccination available against this virus.

The virus most commonly spreads when you eat or drink something contaminated with faecal matter. There is no specific treatment for HAV. The doctor will advise the patient to abstain from alcohol and drugs during the recovery.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and is spread through contact with infected blood, semen, and some other body fluids. It can be a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

The liver of a person infected with hepatitis B swells. This can cause severe damage and the infection may become chronic too. This can lead to complications, including scarring of the liver, or cirrhosis. It may also cause a type of cancer known as hepatocellular carcinoma. There is a safe and effective vaccine that can protect against Hepatitis B virus (HBV).

A patient with HBV needs to rest and abstain completely from alcohol. The doctor may prescribe antiviral suppressive therapies.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) can lead to liver damage and swelling. Around 1 in 4 people with HCV get cirrhosis, and this can lead to liver cancer. A person contracts the HCV by coming into contact with infectious fluids and secretions from someone else who is already infected.

There is no vaccine to prevent HCV, but treatment can cure it.  A combination of therapies is now available to treat the hepatitis C virus based on its subtype. These treatments target viral replication and prevent the virus from being able to reproduce. When taken correctly, the cure rate is very high.

Symptoms

Many people with hepatitis experience either mild or no symptoms. When symptoms appear, they can do so from 15 to 180 days after infection. This rule is common for all types of hepatitis.

Acute Hepatitis

The initial phase of hepatitis is called the acute phase. The symptoms are similar to mild flu, and may include:

  • Diarrhoea.
  • Fatigue.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Weight loss.
  • Jaundice.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Mild fever.
  • Muscle or joint aches.
  • Slight abdominal pain.

The acute phase is not usually dangerous, however, it may progress to a chronic infection. This is most likely with HBV or HCV.

As the disease progresses, chronic hepatitis can lead to progressive liver failure, resulting in jaundice, swelling of the lower extremities, and blood in the faeces or vomit.

Prevention

Hepatitis can be dangerous and difficult to treat, so people are advised to take precautions against any possible infection.

Preventing hepatitis A

The following steps can help avoid infection:

  • Wash hands with soap after using the bathroom.
  • Only consume food that has just been cooked.
  • Only drink boiled water.
  • Get vaccinated.
Preventing hepatitis B

To minimize the risk of transmission:

  • Practice safe sex.
  • Only use previously unused, clean needles.
  • Do not share toothbrushes, razors, or manicure instruments.
  • Ensure use of the use of well-sterilized instruments for a tattoo, piercing, or acupuncture.
  • Get vaccinated.
How to prevent hepatitis C

To minimize the risk of transmission:

  • Do not share needles, toothbrushes, or manicure equipment.
  • Practice safe sex.
  • Make sure equipment is well-sterilized for any skin piercing.
  • Consume alcohol with moderation.
  • Do not inject illegal drugs.

Do you notice any Hepatitis symptoms? Consult our experts at our Department of  Hepato Pancreato Biliary for further tests and diagnosis.