Hepatitis disease is an inflammation of the liver. It can lead to cirrhosis that is the shrinkage of the liver which can further result in cancer. However, blood in vomit, diarrhoea and nausea are one of the most common symptoms of hepatitis which if ignored can become life-threatening.
To raise awareness regarding the causes, symptoms, and treatments of the issue we have Dr. Mehreen Zaman Niazi here with us to discuss the issue in detail. Dr. Mehreen is one of the top gastroenterologists of Lahore with 10 years of experience and various accolades to her name in the field of hepatology.
Q.1. What can you tell us about hepatitis disease?
Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver. As the liver becomes inflamed, it cannot carry out its functions properly.
Q.2. What are the common types of hepatitis?
Well, one of the most common types of hepatitis is A, B, C, D and E. In addition to these, there are also different types of hepatitis. If a patient has acute hepatitis for more than 6 months, then it is labelled as chronic hepatitis.
Hepatitis A and E are cause acute hepatitis, whereas Hepatitis B and C are responsible for chronic hepatitis.
Q.3. How does a person get hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is transferred when one comes in contact with contaminated tools or syringes. A pregnant mother, positive for hepatitis, can also transfer it to her fetus. However, I would like to say that breastfeeding cannot transfer hepatitis. Lastly, sexual contact can also transfer to hepatitis.
Q.4. Is Hepatitis B curable or treatable?
Hepatitis B is completely curable. It depends on what stage the doctor comes to know of the patient’s illness. In the initial stages, when the liver is not that much damage, then the disease is completely and easily curable.
However, if liver cirrhosis happens where the liver becomes significantly damaged, then, the chances of getting cured become low. But, this is not to say that the disease becomes incurable. Hepatitis B is and can be treated at any stage.
Q.5. How do hepatitis B and C cause cancer?
Hepatitis B and C can surely cause cancer. Like we discussed before if the liver enters into the “cirrhosis” stage, where it becomes severely scarred and damaged, the chances of cancer become high. So, if the patient has developed liver cirrhosis, we advise the patients to get an ultrasound every six months. This is advised to ensure that if the patient is, infact, developing cancer, it can be detected and treated timely.
For more information on hepatitis disease, you can watch the full interview. Moreover, if you have any health issues, you can book an appointment with a top hepatologist through oladoc.com, or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT professional for your concerns.
