This year's theme is “We're not waiting.” WHD 2023 call to action is to “accelerate elimination efforts of viral hepatitis now and the urgent need for testing and treatment for the real people who need it.

The liver is located in the upper right-hand portion of the abdominal cavity, beneath the diaphragm, and on top of the stomach, right kidney, and intestines. Shaped like a cone, the liver is a dark reddish-brown organ that weighs about 3 pounds.

FUNCTIONS OF THE LIVER:

• Filtration.
• Digestion.
• Metabolism and Detoxification.
• Protein synthesis.
• Storage of vitamins and minerals

FOODS THAT SUPPORT THE LIVER HEALTH:

• Berries
• Cruciferous vegetables
• Beans
• Whole grains
• Nuts
• Fatty fish.
• Coffee and green tea contain antioxidants that are helpful for liver health.

 Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. It is estimated 354 million people globally are still living with this life-threatening infection and at least one person dies from viral hepatitis every 30 seconds. That's over 1 million deaths per year – a greater toll than that from HIV and malaria combined.

 

Some types of hepatitis are preventable through vaccination.

CAUSES:  

• Immune cells in the body attacking the liver.

Infections from

• Viruses (Several different viruses cause hepatitis, including hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. The hepatitis A and E viruses typically cause acute infections. The hepatitis B, C, and D viruses can cause acute and chronic infections).
• Bacteria (Neisseria meningitidis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Bartonella henselae, Borrelia burgdorferi, Salmonella species, Brucella species and Campylobacter species.).
• Parasites (Clonorchis is a liver fluke parasite that humans can get by eating raw or undercooked fish, crabs, or crayfish from areas where the parasite is found).
• Liver damage from alcohol or poison.
• Medicines, such as an overdose of acetaminophen.
• Fatty liver.

SYMPTOMS OF HEPATITIS

• Skin and eyes that appear yellowish (jaundice)
• Abdominal pain and swelling
• Swelling in the legs and ankles
• Itchy skin
• Dark urine color
• Pale stool color
• Chronic fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Tendency to bruise easily.

HOW TO DIAGNOSE HEPATITIS

• Physical Exam. A doctor performs a physical exam to look for signs and symptoms of viral hepatitis.
• Blood Tests. Blood tests are used to look for signs that a viral infection is present and to evaluate liver function.
• Imaging Tests e.g. Ultrasound scan, CT scan etc.
• Liver Biopsy

COMPLICATIONS OF HEPATITIS

Having a chronic Hepatitis infection can lead to serious complications, such as:

• Scarring of the liver (cirrhosis). The inflammation associated with a hepatitis B infection can lead to extensive liver scarring (cirrhosis), which may impair the liver's ability to function.
• Liver cancer. People with chronic hepatitis B infection have an increased risk of liver cancer.
• Liver failure. Acute liver failure is a condition in which the vital functions of the liver shut down. When that occurs, a liver transplant is necessary to sustain life.
• Other conditions. People with chronic hepatitis may develop kidney disease or inflammation of blood vessels.

 

Take precautions to avoid Hepatitis:

Other ways to reduce your risk of Hepatitis include:

• Know the Hepatitis status of any sexual partner. Do not engage in unprotected sex unless you are certain your partner is not infected with Hepatitis or any other sexually transmitted infection.
• Use a new latex or polyurethane condom every time you have sex if you do not know the health status of your partner. Remember that although condoms can reduce your risk of contracting Hepatitis, they don't eliminate the risk.
• Never share needles. If you use illicit drugs, get help to stop. If you cannot stop, use a sterile needle each time you inject illicit drugs.
• Be cautious about body piercing and tattooing. If you get a piercing or tattoo, look for a reputable shop. Ask about how the equipment is cleaned. Make sure the employees use sterile needles. If you can't get answers, look for another shop.
• Improved sanitation, food safety and immunization

Ask about the hepatitis vaccine before you travel. If you are traveling to a region where hepatitis is common, ask your doctor about the hepatitis vaccine in advance. It is usually given.