World Hepatitis Day: Why it’s important to take care of your liver health?

03-08-2022

Chennai: Every year, on July 28, World Hepatitis Day is celebrated to raise awareness of viral hepatitis, which causes liver inflammation and leads to severe disease and liver cancer. Viral hepatitis prevails all over the world and has been one of the key global public health issues.

India has an intermediate to high endemicity for Hepatitis B surface antigen, and an estimated 40 million chronic HBV infected people, constituting approximately 11% of the estimated global burden. The population prevalence of chronic HBV infection in India is around 3-4 %. In addition, as per the Indus Health Plus preventive health check-up data, it was observed that 1% people tested positive for HbsAg which is the surface antigen present in hepatitis B virus and this was picked up during routine screening tests. Data for liver enzymes and the proteins that help proper liver functioning revealed that 2% of females and 9% of males were in the abnormal range. Another liver function test measuring bilirubin values, a yellowish pigment in the blood and indicative of jaundice at high levels, revealed abnormal levels in 1% of the females and 6 % in males. The sample size was 6500.

What are the causes of hepatitis?

Alcohol and other toxins: Overindulgence in drinking can damage and inflame the liver. The hepatic cells are usually harmed by alcohol. It can eventually result in irreversible harm, thickening or scarring of the liver tissue (cirrhosis), and liver failure.
Inflammatory reaction: Sometimes, the immune system attacks the liver because it views it as dangerous. This results in persistent inflammation that can be minor to severe and frequently impairs liver function. Women are three times as likely as men to experience it.
Lifestyle factors: Drinking too much alcohol, maintaining an unhealthy lifestyle, and consuming too many fats can all contribute to fatty liver, a condition in which too much fat builds up in the liver and disrupts the natural structure of the liver cells.
Accidentally sticking a needle: A needlestick injury or contact with infected blood or body fluid can cause accidental exposure.

Here are some preventive steps to know:

Regular testing: Liver cancer and other serious liver illnesses can be avoided with prompt viral hepatitis testing and treatment. The test helps to know about the problems and helps maintain proper and good health.
Healthy lifestyle: Preventing liver problems can be greatly aided by lifestyle modifications, early identification, and prompt consultations.
Practice good hygiene: It is important to maintain good personal hygiene and proper sanitation to prevent the HAV virus spread. After using the bathroom, changing a diaper, and preparing, serving, or eating food, wash your hands with soap and water.
Get Vaccinated: Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure against hepatitis A. Optional for people traveling to countries at high risk of infection. However, hepatitis vaccination is not just for children and medical staff. You should ask your doctor for vaccination if you think you are at risk.
Strictly Avoid Used items: Avoid the application of used syringes, shaving razors, toothbrushes, tattooing or piercing supplies on your body.

Our liver is a vital organ of the body, and we need to ensure a healthy liver to ensure overall good health. Any stress on the liver can impair liver functions. Liver function status can be assessed by liver function tests which include measuring serum bilirubin levels, liver enzymes like SGPT, total protein levels etc. Radiological tests like ultrasound, CT, and MRI can visualise the liver structure. You must consult your treating Physician or a Gastroenterologist in case of abnormal test results.

The article has been contributed by Mr Amol Naikawadi, Joint Managing Director and Preventive Healthcare Specialist, Indus Health Plus.

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