Hepatitis is a viral condition that affects the liver; and as the disease progresses, it raises the risk of cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer. Compared to many health conditions, there is less awareness in the general public about this disease. Further, there are strong myths and misconceptions around it.
Given that unsafe sex and the use of drugs hugely increase the risk for Hepatitis, there is a lot of social stigmas attached to it. But Hepatitis can happen due to other reasons too. It’s important to know more about the condition so that patients and their families are better able to cope with it.
To begin with, Hepatitis is not a single disease but three different conditions, each of them caused by a virus.
- Hepatitis A: This is transmitted when faeces of the person infected with the condition contaminates food that is consumed by a healthy person. A vaccine is available to reduce the risk of Hepatitis A.
- Hepatitis B: This is transmitted when a healthy person comes in contact with the blood of an infected person, or has unsafe sex with him/her. An infected mother breastfeeding her infant can also pass on the infection to the infant. A vaccine is available to reduce the risk of Hepatitis B.
- Hepatitis C: Similar to Hepatitis B, here too transmission happens through direct contact with the blood of an infected person. Even a pregnant mother infected with the condition can pass on the virus to her foetus through the placenta. As of date, there is no vaccine available to reduce the risk of Hepatitis C.
Hepatitis is diagnosed through blood tests, liver ultrasound, and liver biopsy. In severe cases when the disease is progressing rapidly and the liver is not responding to medication, a liver transplant is the only option.
For the purpose of this article, we are covering ways to cope with all 3 types of Hepatitis.
So what should a person diagnosed with the condition know, or do?
Medical aspect
- Taking medication: Direct Acting Anti-virals such as Entecavir, Tenofovir, Lamivudine, Adefovir Dipivoxil and Telbivudine, or their equivalents are given as oral medicines. These should be taken strictly in the prescribed dosage and frequency. Interferon is a man-made version of a substance produced by the body to fight infection. The patient will also receive Interferon injections from time to time.
- Following diet changes: Once diagnosed with Hepatitis, there will be some foods that will be restricted to minimize load on or damage to the liver. At the same time, ensuring that the person gets the desired nutrition. The patient must consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat, non-dairy products, whole grains such as oats, brown rice, and millets, and protein sources such as beans, lentils, and egg-whites. Non-vegetarians can consume lean meats such as fish and skinless chicken. Healthy fats can come from nuts, avocados, and oils such as olive or coconut. The patient must avoid red meat, oily food, and food that is high in added sugar or fat.
- Managing weight: Excess weight can be a problem as it deposits fat in the liver, which worsens hepatitis symptoms. The person must exercise regularly so as to reduce weight and maintain it.
Physical aspect
- Precautions: There are various precautions that a Hepatitis patient must exercise all the time. He/she must avoid unclean water or food and as far as possible, eat at home. Family members who live with the patient must wash their hands thoroughly whenever they touch the patient or any of his/her belongings. They should not share utensils or plates, glasses, etc with the patient. The home of the patient must be sanitized regularly with disinfectants. Sex with or without condoms should be avoided completely because of the risk of passing on the infection to the partner. While at the hospital for treatment, please ensure the staff is sterilizing all syringes or needles used for the patient.
- Sleep: Hepatitis patients are known to have disturbed sleep. This is turn creates a vicious cycle of fatigue, and worsening symptoms. The only way to overcome this is by following a strict sleep-hygiene. The person should sleep and wake up at the same time every day. Caffeine must be avoided 1 or 2 hours before meal time, while alcohol is completely restricted.
- Exercise: Exercise helps reduce and maintain weight. It also boosts the immune system and helps the body fight the Hepatitis virus better.
- Following lifestyle changes: Hepatitis patients must stop consuming alcohol till the condition is completely cured, and even afterwards, to prevent a relapse. Taking recreational drugs, piercing oneself, getting a tattoo and donating blood are all restricted now due to the risk of infected needles.
Emotional aspect
- Exercise: Depression is a very common symptom with Hepatitis patients. This can make the person take irrational decisions and flout the above precautions. Exercise is a great way of alleviating depression and elevating the mood. Consult the doctor on what exercises are allowed for the patient.
- Education and awareness: The patient, his/her close friends and family members must take some time off to read up on Hepatitis or consult doctors. This will help them manage the condition better and beat stress due to myths or preconceptions.
- Take counselling from specialists: In addition to self-education, most hospitals offer counselling to Hepatitis patients and their families. This will cover all aspects of the disease, the treatment, recovery and rehabilitation.
- De-stress: Even if the patient is not suffering from depression, there is still stress from the treatment and the expenses. There are various techniques to de-stress such as meditation, yoga, tai-chi, etc. Even indulging in a hobby or special interest can help de-stress in a big way and elevate the mood.
Social aspect
- Reveal the truth: Given the social stigma and myths or preconceptions around Hepatitis, patients tend to hide the condition or the treatment. This is easy as hepatitis does not show any prominent symptoms. But doing so only creates complications that can hamper the treatment and quick recovery. It’s best for patients and their family members to be open about the condition. Friends and family should understand that unlike the coronavirus, Hepatitis doesn’t transmit by droplets from the mouth or nose. It only spreads by contact with blood or body fluids of the patient. This goes a long way in preventing isolation of the patient or family.
- Reach out to forums: There are multiple forums on the internet and whatsapp groups comprised of Hepatitis patients. The patient can reach out to them and become a member. He/she can benefit from tips and useful advice on coping with Hepatitis.
Financial aspects
- Seek financial help: Presently, the medication and treatment options can be a bit expensive. It’s good to have a financial backup before spending from your savings.
- Speak to your insurance company: Most Health Insurance policies do not cover Hepatitis unless it’s late stage or requiring a liver transplant. Speak to them and have your policy include Hepatitis before starting the treatment.
Conclusion
Friends and family sometimes paint a grim picture of Hepatitis. But the reality is quite different. Hepatitis can be cured and the symptoms managed well. Reach out to a reputed hospital that has specialists on their rolls; that provides cost-effective treatments, and offers counselling – all under one roof. This will ensure quick recovery and rehabilitation for the patient, and a hassle-free experience overall for the patient and family members.
Please contact our 24×7 Dedicated Liver Helpline: Ph: +91 73736 53653 for immediate advice and queries related to liver disease and transplantation.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
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