World Hepatitis Day: 28th July
It is estimated that about 40 million people are suffering from chronic Hepatitis B and 6 to 12 million people with Hepatitis C. The pressing issue at the moment is that most people are unaware that they are suffering from a Hepatitis infection and unaware of this, they may be passing on the infection to others.
Symptoms:
Initial symptoms could include fever, muscle pain, change in appetite, general uneasiness which could progress into excessive tiredness, a drastic change in the colour and smell of urine accompanied with yellowing eyes and skin (signs of jaundice).
Prevention:
Hepatitis spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids. Apart from avoiding high risk behaviours such as practising unsafe sex and allowing unsafe, unhygienic materials like needles and blades to come into contact with the bloodstream, one can also ensure they are following a healthy lifestyle to strengthen their immune system. This can be done by following a balanced diet with a good amount of fruits and vegetables, variety of whole grains in moderate quantities, adequate protein and fibre intake combined with the right proportion of healthy fats and oils, aided by enough exercise.
Tests:
Hepatitis B surface antigen test, Hepatitis B core antigen test, Hepatitis B surface antibody test, liver function tests could be conducted to detect Hepatitis B. Anti HCV antibody test is done to detect Hepatitis C infection.
Dr. Mallikarjun Sakpal
Consultant – Hepatology & Liver Transplantation
Aster CMI Hospital, Hebbal
Bengaluru- 560092
Ph: 080-43420100
About Aster CMI Hospital
Aster CMI hospital, one of the top hospitals in Bangalore , with serene ambience, spacious interiors, advanced medical facilities, and best doctors, has always strived to achieve the best clinical outcomes. They believe in offering holistic treatment to every patient in a non-hospital like environment. They are one of the top super-specialty hospitals in Bangalore with contemporary state-of-the-art facilities accommodating close to 500 beds offering comprehensive primary care to quaternary care services.
