A liver transplant surgeon busts 5 common myths about hepatitis
Each year, World Hepatitis Day is observed on 28 July to increase awareness of viral hepatitis - an inflammation of the liver that causes several health problems such as liver cancer. The five main strains of the hepatitis virus are A, B, C, D and E. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hepatitis B and C together are the most common cause of deaths, claiming 1.3 million lives every year. Amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, viral hepatitis continues to kill thousands of peoples every day.
The theme for this year’s is “Hepatitis-free future,” with a strong focus on preventing hepatitis B among mothers and newborns. Hepatitis is associated with an inflammatory condition of the liver that is commonly caused by a viral infection. However, autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis may occur as a secondary result of medications, toxins, drugs, and alcohol. WHO data shows that around 100 million people are suffering from hepatitis B and 30 million of them are living with hepatitis C in South-East Asia. The report further states that an estimated 40 million Indians suffer from chronic hepatitis B and six to 12 million people infected with hepatitis C.
Most common hepatitis myths debunked
While hepatitis remains to be one of the pressing public health concerns in India, most of us are aware of the types of hepatitis and ways to prevent it. However, there are a few myths that people have associated with the disease. On the occasion of World Hepatitis Day, Dr Mahesh Gopashetty, Senior Consultant, Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary and Liver Transplant Surgery, Fortis Hospital, Bangalore, debunks some of the most common myths and misconceptions associated with the disease.
Myth 1: All hepatitis infections are deadly disease
Fact: The infection does not kill everyone. It may be surprising, but there are about 20 to 40 million infected people in India who are living healthy lives with the condition. The majority of them will even live till old age.
Myth 2: Hepatitis and jaundice are the same
Fact: Jaundice is just a symptom of hepatitis and not a cause of it. It is important to understand that hepatitis is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. Jaundice, on the other hand, is caused due to high levels of bilirubin pigment in the liver. This further results in a yellow colouration of the skin. Therefore, these two conditions are not the same, jaundice can be caused by hepatitis infection.
Myth 3: Hepatitis is an untreatable disease
Fact: Some types of hepatitis can heal without any intervention. However, hepatitis can sometimes progress to liver cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and in such cases, patients may have to take rest and refrain from consuming any drugs and alcohol during the recovery period. Furthermore, a medical professional may even prescribe antiviral agents or other antiviral suppressive therapies. In the case of hepatitis C infection, a patient is more likely to be prescribed antiviral agents.
Myth 4: Bland food and boiled vegetables are the appropriate form of diet for hepatitis infected person
Fact: One should not underestimate and neglect the importance of nutrition, which plays a vital role in improving liver function. Restricting oneself to only boiled and bland food may cause problems like protein-calorie malnutrition during the prolonged illness.
Myth 5: Hepatitis is a hereditary/genetic disease
Fact: Diseases like autoimmune hepatitis, PBC and PSC can have a genetic basis and may run in families. Hepatitis B is transmitted by blood and body fluids. It can be transmitted from mother to child during birth. However, in such cases, the transmission from the mother can be prevented if the status of her HBV is known. In addition to that immunoglobulin is given within 12 hours of birth.
While it is imperative to be aware of the disease and the types, it is equally important to quell those myths associated with the disease. Additionally, individuals must ensure that they regularly consult a medical professional and undergo treatments suggested by him.