World Hepatitis Day is observed on 28th July every year to spread the awareness on Hepatitis. The inflammation of the liver is termed as 'Hepatitis'. Despite the campaigns and programs that happen worldwide, there are still 300 million in the globe who are unaware that they are suffering from hepatitis. There are five types of hepatitis, but the commonly known are Hepatitis A, B and C.
Hepatitis Symptoms and Treatment
The symptoms of Hepatitis include fatigue, loss of appetite, pale stools, abdominal pain, yellow eyes and skin. These symptoms are not given much of a concern as it is confused with other medical conditions. So, medical professionals focus on treating the symptoms than actually the disease. There is a need for proper diagnosis and testing to determine the incidence of hepatitis.
Blood tests help in determining whether hepatitis is resultant from viral infections or other reasons. Hepatitis A and E are typically caused due to the consumption of contaminated food and water. The presence of Hepatitis E in pregnant women is found to be dangerous. Hepatitis B, C and D are caused by direct contact or transmission through the body fluids.
Hepatitis A (Hep A) is the acute condition which mostly do not need treatments. But its symptoms such as nausea and vomiting may cause dehydration in individuals. In such cases, IV fluids might be recommended by the doctor. Medication will be needed if it progresses to severe condition. After the patient recovers from the Hep A, they generally become immune lifelong to hepatitis. There is Hep A vaccine to protect individuals from this condition.
Hepatitis B and C are the inflammatory conditions of the liver which are known to be dangerous. Hepatitis B vaccine is the only way to prevent the contraction of Hep B. It is the type of hepatitis which does not have a cure. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends one shot of Hep B,12 hours after birth to protect the baby from the exposure to Hep B virus.
There are no vaccines existing for Hep C. It is cured in 20-25 percent of the cases through anti-viral medications. In others it tend to develop it into chronic stages which may result in liver failure or cirrhosis. For these complications such as liver damage and dysfunction of the liver there are treatments that can be taken.
Hepatitis & India
Hepatitis C can lead to chronic conditions such as cirrhosis and inflict severe damage to the liver. In that case, there might be a need for a liver surgery. It could be the restoration of the damaged portion of the liver or else a complete replacement.
Hepatitis C can lead to chronic conditions such as cirrhosis and inflict severe damage to the liver. In that case, there might be a need for a liver surgery. It could be the restoration of the damaged portion of the liver or else a complete replacement.
In India, liver transplant surgery is one of the successful transplant surgeries. There is a 90 percent survival rate (Source: Apollo Hospitals) associated with this transplant. The cost and quality of medical treatment in India attracts abundant patients for liver-related treatments. The health tourism in India has plenty of players to aid the patients in choosing the best hospital for the treatment and care.
