What is Hepatitis and What you need to know about it?

Hepatitis describes the condition of inflammation of the liver, usually caused by a virus. This disease is one of the largest causes of fatalities worldwide. There are different types of viral hepatitis, each of which is contracted differently. 

The most common types are Hepatitis A, B, and C, and these have higher chances of fatalities, but there are also lesser-known ones such as D, E and so on.

• Hepatitis A: This is usually caused due to poor food hygiene, for example, unwashed produce and unsafe water, and unsanitary factors. This spreads through contaminated food or water and manifests by stomach upset, diarrhea, fever, and prolonged jaundice.

• Hepatitis B and C: These types occur mainly due to unprotected sexual intercourse. It can also be transmitted from one person to another through breastfeeding, sharing an infected needle or personal items such as toothbrush, and through carriers like blood, semen and other body fluids.

There is no cure for Hepatitis B, although there is an effective and safe vaccine to protect against it.  What makes this more complicated is the fact that many people do not exhibit symptoms which can help in an early diagnosis.  Therefore, it is highly recommended to get yourself vaccinated against this disease.  

The Department of Hepatology at Columbia Asia is staffed with some of the best hepatologists in Bangalore, who are proficient in handling all the cases of Hepatitis. Hepatitis C is also common amongst people exposed to intravenous drugs. Hepatitis C can result in liver cancer.  In the case of Hepatitis C, however, there is no vaccine to prevent its occurrence, but it is treatable.

What are the treatment options for this condition?

Early and effective medical intervention is the best possible way to overcome Hepatitis. Columbia Asia has made its mark as one of the best hospitals in Bangalore, thanks to its robust Hepatitis (A, B & C) treatment program. One of the best ways to protect yourself or get treated for this condition is to seek quality medical care from such reputed healthcare and medical centers, as even slight negligence or overlook can be a causative factor.

The treatment options for different types of Hepatitis are:

• Hepatitis A: There is no specific treatment for this condition, although it can be prevented by a vaccine shot. This is recommended for all children aged above one. This disease often subsides on its own, and this can be helped by abstaining from alcohol and drugs during the recovery process.

• Hepatitis B: The importance of getting vaccinated against this disease cannot be understated, as otherwise, an untreated condition can lead to severe liver problems. The Hepatitis B liver cancer treatment requires 3 shots of the vaccine over a period of six months.

• Hepatitis C: Antiviral agents are prescribed to treat Hepatitis C, which prevents virus replication. The latest antiviral medications have a very high success rate and are therefore administered.

The best approach to fight Hepatitis is to take all precautions, especially when it pertains to hygiene or sexual contact.