Hepatitis: A Growing Public Health Concern in India
Hepatitis is increasingly recognized as a pervasive health issue affecting all age groups, from children to adults. Observed on July 28 as World Hepatitis Day, healthcare professionals in Hyderabad have highlighted the escalating burden of liver diseases in India, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness, early screening, and preventive measures.
Causes and Types of Hepatitis
- Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver and can be caused by various factors, including:
- Viral infections
- Alcohol consumption
- Unhealthy diet and obesity
- Certain medications
- In India, more than 40 million people live with Hepatitis B, and up to 12 million with Hepatitis C, most unaware of their condition.
Types of Hepatitis
- Hepatitis A and E: Spread through contaminated food and water.
- Hepatitis B and C: Transmitted through infected blood, unprotected sex, shared needles, or mother-to-child transmission.
- Hepatitis D: Occurs only in those already infected with Hepatitis B.
Current Trends and Challenges
- An increase in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is seen among younger populations due to:
- Sedentary lifestyles
- Poor diets
- Obesity
- Other rising concerns include autoimmune hepatitis, drug-induced hepatitis, and alcohol-related liver inflammation.
- Certain herbal medicines, painkillers, or overdose of paracetamol can trigger serious liver inflammation.
Treatment and Management
- Hepatitis is preventable and, in many cases, curable:
- Vaccines are available for Hepatitis A and B.
- Treatment for Hepatitis C involves short-term oral medication with high cure rates.
- Hepatitis B management includes affordable daily anti-viral tablets.
