The liver is a vital organ, and its inflammation is known as hepatitis. This condition can result from excessive alcohol intake, viral infections, or fat buildup in the liver. It affects people of all ages and genders, but early detection and timely treatment are key to recovery.

On World Hepatitis Day, doctors from Kamineni Hospitals, including Dr. V R Sumanth Kumar, Dr. Tejaswini Tumma, and Dr. A V Krishna Chaitanya, emphasized the need for awareness and prevention. Hepatitis has several types - A, B, C, D, and E. Types A and E often spread through contaminated food and water, while B and C are transmitted via blood, shared needles, unprotected sex, or unsafe tattooing.

Many remain unaware of their infection due to the lack of symptoms in early stages. Common signs include jaundice, dark urine, nausea, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Hepatitis B can be prevented with a safe and effective vaccine. Vaccines also exist for Hepatitis A in children, but not yet for C, D, or E.

The rise in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is concerning, especially among younger adults, due to sedentary lifestyles, poor diet, and stress. In rural areas, increasing access to alcohol and junk food has led to early addiction among teens.