A Love Letter to Your Liver

Your liver works hard to keep your body healthy and strong. Hepatitis may be silent but your love for liver’s health should be loud.

World Hepatitis Day raises awareness on hepatitis, a group of infectious diseases (A, B, C, D, and E) that can cause liver damage if left untreated. While hepatitis may be silent in its early stages, its impact on liver health can be life-threatening. However, prevention and early treatment can make all the difference.

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis refers to the inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infections. It can also result from alcohol consumption or autoimmune disorder.

• Hepatitis A and E are transmitted through contaminated food or drinks or contact with an infected individual.

• Hepatitis B and C are spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, often through unsafe injections, transfusions, or shared personal items.

• Hepatitis D only occurs with people who are already infected with Hepatitis B.

Among the types, Hepatitis B and C are the most concerning due to their potential to cause chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer.

Prevention is the Best Protection

The first line of defense against hepatitis is prevention. The following practices protect your liver health:

• Get Vaccinated: Vaccines are available for Hepatitis A and B, offering long-term protection. Vaccination is especially important for infants, healthcare workers, and people at higher risk of infection.

• Practice Good Hygiene: Hepatitis A and E spread through contaminated food or water. Washing your hands, drinking safe water, and ensuring food safety are important habits.

• Safe Practices and Awareness: Hepatitis B and C can be transmitted through blood and body fluids. Avoid sharing needles, razors, or personal items, and ensure safe and sterile medical procedures.

• Regular Screening: For those at risk (such as individuals with a family history of hepatitis or chronic illnesses), routine screening tests can detect hepatitis early, even before symptoms appear.

Treatment and Care

For patients diagnosed with hepatitis, timely medical intervention can make a significant difference:

• Antiviral Medications: Chronic Hepatitis B and C can often be managed with antiviral drugs that reduce liver inflammation and slow disease progression.

• Lifestyle Adjustments: Avoiding alcohol, maintaining a balanced diet, and following your specialist’s advice can help the liver heal.

• Regular Monitoring: Continuous check-ups and liver function tests are essential for managing the disease effectively.

At Makati Life Medical Center, we offer Liver Shear Wave Elastography, a non-invasive and advanced screening procedure available at our Center for Radiologic Sciences. This test uses ultrasound technology to measure liver stiffness and assess the extent of fibrosis or scarring, critical in managing chronic liver diseases such as Hepatitis B and C.

With this tool, we help patients take control of their liver health before complications arise. Your liver’s health is your life’s strength. Protect it today, so it can protect your tomorrow.