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Hepatitis Blog 2021

All About Hepatitis

Jul 28th, 2021

Posts Tagged ‘ Hepatitis C ’

All About Hepatitis

Wednesday, July 28th, 2021

Approximately 325 million people worldwide are living with viral hepatitis B and C and the disease also causes many untimely deaths. Out of this, approximately 40 million patients with hepatitis B are from India. Hepatitis refers to an inflammatory condition of the liver. Inflammation is swelling that happens when tissues of the body are injured or infected and can damage your liver. It’s commonly caused by a viral infection, but there are other possible causes of hepatitis. These include autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis that occurs as a secondary result of medications, drugs, toxins, and alcohol. Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease that occurs when your body makes antibodies against your liver tissue.

Symptoms of Hepatitis

The most common symptoms of hepatitis include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, light-coloured stools, joint pain, and jaundice. Consult a doctor for further investigation if you experience any of these symptoms.

Types of Hepatitis

Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E are viral illnesses of the liver. Hepatitis A is always a short-term, acute infection, but hepatitis B, C, and D are more likely to become chronic and persistent. Hepatitis E is usually severe, but it can be very deadly for women who are pregnant.

  • Hepatitis A
    Hepatitis A is caused by an infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV). This type of hepatitis is most commonly transmitted by consuming food or water contaminated by faeces from an infected person.
  • Hepatitis B
    Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with infectious body fluids, such as blood, vaginal secretions, or semen, containing the hepatitis B virus (HBV).
    A person can get hepatitis B in many ways, including:
    • Unprotected sex.
    • Sharing dirty needles.
    • Being in direct contact with infected blood.
    • Being transferred from mother to unborn child.
  • Hepatitis C
    Hepatitis C comes from the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C is transmitted through direct contact with infected body fluids, typically through injection drug use and sexual contact. A person can get hepatitis C from:
    • Sharing dirty needles.
    • Being in direct contact with infected blood.
    • Unprotected sex.
  • Hepatitis D
    This is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). It is contracted through direct contact with infected blood. Hepatitis D is a rare form of hepatitis that only occurs in conjunction with hepatitis B infection. The hepatitis D virus can’t multiply without the presence of hepatitis B.
  • Hepatitis E
    Hepatitis E is a waterborne disease caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). It is mainly found in areas with poor sanitation and typically results from ingesting faecal matter that contaminates the water supply. You can get hepatitis E by eating or drinking food or water contaminated with the virus.

Myths and Facts – Hepatitis

Myth: Women with hepatitis should abstain from breastfeeding their babies to avoid passing the infection.
Fact: Hepatitis C and B are not transmitted through breast milk. Although, there is a risk of transmission through cracked nipples. In such a scenario you must speak to your doctor for further assistance.

Myth: People who have hepatitis B or C should not have children because they will pass it on to them.
Fact: That is not true, people with hepatitis B or C can have healthy babies. Timely precautions during pregnancy, adequate testing, and prompt immunization of the baby after birth can stop the spread of hepatitis.

Myth: Your symptoms indicate the type hepatitis you have.
Fact: Patients with hepatitis may show jaundice-like symptoms of loss of appetite, yellow coloured urine, and vomiting. The type of virus can be differentiated only by blood tests.

Myth: Vaccine can protect against all types of Hepatitis.
Fact: Vaccines are available only against Hepatitis A and B.

Treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Concerned about recurrent bouts of jaundice? It is time you get a complete liver check-up done and rule out any signs of hepatitis. Doctors at our Department of  Hepato Pancreato Biliary are trained to detect and treat all types of hepatitis. Be it consultations or hospitalizations we are here to help our patients with comprehensive hepatitis care. For further information, please visit: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/hepatopancreatobiliary.html

World Hepatitis Day

Monday, July 27th, 2020

Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver. Inflammation is a tissue’s reaction to irritation or injury which generally results in swelling and can cause pain. The condition can be self-limiting or can progress to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis, or liver cancer if left untreated. Hepatitis viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis in the world but other infections, toxic substances (e.g. alcohol, certain drugs), and autoimmune diseases can also cause hepatitis.

