Hepatitis is a medical condition which affects the Liver. It causes inflammation and health consequences which may require the attention of a health practitioner or admission to a hospital. Hepatitis is caused by Toxins e.g. drugs like paracetamol, alcohol, infections among others. The most common cause is a group of viruses which cause inflammation of the liver and are classified as Hepatitis A-E viruses. Hepatitis A and E are transmitted through infected stool coming into contact with food substances.
They cause symptoms predominantly of fever, diarrhoea, Vomiting, yellowness of eyes and abdominal pain. Hepatitis B and C are transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person, receiving infected blood or blood products or through infected needles. The symptoms are similar to the hepatitis A virus, but patients may not have predominant diarrheal symptoms. Treatment of Hepatitis viruses include review by a medical practitioner, controlling vomiting and diarrhoea as well as using specific medicines if available. Currently we have medicines to control Hepatitis B and C only. These medicines are available at all level 6 hospitals including our facility, KUTRRH.
KUTRRH is committed to timely diagnosis and treatment of such patients through our experienced Liver specialists.They say, Prevention is better than cure. To prevent Hepatitis, take care of general hygiene including hand washing, washing food properly before eating and avoiding unclean raw food. It is important also to practice safe sex practices, avoid recreational drug use, avoid sharing needles and screen blood products for the hepatitis Virus before transfusion. An important population is expected mothers who need treatment for the hepatitis B and C viruses before delivery to avoid transmission to their infants.As KUTRRH, we have a robust Hepatitis treatment program that takes care of patients infected with the hepatitis B virus. In addition, our doctors are committed to providing the best possible care through our inpatient and outpatient clinics.
Take home message: Get tested today! Viral hepatitis is preventable and manageable if caught early.
Have a Happy World Hepatitis B
Dr. Miriam Muriithi
Consultant Physician and Gastroenterologist