Hepatitis A, B, C patients often do not know about their liver inflammation

Great progress in the treatment of hepatitis

According to Deutsche Leberhilfe e.V., 400 million people worldwide live with hepatitis B or C. Every year, 1.4 million people die as a result of hepatitis, although chronic viral hepatitis B is now well treatable. Hepatitis C is even curable by medical progress, also could be the club after infection with the hepatitis virus with simple means completely prevented. Under the motto "prevent hepatitis - it is up to you!" Will therefore be advertised on the occasion of the "World Hepatitis Day" on July 28 for more attention.

Worldwide, 1.4 million people die each year as a result of liver disease
One in twelve people suffer from hepatitis B or C worldwide, according to Deutsche Leberhilfe e.V. The consequences of cirrhosis or hepatocellular cancer are reported to kill 4,000 people every single day of the year. There are no reliable figures for Germany so far. However, the Federal Statistical Office estimates that there are four to five million people who are currently or previously affected by liver disease such as fatty liver, hepatitis and acute or chronic hepatitis. However, the number of unreported cases is very high for Deutsche Leberhilfe because, unfortunately, viral hepatitis often causes no obvious symptoms. Instead, many people would expect a flu or flu infection and would not know that they may have been affected for years.

Hepatitis usually causes flu-like symptoms at the beginning
Hepatitis may vary according to the type of virus, but at the beginning it tends to show more general symptoms, such as: Fatigue, fatigue, headache, loss of appetite, fever and vomiting. Later, other typical signs, such as dark urine, a light bowel movement and yellow eyes or skin ("jaundice") may be added.

"In hepatitis liver cells are damaged or destroyed," explains Markus Cornberg in an interview with the news agency "dpa". The expert is Medical Director of the German Liver Foundation and Senior Physician of the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology at the Hannover Medical School. The inflammation would release substances that lead to an increase in liver enzymes. Accordingly, in case of suspected illness, a blood test can provide a first insight.

A distinction is generally made between an acute and a chronic form, whereby "hepatitis [.] Can heal without consequences after the acute phase or pass into chronic hepatitis," explains Markus Cornberg. As a result, the liver could initially shrink in the long run and eventually lose their full function.

Hepatitis A is considered a typical "motion sickness"
Hepatitis can have a variety of causes, but it is often an infection with viruses. Likewise, excessive consumption of alcohol can be detrimental to the liver. "But too much fat or certain medicines can play a role," adds the pharmacist Ursula Sellerberg, who works for the Federal Association of German Pharmacists Associations (ABDA). In addition, certain pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, cancer or metabolic diseases, which could lead to damage to the liver.

Depending on which virus underlies the infection, the type of liver inflammation is referred to as hepatitis A, B, C, D or E. Hepatitis A is very contagious and is considered a typical "travel sickness", as it occurs primarily in countries with low hygienic standards. The virus is transmitted via the faecal-oral route either through direct personal contact (toilet, door handle, etc.) or indirectly via contaminated food (for example, mussels, oysters, or faeces-fertilized vegetables) and contaminated drinking or bathing water. There is no causative drug therapy against the hepatitis A virus so far, accordingly, the treatment by bed rest, painkillers, etc. aimed at alleviating the symptoms. If you want to travel to tropical countries, you should also prevent infection by a hepatitis A vaccine, said the physician Thomas Harder Robert Koch Institute in Berlin compared to the "dpa".

Incorrect piercing and tattooing tools increase the risk of hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is one of the most common infectious diseases, in which the transmission of the virus via the blood or other body fluids such. Sperm takes place. An increased risk accordingly exists e.g. through unprotected sex, frequent contact with blood or blood products or the use of syringes in case of drug addiction. Likewise, when piercing, tattooing or e.g. medical care abroad is not paid attention to appropriate hygiene or sterility. If hepatitis B has a chronic course, the therapy involves various medications, such as Agent against viruses (antivirals) used. "Every day then a tablet must be taken over years," explains Cornberg further. Even against hepatitis B, a corresponding vaccine can provide a substantial protection against infection, which should be done early, according to Thomas Harder of the Robert Koch Institute: "All infants from the age of two months and toddlers or unvaccinated children and adolescents to at the age of 18 should be vaccinated. "

Hepatitis C is now basically curable
The hepatitis C virus is normally transmitted via direct blood contact (e.g., in a blood transfusion or through shared drug utensils). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 100 million people are ill as well as between three and four million new cases every year. The disease is often chronic, but is generally curable today. According to expert Cornberg healing rates of 90 to 100 percent are possible. "The costs currently amount to around 50,000 to 60,000 euros per treatment," he continues.

"World Hepatitis Day "informs on July 28th
Considerable advances in treatment have become possible over the past few years due to medical advances and the development of new drugs. If the appropriate remedies are prescribed, a reliable intake is accordingly important, advises Ursula Sellerberg. To raise awareness of hepatitis, the issue will be publicized this year as part of the "World Hepatitis Day" on July 28. Under the motto "Preventing hepatitis - it's up to you!", The focus should primarily be on one's own behavior in order to prevent contagion from the outset, according to the information of Deutsche Leberhilfe e.V. (nr)