There are 5 main hepatitis viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. As per World Health Organisation (WHO), 300 million people across the world are infected with Hepatitis, yet unaware of it and do not undergo treatment. It is essential to be proactive about your liver health and get tested for hepatitis. Over time, untreated hepatitis B or C can cause hardening and scarring (cirrhosis) of the liver, which can cause complications like liver cancer or liver failure.

Types of Hepatitis

There are at least five different types of viral hepatitis: A, B, C, D and E.

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is spread by either direct contact with an infected person’s faeces or by indirect faecal contamination of food or water.

Symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Light stool
  • Dark urine
  • Jaundice

Maintaining high levels of hygiene, before and after meals, while cooking and after using the washroom is a good way to prevent hepatitis A. Take the Hepatitis A vaccination.

Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be spread through:

  • Urine
  • Semen
  • Body fluids
  • Mother to child

Symptoms can include:

  • Jaundice
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Fever

A blood test helps diagnose Hepatitis B. There is a vaccine available to protect people at high risk for the infection. Practice safe sex, do not share needles or razors, and get tattoos done only at hygienic places.

Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C (HCV) is most commonly spread by exposure due to contaminated blood or needles, and unsafe sex. Symptoms for HCV are similar to other types of hepatitis. There’s no vaccine available for Hepatitis C.

Hepatitis D
Unlike the other forms, hepatitis D can’t be contracted on its own. It can only infect people who are already infected with hepatitis B. People with HBV often develop hepatitis D (HDV).

Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is found in underdeveloped areas of the world and is spread by the faecal/oral route. The risk factors for hepatitis E are related to poor sanitation, contaminated drink water, and poor personal hygiene.

Hepatitis: Myths & Facts

Myth: All Hepatitis viruses are the same.
Fact: Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E are different viruses with different modes of transmission and clinical manifestations. While Hepatitis A and E are transmitted by ingestion of contaminated food, Hepatitis B and C are transmitted by blood transfusion, unprotected sex, and tattoos. Hepatitis D occurs only in patients with Hepatitis B.

Myth: All patients with Hepatitis have jaundice.
Fact: Absence of jaundice does not rule out acute hepatitis viral infection, which can present sometimes only with constitutional symptoms such as fever, vomiting, poor appetite, lethargy with high liver enzymes.

Myth: Hepatitis is hereditary
Fact: Hepatitis is not a genetic disease and is not inherited. However, Hepatitis B is often transmitted from mother to child during childbirth. This can be prevented if the Hepatitis status of the mother is known and the newborn is vaccinated on time.

Myth: If one gets hepatitis A, then one is immune to the other forms of hepatitis.
Fact: Patients with Hepatitis A get lifelong protection against hepatitis A only. One is still at risk of infection with other forms of hepatitis like B, C, and E.

Myth: Hepatitis virus cannot survive outside the human body
Fact: Hepatitis B virus can survive in dried blood for up to 7 days and remains capable of causing infection. Hepatitis C virus can survive on environmental surfaces for up to 16 hours.

Myth: Vaccine is available against all types of Hepatitis virus.
Fact: Vaccines are available only against Hepatitis A and B.

Prevent Hepatitis

Here are some health tips to follow to protect your liver health and to prevent the spread of the highly infectious viral Hepatitis infection:

  • Don’t have unsafe sex.
  • Don’t inject illegal drugs.
  • Don’t drink alcohol as it harms your liver and makes your hepatitis worst.
  • Don’t share any personal items such as razors or toothbrushes.
  • Speak to your doctor about getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.
  • Follow strict food safety guidelines.

Hepatitis in India
With an estimated 40 million people suffering from chronic Hepatitis B and six to 12 million people infected with Hepatitis C, Hepatitis has become a public health concern in India. Viral Hepatitis caused by Hepatitis Viruses A, B, C, D and E is a huge economic and social burden on the affected individuals and their families. Low awareness levels and lack of timely treatment may damage your liver health.

