Imparting knowledge about hepatitis

As part of their initiative on ‘World Hepatitis Day’, Citizens Centre For Digestive Disorders (CCDD) conducted an interactive session at their hospital in the city on Friday.

The talk was attended by patients of the hospital and people from Serilingampally area. The discussion was led by Dr Sarada Pasangulapati, Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, Citizens Specialty Hospital.

Dr Kiran Peddi, Consultant Medical Gastroenterologist and Chinna Sai Namballa, Dietician, Citizens Specialty Hospital spoke on the occasion.The event also had a question and answer session in which attendees clarified their doubts regarding the disease with the doctors.

The two-hour-knowledge session was aimed at improving awareness among communities on symptoms, management and treatment of Hepatitis and other liver problems such as jaundice. It also emphasised how early diagnosis and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can protect people againsthepatitis infections.

Speaking on the occasion Dr Pasangulapati said, “There are three vital steps in eliminating viral hepatitis, which is the theme of World Hepatitis Day this year. First step is raising awareness through such programmes we have conducted today.

Second is getting tested as only 10 per cent of people will have symptoms. The last step is treatment, which has been revolutionised in the last couple of years.” “There are excellent,safe medications available on this current day.Those who are tested negative should undergo vaccination for Hepatitis B,” she said.

Dr Peddi added, “Jaundice is a common symptom of many liver diseases and unfortunately people have little understanding about it. Even in the modern era, a lot of people don’t seek medical help in the setting of jaundice but try to take their own medications, which can be extremely dangerous. If detected early and treated appropriately, we can save many lives.”