Bengaluru, July 28: On the occasion of World Hepatitis Day, specialists at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Bengaluru, are raising awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment of hepatitis. This World Hepatitis Day, doctors are emphasising the importance of breaking down the barriers that prevent timely hepatitis diagnosis, treatment and prevention. They stress that increased awareness, routine screening and access to appropriate care are essential in reducing the burden of hepatitis and its long-term complications.
According to the statistics by the World Health Organization, the prevalence rate of chronic hepatitis B and C is estimated to be 287 million around the world, and there are 1.3 million deaths per year, mainly from liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. However, despite having an efficient vaccine and treatments for this disease, many people are unaware of it because of lack of proper screening.
Hospitals continue to see a growing number of patients with hepatitis and other liver disorders. What stands out is that most people with early liver inflammation show no obvious symptoms. This makes timely screening important for early detection and better outcomes.
Doctors explain that hepatitis is commonly associated with viral infections such as Hepatitis A, B and C, but liver inflammation can also occur due to excessive alcohol consumption, autoimmune conditions and drug-induced hepatitis. The latter is a lesser-known condition in which certain medications, over-the-counter painkillers, antibiotics and herbal or dietary supplements can trigger liver inflammation when used inappropriately or without medical supervision.
“One of the biggest challenges with hepatitis is that it often presents with few or no symptoms in its early stages. Many patients do not realise that liver inflammation can be caused by factors beyond viral infections. Drug-induced hepatitis, for instance, is preventable in many cases and highlights the importance of using medications responsibly and seeking timely medical advice,” said Dr. Amit GY, Gastroenterologist, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Bengaluru.
Doctors further emphasise that hepatitis and other liver conditions often remain undetected until they progress, particularly because the early symptoms can be mild or non-specific. Symptoms like fatigue, nausea, poor appetite, yellow eyes, abdominal pain, and dark-colored urine must not be overlooked especially when they become persistent.
“There are still quite a bit of misconceptions around hepatitis and liver care. Routine health check-ups, vaccinations where required, and consultations with doctors could help greatly in avoiding any complications. Early diagnosis plays a very important role in treatment and contributes to maintaining good health of the liver,” added Dr. Amit GY, Gastroenterologist, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Bengaluru.
Apollo Spectra Hospital, Bengaluru experts recommend everyone to take care of their liver health on the occasion of World Hepatitis Day. Overcoming the obstacles in managing hepatitis starts with realising the fact that the disease is usually silent but it is often preventable and