Liver is the largest organ in our body that performs multi-dimensional functions, for instance, filtering blood, processing nutrients, metabolism of drugs, toxic detoxification, and many more. Its primary role is the production of bile salts that helps in the digestion of food.  Many diseases like liver cirrhosis, hemochromatosis, and hepatitis have detrimental repercussions on the organ. Liver failure can account for changes in the overall body and can lead to long-term fatal damages. This article is dedicated to increasing awareness about one such disease called hepatitis. 

What’s Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that could be due to infectious or non-infectious reasons. According to WHO, about 30% of the viral hepatitis burden is on South Asian countries with an estimation of 130 million infected individuals. Regardless to say, lower-income regions are more prone to hepatitis infections because of poor conditions, lack of sanitation, and lack of awareness.  

Classification of hepatitis

Hepatitis primarily causes liver inflammation because of infectious and noninfectious reasons. 

1. Alcohol and exposure to toxic substances are the prominent reasons for non-infectious hepatitis. 
2. Autoimmune hepatitis is another type that occurs when the body’s immune cells start attacking liver cells (Hepatocytes). Negligence leads to irreversible liver damage and ultimately chronic liver cirrhosis.  
3. Infectious hepatitis mostly occurs due to viral infection. The disease is not curable but treatment is available in the early stages. Listed below is a comprehensive table that classifies five different types of viral hepatitis 

Symptoms of Hepatitis

How you can prevent Hepatitis? 

Hepatitis could be treated and cured at early stages but in chronic conditions, liver transplant surgery is the only option. However, it comes with its own challenges. Below given a few tips to prevent Hepatitis 

1. Limit drinking: Excessive drinking can lead to alcoholic liver cirrhosis. Although it takes prolonged years to reach this condition but negligence is detrimental. 
2. No Drug: Consuming toxic substances could lead to hepatitis but the chances are rare. 
3. Drink treated water: Consuming contaminated water directly or indirectly, eating sewage grown food – fish, uncooked veggies and local ice could lead to HAV infection
4. Sexual activity: Studies have shown that Hepatitis B is more infectious than HIV. Hepatitis is not restricted only to sex but any type of sexual activity with an infected person could result in Hepatitis B, C, or E type of infection. 
5.  Pregnant women should be careful: Pregnant women need to be more careful because they are prone to hepatitis infections. Child development and hormonal fluctuations could lead to rapid changes in the body and so they have a weak immune system. Thereby chances of vertical transfer of hepatitis increase. 

Diagnosis of Hepatitis 

Diagnosis of hepatitis is done in various parts. Firstly the physician may physically examine the abdomen area for any symptoms or the swollen/inflamed liver. However, the confirmation will be through a blood test. The result will confirm- 

• the severity of the infection
• particular serotype 
• state of the virus; active or dormant 
• Hepatitis is chronic or short term 

For more clarifications the physician may also ask for an antibody test. In chronic hepatitis cases, an MRI scan, CT scan, and liver biopsy are suggested. 

Yoda suggests 

Studies have proved that even after 90% of the liver is damaged; the remaining has a  regenerative capacity. But hepatitis paralyzes it beyond repair. A WHO study found that an estimated 4.5 million premature deaths could be prevented in low- and middle-income countries by 2030 through vaccination, diagnostic tests, medicines, and education campaigns. 

But what part should you play from your end is still a question? 

Indians have a very carbohydrate and fat-rich diet which increases the chance of high cholesterol and fatty liver issue. Apparently, the hygienic conditions are also apt for the progression of viral hepatitis.  

Having a liver healthy diet and timely body checkups can be a good solution. If you are an alcoholic, aged above 45  liver tests should be performed regularly or as suggested by the physician. Yoda diagnostics offers regular and advanced liver tests at the most affordable prices 

Taking care of your liver is about taking care of yourself