Hepatitis

The liver is perhaps the most essential organ of our body and assumes a significant part in the digestion interaction. Any harm caused to the liver influences the whole working of the body. Hepatitis alludes to an exceptionally infectious liver disease that causes inflammation of the liver wherein tissues respond to irritation or injury which generally outcomes in swelling and pain. This occurs because of an assortment of infections and non-infectious agents prompting a number of medical conditions, some of which can even be deadly.

There are numerous reasons for hepatitis where viral hepatitis is a significant one. Viral hepatitis is brought about by an infection and can either be acute or in most cases chronic or fatal.

Also Read: Everything to know about Naegleria Fowleri, the brain-eating amoeba

World Hepatitis Day (WHD) is praised each year on July 28 to spread awareness about viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that can cause serious liver disease and hepatocellular disease.

Rate in Pakistan

Viral hepatitis is the eighth highest cause of death universally and was responsible for an estimated 1.34 million deaths in 2015, a toll comparable to that of HIV and tuberculosis. Globally, approximately 257 million persons are chronically infected with type B and 71 million with type C.  At this rate, an estimated 20 million deaths will occur between 2015 and 2030.

Futhermore, significant risk factors for the transmission of type B and C disease incorporates injections, needle reuse, medical procedure/surgeries, improperly sterilized medical gadgets, blood transfusion, hospitalization, and sharing of razors while getting shaved from hairdressers. Some populace groups are profoundly influenced by type B and type C, for example, injectable clients and thalassemia patients. Moreover, for hepatitis C, the high commonness of disease is revealed in kids particularly the individuals who were conceded in medical clinics with intense hepatitis, while for HEV, the majority of the diseases were because of fecal contamination of water.

Warning Signs for Hepatitis

  • Urine dark in color
  • Stomach pain
  • Jaundice
  • Low-grade fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Feeling sick
  • Aching joints
  • Pale or clay-colored stool

Is hepatitis curable in humans?

While there is no treatment to fix type A or type E, they are generally self-remitting. Type B and type C can be relieved through medication. Aside from keeping up with cleanliness and sterilization, one should visit a specialist if that they have any side effects of viral hepatitis for better administration. Obliviousness towards symptoms can aggravate the condition. Implications include weak liver, destruction of liver tissues, weak immune system, and eventually liver cancer which leads up to death in certain acute cases.  

Read More: Pakistan’s first liver autotransplantation performed at DUHS

Prevention

You might not have proper treatment but you can prevent it by taking these safety measures,

  • Get vaccinated for type A and type B
  • Use protection during physical contact
  • Avoid sharing needles
  • Maintain good hygiene
  • Wash hands with soap regularly
  • Avoid using items of an infected person

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