Hoshiarpur: "Despite being largely preventable and, in many cases, treatable, hepatitis remains one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease. Increased awareness, early detection, and timely medical intervention can significantly reduce the risk of liver failure, cirrhosis, and liver cancer."
Speaking on the eve of World Hepatitis Day, Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Senior Consultant in Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Liver Diseases at Livasa Hospital, Hoshiarpur, stated that the liver is one of the most vital organs in the human body. It performs hundreds of essential functions, including detoxification, metabolism, digestion, and immunity.
He further noted that, unfortunately, hepatitis often damages the liver silently for years before symptoms appear. Viral hepatitis—particularly Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C—remains a serious health concern, as untreated infections can gradually progress to liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and even liver cancer.
"People should never ignore warning signs such as persistent fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale-colored stools, abdominal discomfort, nausea, abdominal swelling, unexplained weight loss, itching, or prolonged fever."
Dr. Kumar advised that individuals dealing with diabetes, obesity, fatty liver disease, excessive alcohol consumption, or a family history of liver disease—as well as those who have received unscreened blood in the past—should undergo periodic liver health check-ups.
Hepatitis B can be effectively prevented through vaccination, while modern antiviral therapy has made it possible to cure Hepatitis C in the majority of patients. Adopting healthy eating habits, maintaining an ideal body weight, limiting alcohol consumption, practicing good hygiene, and seeking timely medical advice are the cornerstones of protecting liver health.
Warning signs not to ignore:-
· Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
· Persistent fatigue and weakness
· Dark-colored urine
· Pale or clay-colored stools
· Pain or swelling in the upper abdomen
· Nausea or vomiting
· Loss of appetite
· Unexplained weight loss
· Persistent itching
· Fever lasting for several days
How to protect your liver:-
· Get vaccinated against Hepatitis B
· Maintain personal hygiene
· Consume safe drinking water and hygienically prepared food
· Avoid sharing needles, razors, and personal care items with others
· Limit alcohol consumption
· Maintain a healthy body weight
· Exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet
· Undergo regular liver health check-ups if you fall into a high-risk category