28 July is celebrated as World Hepatitis Day every year. The theme for this year is “Bringing hepatitis care closer to you”. There are around 400 million people across the world affected by hepatitis. Hepatitis is a leading cause of serious illness worldwide. Hepatitis is a silent killer, as most people infected with the virus show no symptoms and are unaware of their infection. As a result, the majority of people remain unaware of the fact that they have Hepatitis.
What Is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis results in inflammation of the liver. Our liver is responsible for performing many important functions like producing bile that helps in digestion, helping flush away toxins, breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, storing vitamins and minerals, and playing a vital role in blood clotting, etc. Hepatitis causes trouble for the liver to carry out its duties.
Different Hepatitis Types
There are 5 types of Hepatitis – A, B, C, D, and E. Each of the variants is triggered by a different kind of virus.
Hepatitis A –
It is caused by the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV). It is not that dangerous and does not last long. It usually occurs when you consume food or water that contains faecal matter from any person infected who has Hepatitis A. Drinking clean water is the key to safeguard yourself from Hepatitis A.
Hepatitis B –
Hepatitis B is triggered by the Hepatitis B Virus. It is the most prevalent form of the disease and is transmitted when you come in contact with bodily fluids of an infected person such as blood, semen, or vaginal fluids. Sharing razors or syringes with a Hepatitis B infected person can cause it.
Nearly 40 million people have been diagnosed with Hepatitis B in India.
Hepatitis C – It is caused by Hepatitis C Virus HCV. It is transmitted through sexual contact with a person diagnosed with Hepatitis C. Using the same syringe also causes it.
Hepatitis D –
Triggered by the Hepatitis D Virus. It is the rarest kind of Hepatitis and is accompanied by Hepatitis B. It is caused by contact with infected blood.
Hepatitis E –
Hepatitis E Virus is responsible for causing this and it is water-born. It is common in those regions where sanitation is inadequate.
The Autoimmune Aspect –
An autoimmune response is sometimes responsible for Hepatitis. This usually swells up the liver.
Some Common Hepatitis Symptoms
- Yellow tinted skin and eyes
- Pain in the abdomen
- Rapid weight loss
- Fever
- Muscle and body ache
- Dark colored urination
- Pale stool
- Liver Cirrhosis
How to treat Hepatitis
Hepatitis A doesn’t require treatment as it goes away on its own. Bed rest and rehydration fluids and fever medicines might be recommended to you. However, Hepatitis B and C can be cured by antiviral medicines. No vaccines for Hepatitis C have been invented yet and neither are there any medicines for Hepatitis D. Hepatitis E also cures on its own but Autoimmune Hepatitis is treated with corticosteroids.
On World Hepatitis Day, PSR steps forward with the health awareness message. You should adopt preventive measures like maintaining personal hygiene, consuming healthy food and water, and having protected sexual intercourse. Also, don’t forget to vaccinate your family so that together we can make the world free of Hepatitis.