According to WHO, Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can cause a range of health problems and an estimated 325 million people worldwide live with hepatitis B or C. For most people, testing and treatment remain beyond reach. Medicircle is conducting a Hepatitis Awareness Series on the occasion of Hepatitis Awareness Month to spread information amongst people about the significance of testing for hepatitis, the availability of effective care and curative treatment, and the serious health consequences resulting from undiagnosed and untreated viral hepatitis.

Dr. Ankur Garg is one of the most renowned liver surgeons in India. His expertise compasses a huge amount of experience that spans nearly 14 years of a pristine medical career. He's an expert in liver-related treatments and surgeries. Dr.Garg specializes in all surgeries pertaining to gastrointestinal infections, like surgery for the pancreas, liver abscess, liver transplant, and many more. Dr. Ankur has super specialization in HPB surgery and liver transplant from one of the elite Institutes of liver and biliary sciences in New Delhi. For this, he has attained honors by the former President of India late Dr. APG Kalam. He worked in different well-known multi-specialty hospitals and it's currently associated with the Metro group of hospitals in Delhi NCR.

Types of hepatitis 

Dr. Ankur Garg says, “Hepatitis is a broad term for a liver disorder. Any infection to the liver in the form of hepatitis B or C virus or incase of alcohol or drugs, it is given a broad term as “hepatitis”. Hepatitis means that there is an injury to the liver which results in a lack of liver functioning. Hepatitis may be due to - 

Viral hepatitis  Alcohol-induced hepatitis  Fatty liver hepatitis  Drug-induced hepatitis 

The list of liver infections and injuries is never-ending. All this is called hepatitis. When a patient with liver disorder consults us, the main idea is to find out the reason and cause behind his hepatitis. 

Signs and symptoms 

Dr. Garg informs, “Any patient suffering from acute hepatitis which has the onset of 1 -2 days, may show up following symptoms- 

Loss of appetite  No desire to eat food  Nausea  Yellowness of eyes  Skin yellowness 

If these signs and symptoms exist for more than 2 -3 days, then one should take medical advice. 

Loss of appetite is a characteristic symptom of hepatitis. Any hepatitis which is not treated may lead to complications like liver failure. 

Prevention measures of hepatitis 

Dr. Garg states,” There are many causative factors behind hepatitis. One should try to find out the cause and eliminate the causative factor. Some causes of hepatitis are - 

Alcohol which constitutes 40 %- 50 %  of hepatitis  Hepatitis B or C is viral hepatitis which constitutes about 30 - 40 %  Drug-induced hepatitis which constitutes about 10 - 15 %  Fatty liver is a very common cause of hepatitis which constitutes 20 - 25% 

A detailed history of lifestyle if must. Diagnostic tests like ultrasound and Liver function tests can help in determining the cause and stage of hepatitis. 

Treatment for hepatitis

Dr. Ankur Garg says, “The treatment for liver is self-explanatory- 

Patients suffering from Alcoholic hepatitis should avoid alcohol Patients suffering from Hepatitis B or C should take antibiotics Patients suffering from Drug-induced hepatitis should avoid consuming that particular medicine. Hepatitis treatment is simple and reversible. Eliminating the causative factors can help. A diagnosis from a liver specialist must be taken.          

Advice from expert 

Dr. Ankur informs, “Liver health must be given importance. Covid has caused multiple organ failures in many patients which may cause liver damage. Covid medications can cause hepatitis. Covid medications can raise the liver function test levels. For a healthy liver, maintain a healthy lifestyle this COVID pandemic.”

(Edited by Dr.Rati Parwani)