Concerned about any jaundice like symptoms? Suspect Hepatitis? Specialists at our Department of  Hepato Pancreato Biliary help you with further diagnosis and testing. The team supports Hepatitis patients with a complete recovery plan. For more information about Hepatitis and its treatment please visit our HepatoPancretoBiliary department.

World Hepatitis Day

Sunday, July 28th, 2019

World Hepatitis Day is observed on 28th July every year. Hepatitis refers to an inflammatory liver condition. This is commonly caused by a viral infection, but there are other possible causes of hepatitis. These include autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis that occurs as a secondary result of medications, drugs, toxins, and alcohol.

Your liver performs many critical functions for your body including:

  • Bile production, which is essential to digestion.
  • Filtering of toxins from your body.
  • Excretion of bilirubin, cholesterol, hormones, and drugs.
  • Breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
  • Activation of enzymes.
  • Storage of glycogen (a form of sugar), minerals, and vitamins (A, D, E, and K).
  • Synthesis of blood proteins, such as albumin.
  • Synthesis of clotting factors.
Types

Hepatitis has several different types, but the symptoms of each are similar. Hepatitis can take acute or chronic forms. The three main types of hepatitis are known as hepatitis A, B, and C. Each is caused by a different virus.

Hepatitis A

It is often mild, and most patients make a full recovery, after which they are immune and therefore protected from the virus in the future. However, if it progresses, symptoms can be severe or life-threatening. There is a vaccination available against this virus.

The virus most commonly spreads when you eat or drink something contaminated with faecal matter. There is no specific treatment for HAV. The doctor will advise the patient to abstain from alcohol and drugs during the recovery.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and is spread through contact with infected blood, semen, and some other body fluids. It can be a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

The liver of a person infected with hepatitis B swells. This can cause severe damage and the infection may become chronic too. This can lead to complications, including scarring of the liver, or cirrhosis. It may also cause a type of cancer known as hepatocellular carcinoma. There is a safe and effective vaccine that can protect against Hepatitis B virus (HBV).

A patient with HBV needs to rest and abstain completely from alcohol. The doctor may prescribe antiviral suppressive therapies.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) can lead to liver damage and swelling. Around 1 in 4 people with HCV get cirrhosis, and this can lead to liver cancer. A person contracts the HCV by coming into contact with infectious fluids and secretions from someone else who is already infected.

There is no vaccine to prevent HCV, but treatment can cure it.  A combination of therapies is now available to treat the hepatitis C virus based on its subtype. These treatments target viral replication and prevent the virus from being able to reproduce. When taken correctly, the cure rate is very high.

Symptoms

Many people with hepatitis experience either mild or no symptoms. When symptoms appear, they can do so from 15 to 180 days after infection. This rule is common for all types of hepatitis.

Acute Hepatitis

The initial phase of hepatitis is called the acute phase. The symptoms are similar to mild flu, and may include:

  • Diarrhoea.
  • Fatigue.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Weight loss.
  • Jaundice.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Mild fever.
  • Muscle or joint aches.
  • Slight abdominal pain.

The acute phase is not usually dangerous, however, it may progress to a chronic infection. This is most likely with HBV or HCV.

As the disease progresses, chronic hepatitis can lead to progressive liver failure, resulting in jaundice, swelling of the lower extremities, and blood in the faeces or vomit.

Prevention

Hepatitis can be dangerous and difficult to treat, so people are advised to take precautions against any possible infection.

Preventing hepatitis A

The following steps can help avoid infection:

  • Wash hands with soap after using the bathroom.
  • Only consume food that has just been cooked.
  • Only drink boiled water.
  • Get vaccinated.
Preventing hepatitis B

To minimize the risk of transmission:

  • Practice safe sex.
  • Only use previously unused, clean needles.
  • Do not share toothbrushes, razors, or manicure instruments.
  • Ensure use of the use of well-sterilized instruments for a tattoo, piercing, or acupuncture.
  • Get vaccinated.
How to prevent hepatitis C

To minimize the risk of transmission:

  • Do not share needles, toothbrushes, or manicure equipment.
  • Practice safe sex.
  • Make sure equipment is well-sterilized for any skin piercing.
  • Consume alcohol with moderation.
  • Do not inject illegal drugs.

