Dr. Mohamed Juraij Nawsadh
RIYADH : Hepatitis is a condition in which the liver is inflamed, and the most common etiology is viral hepatitis. Hepatitis A, B, and C can all cause liver injury. Hepatitis B and C can cause chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma, whereas hepatitis A causes acute hepatitis that either resolves within a short period of time or, rarely, becomes fulminant and leads to death.
In Sri Lanka, hepatitis A is the most commonly encountered type and spreads through contaminated food and water. Hepatitis B and C are less common and are blood-borne infections. Hepatitis E also spreads through unsafe food and water, while hepatitis D is rare and occurs only with hepatitis B as a co-infection.
Hepatitis can often develop without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. However, signs such as unusual tiredness, nausea, dark-colored urine, abdominal pain, or yellowing of the skin and eyes can raise suspicion. Anyone who has been exposed to hepatitis-infected blood, shared needles, or engaged in activities that increase the risk of infection should seek medical advice and get tested. Early diagnosis allows for timely treatment and helps prevent further transmission.
What is even more crucial than diagnosis is prevention. Ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water and consuming properly prepared food are essential steps in preventing hepatitis A. Vaccination is one of the most reliable ways to prevent both hepatitis A and hepatitis B infections. It is especially recommended for people at higher risk, including healthcare workers, travelers to areas where hepatitis is common, and individuals with high-risk behaviors. While there is no vaccine for hepatitis C, there have been significant breakthroughs in the treatment of hepatitis C in recent years.
Maintaining good personal hygiene, including washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating and after using the toilet, is equally important.
On World Hepatitis Day, we must consider it our duty to spread awareness, encourage prevention, and support efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis through vaccination, early testing, and healthy lifestyle practices. Because a healthy community is the greatest asset to our country.
( Dr. Mohamed Juraij Nawsadh, is the Medical coordinator,,MEI Foundation.)
