Our liver is an important internal organ responsible for many of our body processes. This includes filtration, digestion, fat metabolism, drug and alcohol detoxification, protein synthesis, and storage of vitamins and minerals. Without the liver, our daily lives would be severely affected. Acute liver failure often leads to complications such as cerebral edema (or excess fluid in the brain), bleeding disorders, infection, and kidney failure.
Hepatitis is one of many diseases that affects the liver. It can be caused by both infectious viruses and non-infectious pathogens, leading to inflammation of the liver. There are many different strains of hepatitis, and if severe, it can be fatal.
Symptoms and types
There are many different types or strains of hepatitis viruses, from hepatitis A to hepatitis E. All variants of the disease primarily target the liver and its functions, ultimately leading to other liver diseases and potential liver failure or cancer.
Hepatitis virus strains vary in how they are transmitted, disease severity, geographic distribution, and methods of prevention or treatment. Therefore, some people are more susceptible to certain forms of the virus than others. For example, hepatitis A can be caused by poor hygiene when handling food and is more common in developing countries where access to proper sanitation is limited.
Because all hepatitis variants primarily affect the liver, the main symptoms of these diseases are usually the same. They include jaundice, abdominal pain and swelling, swelling of the legs and ankles, itchy skin, dark urine, white stools, chronic fatigue, nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, and easy bruising.
Types of hepatitis
Hepatitis A (hepa) is highly contagious and common in developing countries with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. It is spread through ingestion of the virus (in contaminated food and water) and fecal transmission. One way to prevent hepA infection is to get vaccinated.In addition to vaccines, practicing good hygiene, especially before eating and drinking, is important to prevent the spread of the virus
.Hepatitis B (hepB) is a progenitor of other chronic diseases and a major cause of liver cancer. Like HepA, it is caused by person-to-person transmission, but through the exchange of body fluids (through sex or blood contact). Most people tend to develop this disease at birth. Hepatitis B vaccination has been included in the National Immunization Policy (NIP). Treatment for the disease includes antiviral drugs to prevent liver damage and cancer.
Hepatitis C (hepC) is a harbinger of chronic disease and a leading cause of liver cancer and transplantation. Today, most people become infected with hepatitis C by sharing needles or other equipment used to prepare and inject drugs. There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C, so the best way to prevent hepatitis C is to avoid behaviors that may spread the disease, especially injecting drugs. Screening for HepC is critical because treatment can cure most patients with HepC within 12 to 24 weeks.
Hepatitis D It is a satellite disease that only affects people infected with hepatitis B. There is currently no vaccine available, but there are medications available.
Hepatitis E Like HepA, the disease is spread by ingestion of the virus in contaminated food and water. There is currently no vaccine available.
Vaccination
Vaccination is one of the main methods of preventing HepA and HepB diseases and has been shown to be effective in prevention. Vaccination is strongly recommended for young children and people traveling to developing countries.
The HepA vaccine consists of two injections, given six months apart. It is recommended that children receive the first dose between 12 and 23 months of age. If you are traveling, get vaccinated at least one month before travel.
In Malaysia, the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine is given at birth, followed by three additional doses of the primary vaccine and a booster dose of the hexavalent vaccine at two, three, five and 18 months of age.
Adults can also get the hepatitis B vaccine, which is given in three doses. The first dose can be taken at any preferred time, the second dose can be taken one month later, and the third dose can be taken six months after the first dose.
Appropriate vaccination against the virus is strongly recommended for individuals, especially young children, to ensure protection against these diseases and potential liver damage.
Dr Nazrul Neezam Nordin is a Consultant Paediatrician, Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. This story also appears on Positive Parenting, an educational initiative of the Malaysian Paediatrics Association (MPA). For more articles and expert advice, visit mypositiveparenting.org