In recent times, liver disease is on the rise worldwide, especially due to changes in lifestyle and diet. In India, about 20 lakh people die of liver disease every year. Liver inflammation and inflammation of the liver can be caused by infections such as viruses and non-infectious diseases such as chemicals, drugs, alcohol, autoimmune diseases and some rare genetic disorders.
This year, the World Health Organization launched a global initiative for viral hepatitis awareness, information and prevention under the theme “Time to Act”. The viruses that cause hepatitis are named hepatitis A-E. Most of them are blood borne infections. In particular, hepatitis B infection is widespread in Asian and African countries. Hepatitis A and E are caused by contaminated food and water. The other three viruses – B, C and D are blood-borne infections spread from an infected person.
They are also caused by mother-to-child transmission during childbirth, unsafe injections, unsafe blood transfusions, injuries, and unprotected sex. Razors and brushes used by the affected person should also not be used. Not all people are infected with the hepatitis B virus. Although a large number of individuals are infected with the virus, only a small proportion (approximately 10%) are able to clear the virus, particularly those infected in childhood. Over time, it causes permanent liver damage in the form of liver disease and liver cancer. It is more common among middle-aged people (30-60 years). In the early stages of acute hepatitis B, there are no symptoms. It can only be diagnosed by clinical examination.
About 90% of infected people recover with the development of antibodies and clear the virus from their bodies within six months. While only a small proportion of them are affected by this disease in childhood, many of them develop severe liver damage over time. About 80-90% of infants and 30-50% of children are affected before the age of six. People with chronic infections eventually develop cirrhosis or liver cancer. In addition to liver damage, hepatitis B infection can cause skin rashes, anemia, damage to blood vessels, joints, kidneys, and nerves.
Common symptoms of hepatitis include severe fatigue, abdominal pain, body aches, myalgia, fever, nausea, and glycemic index disturbances. When the disease is severe, it can cause discolored urine, yellowing of the eyes, leg swelling, abdominal cramps, discomfort, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, sleep disturbances and coma.
Blood tests to diagnose hepatitis include tests for viruses in the blood (viral serology), detection of viral DNA and RNA in the blood, and an ultrasound scan of the abdomen. Some advanced scans such as fibroscan and magnetic resonance elastography are useful in treating this. The advantage of piproscan in this is that it helps to accurately detect the fatty area in the liver and the extent of liver damage. Preprandial blood glucose levels, HbA1c levels, blood cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and HOMA insulin levels are clinical tests performed to identify risk factors in hepatitis patients.
All individuals who develop chronic viral hepatitis are treated with oral antiviral drugs such as entecavir and tenofovir. These drugs usually have few side effects when taken once a day. However, they are not a complete cure for everyone. So some patients have to take them for life.
It slows down the progression to cirrhosis, aids in long-term survival and reduces the formation of liver cancer. Hepatitis B infection is prevented by vaccination. As recommended by the World Health Organization and the universal immunization program implemented in India since 1985, hepatitis B vaccine should be administered to all newborns within 24 hours of birth.
The initial dose is followed by three consecutive doses at 6, 10 and 14 weeks (currently given as pentavalent vaccine along with diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus and H influenzae vaccines). These induce protective antibody levels in 95% of children and remain safe for more than 20 years and throughout life.
Hepatitis B is one of the safest and most administered vaccines worldwide, with very few side effects. The Hepatitis B Foundation urges all people at risk for the infection to get vaccinated. This simple step can prevent hepatitis B-related diseases and liver cancer.
Using disposable needles and not using used needles can protect you from this disease. Proper selection of blood donors and quality assurance of all blood products prior to blood donation is very important. Similarly, practicing safe sex can prevent this disease.
After successful vaccination programs, the prevalence of hepatitis B infection is slowly decreasing. A major concern with hepatitis now is metabolically related fatty liver disease. The main reason for this increasing disease is lifestyle, eating habits and sedentary work. In addition, alcohol consumption is a significant risk factor for developing hepatitis. Other rare causes include autoimmune liver disease (where one’s own immune system damages the liver), certain genetic diseases, and metabolic disorders.
All patients with the above-mentioned risks are advised to have their liver health checked with basic blood tests and a liver scan. Only a minority of patients may need medication and most people with hepatitis can manage it by changing their activities. Prevention is better than cure. A simple medical check-up is a good idea to rule out major liver problems in the future.
Important steps in the prevention of hepatitis
Eating a healthy diet, avoiding excess sugar, rich foods, soft drinks, etc., and avoiding taking harmful substances including alcohol.
Daily exercise – 30 to 45 minutes of brisk walking Regular medical check-ups
Vaccination
The main objective of this article is to create awareness among people about this disease. Prevention is better than cure. We can prevent the spread of this disease by identifying risk factors through proper medical checkups and following a healthy diet and lifestyle.