Inflammation of the liver is usually referred to as Hepatitis. It is commonly caused by a viral infection. The condition can be self-limiting or can progress to liver Cirrhosis or Liver Cancer. Around 40 million people in India suffer from Hepatitis. The five main strains of hepatitis viruses are A, B, C, D and E.
Hepatitis A and C are the most common types affecting millions of people. Ingestion of contaminated food or water and blood-to-blood contact with an infected person are cited as the main causes of the disease. Due to the increasing prevalence of the disease, we must kick it to its curb.
We talk to Dr Saumitra Rawat, head of surgical Gastroenterology and Liver transplant at Gangaram Hospital who will tell us ways to prevent and manage Hepatitis.