Don’t ignore early warning signs of Hepatitis: Expert

“Hepatitis, a potentially life-threatening liver disease often remains undetected until it reaches an advanced stage. Hepatitis is both preventable and treatable and one should not ignore early warning signs and to prioritise timely screening, vaccination and healthy lifestyle practices to protect their liver health.”
Speaking on the eve of World Hepatitis Day , Dr. Pulkit Dhiman, consultant–gastroenterology at Livasa Hospital Khanna, said that Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver and may be caused by viral infections, excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications, autoimmune disorders or fatty liver disease.
“Among these, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C deserve special attention as they can become chronic and significantly increase the risk of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer if left untreated. The challenge is that hepatitis often develops silently, with many patients experiencing no symptoms until the disease has advanced.”
The persistent fatigue, yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), dark-coloured urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, itching and prolonged fever should never be ignored and warrant immediate medical evaluation, he elaborated.
Dr. Dhiman further said that individuals with diabetes, obesity, fatty liver disease, excessive alcohol intake, a family history of liver disease, those who have received unscreened blood transfusions in the past, people who share needles and healthcare workers should undergo timely screening for hepatitis and other liver disorders. The good news is that hepatitis is largely preventable. Vaccination against Hepatitis B provides effective protection, while maintaining good personal hygiene, consuming safe drinking water and hygienically prepared food, avoiding the sharing of needles, razors and other personal grooming items, limiting alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight and undergoing regular health check-ups can significantly reduce the risk of liver disease, informed Dr. Dhiman.
With advances in medical science, Hepatitis C can now be cured in the vast majority of patients, while Hepatitis B can be effectively managed with long-term treatment. Early diagnosis remains the key to preventing serious complications, preserving liver function and improving long-term quality of life."
Warning signs not to be ignored:
•    Yellowing of the eyes or skin (Jaundice)
•    Persistent fatigue or weakness
•    Dark-coloured urine
•    Pale or clay-coloured stools
•    Loss of appetite
•    Nausea or vomiting
•    Pain or swelling in the upper abdomen
•    Unexplained weight loss
•    Persistent itching
•    Fever lasting several days
Tips to protect liver:
•    Get vaccinated against Hepatitis B
•    Maintain good personal hygiene
•    Consume safe drinking water and hygienically prepared food
•    Avoid sharing needles, razors and personal grooming items
•    Avoid alcohol consumption
•    Maintain a healthy weight and control diabetes
•    Undergo regular health check-ups and liver screening if you are at high risk