Why is World Hepatitis Day celebrated on July 28?
Every July 28th, since 2010, the major health problem represented by hepatitis, a disease caused by a virus, is recognized. responsible for high levels of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 57% of liver cirrhosis cases and 78% of primary liver cancer cases are caused by the hepatitis B and C viruses.
What is hepatitis and why is it commemorated today?According to an article from the Health Institute for Wellness, hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver. due to damage or infection by viruses, bacteria, parasites, alcohol or some medication It can be an acute infection, which lasts for a shorter period of time, or a chronic infection, which lasts longer.
According to WHO figures, every 30 seconds a person dies worldwide from this infection or from its complications. Therefore, Every July 28th, we try to raise awareness and make a call so that everyone can generate a response to the fight against this disease.
When a person suffers from hepatitis, the main organ affected is the liver. , which stops functioning properly. The liver is responsible for controlling the levels of healthy and unhealthy chemicals in the body , processing nutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, and fats), and converting toxins into material for the body or eliminating them.
Read: This is what happens to your body if you consume expired vitaminsThis organ is one of the most important, since in addition to the above, it helps with blood coagulation and filtration , eliminates fats, assimilates others and controls blood sugar, in addition to producing cholesterol.
A malfunction of the liver can cause serious diseases such as liver cancer, liver cirrhosis or even death.
Classification of hepatitis, modes of transmission and symptomsThis disease is classified into four different types, both based on its consequences, some more serious than others, and the way in which a person becomes infected:
- Hepatitis A (HAV): Probably the most common. It occurs through contact with contaminated objects, drinks or food. with feces from an infected person.
- Hepatitis B (HBV): It is transmitted through the bloodstream by contact with fluids from an infected person, sexually or from mothers to children during childbirth. Symptoms range from mild to severe, although if a person is infected at birth or during early childhood, the chances of developing chronic infection increase , which can cause cirrhosis or liver cancer.
- Hepatitis C (HCV): It is transmitted through the blood, whether through sexual intercourse, sharing injections or unsafe medical procedures. In the worst cases , the disease causes cirrhosis or liver cancer , two of the main causes of death from this disease, although early detection greatly aids diagnosis.
- Hepatitis D (HDV): Transmitted through infected blood. It occurs simultaneously in a person who has been infected with hepatitis B (coinfection), or who contracts hepatitis D after having been infected with hepatitis B (superinfection).
- Hepatitis E (HEV): It is transmitted through contaminated water and food. It is more likely in countries with poor hygiene conditions that can cause outbreaks.
The characteristic symptoms of this condition are:
- Fever.
- Fatigue.
- Loss of appetite.
- Nausea.
- Vomit.
- Abdominal pain.
- Dark urine.
- Clay-colored stools.
- Joint pain.
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
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