Several viruses can cause hepatitis, an infection of the liver; the most frequent ones are hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Both hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) are common in India; however, hepatitis B is the most common kind. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India is home to approximately 40 million chronic HBV carriers. Hepatitis B can result in acute or chronic liver damage. Blood, semen, and vaginal secretions are among the bodily fluids that can spread the infection. Mother-to-child transmission during childbirth, unprotected sex, sharing needles, and contact with contaminated blood through personal items like toothbrushes and razors are common mechanisms of transmission.

To understand the condition better, we got in touch with Dr Tushar Tayal, Lead Consultant, Department of Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, who shares symptoms to look out for, and management techniques.

Dr Tushar Tayal shares that Hepatitis B is a serious health risk in India because of things like a dense population, little awareness, and difficult access to medical care in rural areas.

Dr Tushar Tayal explains Hepatitis B can be asymptomatic, particularly in its acute phase. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

- Fatigue

- Abdominal pain

- Dark urine

- Nausea and vomiting

- Loss of appetite

“If left untreated, chronic hepatitis B can cause serious side effects such as liver failure, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer),” he shares.

Dr Tushar Tayal shares some management tips for Hepatitis B, which includes:

1. Vaccination: The hepatitis B vaccination has a high rate of infection prevention. In India, it is advised for high-risk adults as well as included in the regular vaccination schedule for babies.

2. Frequent Monitoring: It's critical to regularly check liver function and viral load in individuals with chronic hepatitis B. This aids in evaluating the disease's course and the efficacy of treatment.

3. Antiviral Drugs: Liver damage can be avoided and viral loads can be decreased with the use of antiviral medications such as entecavir and tenofovir. For those who have elevated viral counts or exhibit indicators of liver damage, these drugs are very crucial.

4. Healthy Lifestyle: It's important to keep a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet, abstaining from alcohol, and regular exercise are all part of this. Alcohol can accelerate liver damage, so abstinence is highly recommended for individuals with hepatitis B.

5. Safe Practices: Do not share razors, needles, or other personal objects to stop the transmission of hepatitis B. Condom use is one of the most important safe sex practices to lower the chance of transmission.

6. Education and Awareness: It's critical to spread knowledge about hepatitis B, how it spreads, and how to prevent it. Education campaigns can encourage people to get tested and vaccinated while also assisting in lowering the stigma attached to the illness.