Hyderabad, 28th July 2022: Hepatitis Virus, which damages our liver should be detected and treated early, otherwise it may be fatal, said doctors from Aware Gleneagles Global Hospitals. A special programme was conducted on the hospital premises on the eve of World Hepatitis Day on Thursday. Dr B. Shivananda Reddy, consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist spoke on the occasion. He told so many things about this problem.
Hepatitis is inflammation of the Liver. World Health Organisation gives a theme for Hepatitis Day every year. The theme for the year 2022 is Bringing Hepatitis Care Closer to You. Early detection is the only way to treat everyone who suffers from hepatitis, said Dr Shivananda Reddy. There is a need to prevent, detect, and treat it as early as possible. There are 5 types of Hepatitis viruses. They are A, B, C, D and E. Among these, A and E doesn't transmit from person to person, and they are self-limiting viruses. They also cause only mild diseases.
B and C should be detected early and treated immediately after detection. Both of these are very dangerous. Blood transfusion, IV drug abuse, and Illegal sexual contacts are the predominant causes of Hepatitis B and C virus infection. They also transmit from mother to child. If these are not detected early and treated immediately, the Liver gets damaged and the patient succumbs to death. For the treatment of hepatitis C, 10-15 years ago, there were drugs in the form of injections, that too have to be taken for a prolonged period. And chances of cure were 60-70% only. And now, for the past 5, 6 years, newer drugs have come in the form of tablets. And the possibility of cure is 95-97% now. Hepatitis B can also be kept in control with medicines. If we don't detect on time and treat, the Liver may damage in the long term and the patient may lose his life.
Who should be tested for Hepatitis?
People above the age of 18 should be tested once for Hepatitis B and C. Those who undergo organ transplantation, undergo dialysis, or IV drugs should be tested once every 6 months. All pregnant mothers should be tested in the initial trimester. If they are tested positive, we can treat them immediately and save the child from the viral infection. Blood test for Hepatitis B and C are commonly available and are at very affordable cost, so all should get it done. If the ultrasound scan is done for the abdomen, we can detect the stage of liver damage. Liquor consumers, diabetics, and obese people also have chances of getting the Hepatitis virus. People suffering from high cholesterol also should undergo a test once.
Prevention is better than cure
* Use only sterile injections
* Use only your razors and blades
* Always have safe sex
* Have safe tattooing only
* Toddlers should be vaccinated.
We can prevent Hepatitis with these five safety precautions.
Free fibroscan at Aware Gleneagles Global hospital
Around 350 million people are suffering from Hepatitis B and C, as per World Health Organisation. Aware Gleneagles Global Hospital is providing a free fibroscan to everyone. We can detect the stiffness of the liver through this scan. The liver will become stiffer in Hepatitis B and C. The Fibroscan is done twice monthly. Those who have any symptoms, can walk in and get the scan done for free. 24x7 availability of Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists is there in this hospital. They will assess your health condition and mode of treatment.