In search of a winning formula against hepatitis

To most Nigerians, HIV/ AIDS is the most deadly disease in the world. But then, perhaps, one of the most unknown contagious diseases is hepatitis, silent killer.

The word hepatitis comes from the ancient Greek word HEPAR meaning liver and the suffix ITIS is a Latin word meaning inflammation. Therefore, hepatitis means inflammation of the liver cells due to injuries caused by alcohol, medicine, toxin or poison, attack on the liver by the body’s own immune system and sometimes bacterial infection although the disease is mostly caused by a virus.

It is worth noting that while the skin is the largest organ in the body, the liver is the largest gland in the body. It can be found on the right side in the thoracic region of the abdomen. It weighs approximately 1.36kg, reddish brown in colour and is divided into four lobes of different sizes and lengths, these lobes are further divided into thousands of lobules which consist of many hepatic cells. Hepatic cells are the basic metabolic cells of the liver.

The liver performs many functions such as getting rid of harmful substance or toxins from the body, storage of vitamins A, D, K, B12 and minerals, synthesizing of certain amino acids[ the building blocks of protein] and production of 80% of the body’s cholesterol . Other functions include production of bile for digestion, maintenance of proper levels of glucose in the blood by converting it to glycogen, production of urea and production of hormones among others.

In hepatitis, the liver swells thereby preventing it from performing its functions. The onset mimics symptoms of common cold or flu. In fact many people with the disease go undiagnosed because it is mistaken for flu or because there are no symptoms. It can heal on its own in which case it lasts under six months. This is referred to as acute hepatitis. But sometimes it lasts a life time in which case it becomes chronic.

The type of hepatitis is named after the virus that causes it. Basically, there are 5 main types viz: A, B, C , D and E. The A virus is endemic worldwide, an acute disease which occur sporadically. It is caused by contaminated food or water or anal oral contact during sex. Infection with the type A virus does not lead to chronic disease as anyone can be infected and make a full recovery. And once a sufferer recovers he develops immunity and probably will never get it again. It is considered less destructive because it rarely leads to permanent liver damage.
On the other hand, hepatitis B virus is sexually transmitted. It is a serious and common infection that can be spread through contact with infected blood, semen, and some other body fluids.

Therefore, people who engage in unprotected sex, using used syringes and needles, usually common among drug addicts or those who tattoo their bodies, run the risk of contacting the hepatitis B virus. A baby can also be infected through the mother’s milk while those bitten by a sufferer can also be infected.

Hepatitis C occurs usually as a result of parenteral contact with infected body fluid such as through blood transfusion. Contamination of anesthesia by not adhering strictly to basic hygiene rules can also result in hepatitis C. But in hepatitis D, only a person that has already been infected with the C virus can develop it because it is caused by all the causative agents in Hepatitis B.

However, in hepatitis E, infection is possible through drinking of contaminated water that contains the E virus and through anal/ oral sex. The incubation period following the exposure to the HEV ranges from 3- 8weeks with a mean period of 40 days.

The most common symptoms of hepatitis are loss of appetite, fatigue [tiredness], mild fever, muscle or joint pains, nausea and vomiting and abdominal pains among others. Other symptoms include dark urine, light colored stools, jaundice, generalized body itching, internal bleeding and altered mental state, stupor or coma in rare cases.
If left untreated, hepatitis can result in liver cirrhosis, liver failure, hepatic cancer, internal bleeding, stupor or coma. Blood test is usually needed in the diagnosis of hepatitis.

As earlier mentioned that there are no clear cut cure for hepatitis except in cases of infection caused by hepatitis A and B viruses which one can be immunized against, consequently the aim of treatment is to manage the patient in a way that as much as possible stress and strain are taken off the liver. It is recommended that a hepatitis patient should avoid the following foods and drinks: saturated fat, meats, alcohol and soft drinks, spicy foods, fried and salty foods and dietary supplements among others.

On the other hand, the diet of a hepatitis patient should include plenty of fruits and vegetables, grains such as brown rice and barley, protein rich foods categorized as lean protein e .g fish, skinless chicken, egg whites and beans and non- fat dairy products. Drinks recommended include, lemon juice mixed with water which can be drank upon waking up in the morning before eating. A teaspoon of olive oil clinically confirmed to stimulate bile production can also be added.

Hepatitis infection can be serious but knowing what puts an individual at risk can help in protecting him from the disease. Good personal and environmental hygiene goes a long way in preventing hepatitis. Frequent washing of hands before handling food and after visiting the toilet or cleaning of babies after defecating can help prevent the disease. Given a” head” to ones partner should be discouraged as this is unhealthy and can contribute to the transmission of hepatitis.

In addition, unprotected sex should be avoided as well as sharing of paraphernalia of drugs like needles and syringes. Using of unsterilized needles and equipments for tattooing and ear piercing should be avoided. Also, sharing of toothbrushes and razors should be discouraged. Treatment for autoimmune hepatitis involves very effective medicines that suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation.

As part of global efforts to find a winning formula against the silent killer, the world recently marked the World Hepatitis Day on 28th July, 2016. The focus of the event was on finding ways to increase the awareness and the understanding of hepatitis viruses and the diseases that they cause. It is hoped that all the resolutions adopted at the event are put into effective use in combating the disease in the years ahead.

Ogunnubi is of the Features Unit, Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos