Davangere, 27 July (H.S.) :

Your Liver Deserves Care: Let’s Eliminate Hepatitis Together

By Dr R.K. Hanumanth Naik, Surgical Gastroenterologist, SS Narayana Health Superspecialty Centre, Davangere

Every year World Hepatitis Day is observed on July 28th to raise global awareness about hepatitis – a group of infectious diseases known as hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E – and to encourage prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This year’s theme, “Let's Break It Down” highlights the importance of liver health and calls for urgent action to eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.

July 28th was chosen as the day to observe World Hepatitis Day as it honours the birth of Dr. Baruch Samuel Blumberg, the Nobel prize-winning scientist who discovered the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and developed a vaccine for it.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), chronic viral hepatitis causes 1.3 million deaths globally every year, mostly from liver cancer and cirrhosis – that's 3,500 deaths every single day! This year’s theme calls for destigmatising hepatitis through accessible care and reducing the burden of illness.

*What is Hepatitis?*

Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, which is the largest organ inside the human body. Hepatitis can either be acute or chronic in nature. It is commonly caused by viral infections, but other factors like alcohol abuse, toxins, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications can also lead to hepatitis.

The most concerning forms are hepatitis B and C, which can lead to chronic liver disease, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer — often without noticeable symptoms until it’s too late.

*Symptoms of Hepatitis*

Hepatitis often goes undetected due to mild symptoms or lack of any symptoms in the early stages. Some common signs include:

Fatigue

Nausea

Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)

Abdominal pain

Dark urine

Loss of appetite

*Prevention and Control*

The importance of prevention cannot be stressed more for any illness, especially those like hepatitis. This World Hepatitis Day is a strong reminder to shine a light on prevention of this illness. Some oft-repeated prevention tips are as listed below:

1. Vaccination: Safe and effective vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B. Ask your healthcare provider about these.

2. Treatment: Antiviral medications can effectively manage hepatitis B and cure hepatitis C.

3. Safe Practices: Avoid sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes. Practice safe sex.

4. Screening: Regular screening is key, especially for high-risk groups like healthcare workers, blood donors, and people with a history of transfusions.

The liver is essential for over 500 vital functions in the human body. Get tested for hepatitis and prioritise prevention over treatment. Protecting it means protecting life itself.

Hindusthan Samachar / Rakesh Mahadevappa