Hepatitis is a condition where the liver becomes inflamed due to infection, toxins, or autoimmune disorders. The most common cause is a viral infection, especially Hepatitis A, B, C, D, or E. The liver plays a pivotal role in digestion, detoxification, and energy storage, so any damage to it can take a toll on the entire body.

Dr Tanish Mandal, consultant pathologist and zonal technical chief, Apollo Diagnostics in Delhi, explains, “Hepatitis tends to spread via contaminated food or water (Hepatitis A and E), contact with infected blood, unprotected sex, or from an infected mother to child (Hepatitis B and C). It may also be seen because of higher alcohol intake, certain medications, or underlying autoimmune diseases."

Every year, World Hepatitis Day is observed on July 28 to raise awareness about a group of diseases that affect the liver and can cause severe damage. Hepatitis, if left untreated, can damage the liver and that is why it is necessary to manage it without any further delay. Knowing the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis is essential for timely intervention.

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When to suspect Hepatitis?
Many cases of Hepatitis will show no symptoms in the beginning, which is why it’s called a “silent” disease. However, Dr Mandal highlights the signs and symptoms like yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice); fatigue or weakness; dark-coloured urine; pale or clay-coloured stools; abdominal pain, especially in the upper right side; Loss of appetite; nausea or vomiting, and fever or joint pain (in some cases)