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Treat ‘existing pool’ of patients to eradicate virus: Expert
As part of the monthly health lecture of Public Gardens Walkers Association (PGWA), Dr K S Somasekhar Rao, Consultant Gastroentrologist, Apollo Hospitals called for treating existing pool of patients with hepatitis to help eradicate the virus.
Nampally: As part of the monthly health lecture of Public Gardens Walkers Association (PGWA), Dr K S Somasekhar Rao, Consultant Gastroentrologist, Apollo Hospitals called for treating existing pool of patients with hepatitis to help eradicate the virus.
Speaking at the event here on Sunday, Dr Rao said, “Eliminating hepatitis viruses by 2030 is a possibility if every individual is screened and treated. Awareness about the ill effects of the viruses, modes of transmission, prevention and treatment plays a vital role in decreasing the deaths caused by viral hepatitis and the ultimate eradication of these viruses.”
“We run an organisation 'Save the Liver' Foundation, to raise awareness and conduct screening camps for hepatitis viruses across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. We identified high prevalence in certain pockets and are planning for intensive screening and awareness camps in those areas. We treated about 300 hepatitis 'C' and 100 hepatitis 'B' patients, free of cost till date. Treatment of existing pool of patients helps in eradicating these viruses,” he said.
Most common cause of liver disease worldwide and in India is alcohol consumption. Other causes include drugs, autoimmune disorders, hepatitis viruses etc. According to WHO, Hepatitis is the world’s seventh leading cause of death, killing more people than HIV/AIDS, malaria or tuberculosis.
The doctor explained the symptoms and mechanism in which the viruses grow in the body. “Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, yellowish discoloration of eyes and urine are the most common symptoms when one needs to get the liver checked,” he said.
He cautioned that a few medicines may exacerbate the condition. “Drugs (medications) can be a cause for liver diseases, though they may have been prescribed for other ailments like tuberculosis, rheumatoid disorders, cardiac problems etc. Few Ayurvedic and unani medications contain heavy metals and cause damage to the liver,” he said.
“Every individual should get themselves checked voluntarily for Hepatitis 'B' with HBsAg and Hepatitis 'C' with anti- HCV, the two simple blood tests which can save the liver,” said the doctor.
