Combating Hepatitis Through Awareness

Education. Understanding. Action. Healing.

Imagine waking up feeling more tired than usual, with a waning appetite, and noticing a yellowish tint on your skin. These could be signs your liver is struggling with hepatitis. An inflammation of the liver, hepatitis hits via viral infections (Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E) or excessive alcohol consumption. Dr. Chew Chang Eek, Consultant Physician & Internal Medicine at Putra Medical Centre, provided a comprehensive overview of this topic, emphasising the importance of understanding both the causes and the long-term implications of hepatitis. Join Putra Medical Centre in the fight against this disease by doing your part to increase awareness.

Dr. Chew Chang Eek shares insights on Viral Hepatitis and Its Underlying Causes

Imagine waking up feeling more tired than usual, with a waning appetite, and noticing a yellowish tinge in your eyes. These are indications that you could be having hepatitis, which means inflammation of the liver. Join Putra Medical Centre in the fight against this disease by doing your part in raising awareness among your family, friends and community.

HEPATITIS CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

There are many causes of hepatitis. Among the common causes encountered are direct infections from viruses such Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E as well as certain bacteria like E coli, klebsiella and salmonella. Common infections that occur in the local community like dengue or leptospirosis can also cause hepatitis. Liver infections from parasites are also possible but less common e.g. malaria and amoebas.

Viral hepatitis are usually transmitted via high risk behaviours like unprotected sexual intercourse with multiple sexual partners, needle sharing among drug abusers and unsafe healthcare practices (Hepatitis B and C); and also consumption of contaminated food/ water (Hepatitis A and E).

In Malaysia, hepatitis commonly spreads via contaminated food or water, close personal contact and unsafe healthcare practices. Habits like improper food handling, sharing needles for drug use, and unprotected sex significantly increase the risk of contracting hepatitis.

Furthermore, certain lifestyle choices like excessive chronic alcohol consumption can also lead to liver damage and hepatitis. Certain medications either prescribed for the purpose of treating a medical condition or in the form of unregistered supplements, some herbal remedies and illicit substances have also been known to cause hepatitis.

Coinciding with the rise in the proportion of overweight and obese Malaysians as well as the rising prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Malaysia, another increasing cause of hepatitis would be fatty liver also known as Metabolic dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) or Metabolic dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH).

Other less common causes of hepatitis include tumors affecting the liver either directly or indirectly and also autoimmune conditions.

Additionally, lifestyle choices such as excessive alcohol consumption is a contributing factor to liver damage and hepatitis. Symptoms span fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the eyes), or in severe cases, liver failure.

World Hepatitis Day on 28 July is an important reminder of why the fight against this disease is vital. 

Symptoms of hepatitis can include: fever, malaise, fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pains, abdominal distension, and easy skin bruising, yellowing of the skin / eyes and darkening of the urine. However in many cases, patients can be asymptomatic and hepatitis is discovered incidentally during a routine blood test or medical checkup.

Prevalence and Impact on Malaysians

Globally, millions are affected by hepatitis each year. In Malaysia, meanwhile, it remains a significant public health concern. Per recent statistics, it afflicts locals across all socioeconomic backgrounds and age groups, with varying access to healthcare and prevention services impacting its prevalence here.

Detection and Diagnosis Through PMC

Early detection of hepatitis is crucial for effective management and prevention of complications. At Putra Medical Centre, our Internal Medicine physicians stress the importance of regular health screenings and diagnostic testing especially for at risk individuals. 

“Hepatitis can be asymptomatic in its early stages,” one doctor explains. He adds: “Therefore, routine and regular visits to your preferred consultant physician is essential. During the consultation, the physician will perform a targeted history taking to assess your hepatitis risk profile and perform some physical examination before recommending relevant blood tests which will include liver function and other related tests coupled with abdominal imaging where indicated. These are key steps to detecting hepatitis early and preventing permanent liver damage.”

Putra Medical Centre treatments span antiviral medications, nutritional counselling, and patient care. 

Comprehensive Care and Intervention

This hospital delivers comprehensive treatment options tailored to each patient’s needs.  Treatment of hepatitis will depend largely on the causative agent. Infective causes of hepatitis require treatment of the infective agent. With regards to viral hepatitis, treatments are available for Hepatitis B and C. Whereas Hepatitis A and E are self-limiting and treatment is usually symptomatic and supportive as the infection resolves on its own. Other important aspects of managing viral hepatitis infections include vaccines for hepatitis A and B viruses, lifestyle modifications, nutritional counselling and medications to support liver health. Whereas metabolic causes of hepatitis will require more focus on addressing the metabolic issues like controlling diabetes, cholesterol levels, improving lifestyle choices and managing excessive body weight. Our multidisciplinary team ensures holistic care, focusing not only on medical treatment, but also on emotional support and lifestyle adjustments.

Emotional Impact and Lifestyle Choices

Battling hepatitis can have a significant emotional and social impact. At Putra Medical Centre, we provide counselling services and the extension of support groups that help patients and their families navigate the challenges of living with hepatitis. From managing treatment side effects to addressing stigma, our main purpose is empowering all patrons to lead fulfilling lives as survivors and advocates.

It’s time to protect your liver health and take proactive steps. Contact our team to set up a consultation or targeted screening. Early detection saves lives and ensures better outcomes for hepatitis patients.

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