Do you notice any Hepatitis symptoms? Consult our experts at our Department of  Hepato Pancreato Biliary for further tests and diagnosis.

World Hepatitis Day

Saturday, July 28th, 2018

28th July is observed as World Hepatitis Day worldwide and sees many international programs which are focussed to spread the awareness of Hepatitis.

What is Hepatitis? Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It may be caused by drugs, alcohol use, or certain medical conditions. But in most cases, it’s caused by a virus. Hepatitis is a common disease that inflames the liver, an important organ for metabolism and breaking down food in the digestive system.

What are the five types of hepatitis?

There are at least five different types of viral hepatitis: A, B, C, D and E.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is spread by either direct contact with an infected person’s faeces or by indirect faecal contamination of food or water.

Symptoms include:

  • fever
  • dark urine
  • light stool
  • jaundice

Maintaining utmost hygiene especially before and after meals is a good way to prevent hepatitis A. Take the Hepatitis A vaccination.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be spread through:

  • body fluids
  • urine
  • semen
  • from mother to infant soon or right after birth

Symptoms can include:

  • abdominal pain
  • jaundice
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • fever
  • joint pain

A blood test is needed to diagnose HBV, and vaccinations are available to protect people at high risk for infection. Practise safe sex, do not share needles or razors and get tattoos done only at hygienic places.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C (HCV) is most commonly spread by exposure due to contaminated blood or needles and unsafe sex.

Symptoms for HCV are similar to other types of hepatitis, and like HBV, a blood test is needed for diagnosis. Both HBV and HCV increase a person’s risk for liver cancer. There’s no vaccine available for Hepatitis C.

Hepatitis D

Unlike the other forms, hepatitis D can’t be contracted on its own. It can only infect people who are already infected with hepatitis B. People with HBV often develop hepatitis D (HDV), which is spread through contaminated blood products and unprotected sex with an infected person. The symptoms remain same as mentioned above.

Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is found in underdeveloped areas of the world and is spread by the faecal/oral route. HEV causes acute hepatitis, which usually goes away on its own.

Some preventive measures:

Prevent hepatitis with good hygiene, practicing safe sex, and being careful around anything contaminated with blood. If you experience jaundice, dark urine or light stool, see your doctor right away.

Healthy diet and Hepatitis

What we eat affects our entire body, especially our liver. It is the second largest organ and helps with many vital functions. Your liver is a highly efficient engine and filter. What you eat, drink and expose to your body is chemically broken down by your liver and affects your immune system and many other functions of your body.

Listed below are a few health tips for managing Hepatitis:
  • Eat foods from all food groups in healthy portions such as whole grains, lean proteins, low fat dairy, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats.
  • Eat foods with high fibre such as fresh fruits, vegetables, lentils, beans and whole grains to keep your liver healthy.
  • Limit red meat as it takes longer for your system to break it down.
  • Limit foods and drinks that are high in sugar and salt, fatty foods and processed or fried foods.
  • Stay within a healthy weight range because the liver can function better.
  • Eating smaller meals throughout the day is also better than large meals.
  • Drink plenty of purified water to hydrate yourself. Avoid alcohol as it may increase your liver damage.
  • Include healthy fats in your diet like olive oil and avoid trans-fats that are highly saturated.
  • While soy products have lot of health benefits do not consume them in excessive amounts as they can be harmful for your liver.
  • Other foods that constitute a healthy diet for hepatitis patients include nuts, seeds, fish, poultry, tofu, whole milk, yogurt and cheese.
Few facts about Hepatitis:
  • Not all forms are related to risky habits – Not all forms of hepatitis are spread through direct exchange of bodily fluids. Of the five different types of hepatitis, some viruses spread through contaminated food or water.
  • Most people don’t realize they have it – Sometimes hepatitis can be hard to detect because it starts out with mild, flu-like symptoms including fever, fatigue, and body aches. For some people, it takes years to develop the severe symptoms.
  • Contaminated water and food are risky – Hepatitis A and E viruses are transmitted by what’s known as the faecal-oral route: that is, eating food or drinking water that’s been contaminated by the faeces of someone who has the virus.
  • Some forms can lead to cancer – Unless treated properly, inflammation from chronic hepatitis can lead to cell damage and, eventually, liver cancer. If there is a family history of liver cancer or your Hepatitis has caused liver cirrhosis, your chances of developing cancer are even greater.
  • Drinking alcohol can make it worse – While certain medications can help people manage hepatitis, lifestyle choices can affect how it progresses. In both types B and C, alcohol definitely makes the scarring of the liver worse and progress faster.
  • Pregnant women should be tested – The most common cause of hepatitis B transmission globally is mother to infant. Hence pregnant women should be screened for hepatitis B when they receive prenatal care.

Consult our team of liver specialists if you have or suspect Hepatitis. Please find below link for further details:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/hepatopancreatobiliary.html

All about Hepatitis

Friday, July 28th, 2017
What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It can be self-limiting or can progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer. Hepatitis viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis in the world but other infections, toxic substances and autoimmune diseases can also cause hepatitis.

It is classified as hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. A different virus is responsible for each type of virally transmitted hepatitis. Hepatitis A is always an acute, short-term disease, while hepatitis B, C, and D are most likely to become ongoing and chronic. Hepatitis E is usually acute but can be particularly dangerous in pregnant women.

Common symptoms of hepatitis

If you have infectious forms of hepatitis that are chronic, like hepatitis B and C, you may not have symptoms in the beginning. Symptoms may not occur until the damage affects liver function.

Some signs and symptoms of acute hepatitis include:

  • dark urine
  • fatigue
  • flu-like symptoms
  • loss of appetite
  • unexplained weight loss
  • yellow skin and eyes, which may be signs of jaundice
  • pale stool
  • abdominal pain

Chronic hepatitis develops slowly, so these signs and symptoms may be too subtle to notice.

Some noteworthy things for Hepatitis C and Liver cirrhosis:

  • Your liver may regenerate and heal after the Hepatitis C treatment. This organ has the capacity to regenerate most of its own cells when they become damaged. However, the degree of liver regeneration will depend on the severity of scarring present due to cirrhosis.
  • Diet plays an important part while treating Hepatitis C and cirrhosis. Diet is a key part in helping your liver function better especially if you have severe scarring from cirrhosis. Cirrhosis can hinder the body’s use of nutrients and can lead to malnutrition. A low sodium, balanced protein diet is generally recommended in such cases.
  • Do not be tempted to start alcohol after getting cured from Hepatitis C even though you have cirrhosis? Alcohol especially for patients with cirrhosis is very damaging to the liver. The functions of the liver are compromised from liver damage and for patients who drink alcohol the damage accelerates.

Must know facts about Hepatitis B:

  • Despite there being a vaccine, Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) kills one person every 30-45 seconds.
  • Most of the people who are infected are unaware of their infection and this has made it one of the biggest threat to the health of the world.
  • HBV is about 10 times more prevalent than HIV infection worldwide.
  • The general perception is that HIV virus is very infectious and contagious however Hepatitis B Virus is 100 times more infectious than HIV.
  • If not properly monitored or treated HBV infection can kill 25% of the infected people due to liver cancer or liver failure from cirrhosis.
  • HBV and Hepatitis C together have infected 530 million of the 6 billion people worldwide.
  • Pregnant women who have hepatitis B infection or those who are carriers of hepatitis B virus can pass this to their babies at birth.

Correct diagnosis and timely treatment of Hepatitis is crucial to save your liver from any further damage. Consult our team of experts at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital for any Hepatitis related queries. Contact us anytime for emergencies and consultations. Please see below link:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/gastroenterology.html