According to a recently released World Health Organization (WHO) report, a total of 3.50 crore cases of hepatitis B and C were reported in India in 2022. This number is the second highest in the world after China. It was also told in this report that this disease has become the second leading infectious cause of death globally.
WHO said that 3,500 people are dying every day in the world due to Hepatitis B and C infection and 13 lakh people are dying every year. On this, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus believes that this report presents a disturbing picture. In such a situation, for better diagnosis and treatment, in this article, we are giving you important information related to hepatitis.
What is hepatitis
According to the CDC, hepatitis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the liver. Because the liver processes nutrients, filters blood, and fights infections. Therefore, when this disease occurs, the body is not able to function properly. Its most common types include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
Cause of hepatitis
When the immune cells present in the body attack the liver, hepatitis occurs. Apart from this, this disease is also caused by infection with viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Hepatitis A, B, and C are caused by this.
Symptoms of Hepatitis
Many people with hepatitis do not have symptoms. However, if symptoms occur with an acute infection, they may appear anytime from 2 weeks to 6 months after exposure. Symptoms of acute hepatitis may include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dark urine, light stools, joint pain, and jaundice.
Who is at greater risk of hepatitis?
The risk of infection with hepatitis virus is higher in those who have unprotected sex with multiple partners. Apart from this, sharing needles during IV drug use, having sex with a man, living with an HBV patient, coming in contact with human blood, and living in places with high HBV rates increase the risk of this disease. Is.
Delay in treatment can also cause cancer
In patients with chronic hepatitis B, estimates of the rate of HCV co-infection range from 9% to 30%. The biggest concern about having HBV/HCV is that it can lead to more serious liver disease. Not only this but sometimes hepatitis also becomes the cause of liver cancer.
What is the way to escape?
WHO has stated that many effective vaccines and medicines are available to prevent and treat hepatitis. With its help, the deadly disease of hepatitis can be avoided. Apart from this, taking care of hygiene and avoiding other people's body fluids can keep you away from this disease.
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