Hyderabad: The liver is one of the most vital organs in our body. Inflammation of the liver is known as Hepatitis. It can be caused by excessive alcohol consumption, viral infections due to pollution, or an increase in fat in the liver. This disease can affect people of all ages from children to the elderly regardless of gender. Fortunately, effective treatments are now available.Doctors from Kamineni Hospitals, one of the leading hospitals in the city, advised that early detection and timely treatment is the key. On the occasion of World Hepatitis Day (July 28), Dr. V.R. Sumanth Kumar, Dr. Tejaswini Tumma (Consultant Gastroenterologists), and Dr. A.V. Krishna Chaitanya, Senior Consultant & Director, Liver Transplant Surgeon spoke to the media.“Hepatitis comes in several forms, mainly A, B, C, D, and E. Viral hepatitis is caused by these viruses, mainly due to contaminated food and water. It can also spread from person to person. Types A and E are more common in spring. B and C spread through blood transfusions, using shared needles, getting tattoos, or unprotected sexual activity. Other forms are caused by alcohol abuse and fatty liver, which are not contagious,” they said.Recently, cases due to contaminated water have increased. Earlier, people rarely got tested due to lack of awareness. Many relied on herbal or Ayurvedic remedies, assuming jaundice was a major illness. With increased awareness, screenings have risen, and more cases are being detected.In many, there may be no symptoms at all. In the early stages, symptoms are often absent. Common symptoms across types include jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes), dark urine, nausea, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Viral hepatitis especially causes appetite loss and uneasiness. Some may feel mild upper right abdominal pain. Hepatitis B and C are often detected through screening—typically during pre-surgical tests.Hepatitis B can be prevented in advance through vaccination. A three-dose vaccine is available and effective. Even if not taken in childhood, it can be taken later. It significantly reduces the risk of infection. Unfortunately, there are no vaccines yet for Hepatitis C, D, and E, though research is ongoing. A recent vaccine for Hepatitis A is available, but only for children.Each type of hepatitis requires different treatment.• Quitting alcohol and eating a nutritious diet helps reduce alcoholic hepatitis.• Fatty liver requires stage-specific treatment, reducing sugar intake and increasing protein.• Regular exercise is essential, and maintaining proper BMI is beneficial.• Hepatitis B and C have excellent treatment options.o Hepatitis C can be completely cured if detected before liver damage.o Hepatitis B treatment has become much more affordable—from thousands to just a few hundred rupees per month (just one tablet daily).• Hepatitis A and E are self-limiting; treatment during the active stage is usually sufficient.Some types of hepatitis are worsened by stress. Patients with stress may also develop conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol issues, increasing overall health risks, though stress itself may not directly cause hepatitis.Modern lifestyle is a major cause of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Previously, alcoholic liver disease and viral hepatitis mainly affected the elderly. Now, fatty liver is common, even among 40–42-year-olds, due to sedentary lifestyle, gadget addiction, and lack of physical activity.In rural areas, the situation is slightly better. However, with alcohol and junk food becoming more accessible, youth are becoming addicted to alcohol and drugs from as early as 16–17 years of age—this is a serious concern. Those traveling abroad should definitely get tested for Hepatitis A, B, C, and E. Ensure food and water hygiene. Be cautious with needles, avoid shared razors, needles, or tattoo equipment. Unprotected sex during international travel should also be strictly avoided.Earlier, alcoholic liver disease was more common. Now, even non-drinkers are getting hepatitis—something that was rare in the past. This rise is linked to our habits, pollution, diet, and western lifestyle influences. Increased screenings are helping with early diagnosis and timely treatment. Hepatitis can affect anyone. Some are even born with viral hepatitis, doctors explained.
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