World Hepatitis Day approaching is observed on July 28, 2019. The health issue is a kind of an inflammation of the liver that is caused by various viruses. Hepatitis is often caused by drug or alcohol use and the global burden of liver disease is growing. 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 the lack of awareness amongst people about Hepatitis infection and this could lead to further spread of the disease. World Hepatitis Day 2019: Theme and Significance of the Day to Create Awareness About the Inflammatory Liver Disease.

According to Dr Mallikarjun Sakpal, Consultant - Hepatology & Liver Transplantation, Aster CMI Hospital, here are the symptoms, Prevention, and tests for Hepatitis you should know of:

Hepatitis Types

The type of hepatitis is named after the kind of virus that causes it. It totality there are 5 kinds of hepatitis: hepatitis A, hepatitis B or hepatitis C.

Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is caused by an infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV) and is usually transmitted by consuming food or water contaminated by faeces from a person infected with hepatitis A. Turmeric Supplement Causes Autoimmune Hepatitis in a Woman? Are Curcumin Capsules Safe?

Hepatitis B: The transmission Hep B is caused by coming in contact with infectious body fluids, such as blood, vaginal secretions, or semen, from the person infected with Hep B virus (HBV).

Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes hep C in people and it is majorly caused by coming directly in contact with the bodily fluids of the infected person. comes from the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Infection is usually transmitted by injection drug use and sexual contact and it is the commonest bloodborne viral infections.  Amitabh Bachchan Living with Hepatitis B: What are the Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of the Viral Disease?

Hepatitis D: Also called delta hepatitis the liver inflammatory disease is more severe than the rest and rare at the same time.  It is contracted through direct contact with infected blood but it cannot multiply without the presence of hepatitis B.

Hepatitis E:  It waterborne and is caused by virus (HEV). The liver inflammation is highly associated with poor sanitation. It can be caused by ingesting faecal matter that contaminates the water supply.

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, very similar to the 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 for Hepatitis B surface include 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

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 28, 2019 08:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).