Be vigilant against Hepatitis, say doctors

Chennai: On the occasion of World Hepatitis day, medical experts in city stress the need for more vigil among people against various threats posed by the disease.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO), every one in 100 people is affected by this condition in India. Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver can be self-limiting or progress to dangerous diseases such as fibrosis, cirrhosis or even liver cancer if not treated on time. Among the various causes, most common one is a virus called Hepatotropic Virus.

Among multiple types of this condition, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E is caused by contamination of water and food. Hepatitis A is the most common type that can be cured with some slight diet modification such as low fat and low protein intake. While Hepatitis E is also not a harmful condition, during pregnancy it causes 20  per cent mortality rate. Hence, it is advisable to take extra care during the ten-month period.  

At present, the condition of Hepatitis B, which also can be caused through blood transfusion, has considerably gone down with blood being cautiously screened before transfusion. The use of disposable needles also played a part in preventing it. There is also a vaccine that protects anybody from this condition.  Thayumanavan, Gastoentrologist says, “One method by which we can check for Hepatitis is to do a good act by trying to donate blood every year.  When you donate blood, the entire process of blood test is done therefore you can get free investigation on your blood and at the same time do a noble cause.”  

But unlike Hepatitis A and B, there are no vaccines yet to prevent Hepatitis C that can lead to chronic liver disease or even lung cancer. This condition is a blood-borne virus that is primarily caused by blood transfusion with unscreened blood, surgical procedures that follow unsafe practices, the use of non-sterile needles and even endogenous drug users. At present, Hepatitis C has a reliable and inexpensive cure at the rate of 100 per cent compared to a year ago if the virus is detected early and has not damaged the liver.

Most health programs focus on primary care measures to prevent Hepatitis which is much easier than treating it when the condition becomes severe. According to  Balaji, Consultant Surgical Oncologist, “The government has also taken initiatives to advertise these vaccines and are planning to introduce it as part of universal vaccination schedule for children.” The doctors also encourage patients to come and get screened. If anyone is detected with this condition, it is best the whole family is screened.