Welcoming World Hepatitis Day, which is celebrated every July 28, global attention is once again focused on hepatitis, a liver disease that often develops without obvious symptoms. Many people only realize they have liver disorders when distinctive signs such as skin or yellowing of the whites of the eyes (jaundice) appear. In fact, early detection and treatment before severe symptoms appear is the key to maintaining optimal liver health and function.

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver (liver). The liver organ has various important functions for the body, including neutralizing toxins (detoxification), regulating metabolism, producing bile to help digestion, and playing a role in various processes of enzyme formation and activation. When the liver is inflamed, these functions can be disrupted and increase the risk of long-term complications.

Clinically, hepatitis is divided into:

- Acute hepatitis: inflammation of the liver that appears suddenly and usually lasts for a short time.

- Chronic hepatitis: inflammation that develops slowly and often does not cause symptoms for many years. This condition can cause fibrosis, cirrhosis, and increase the risk of liver cancer.

Types of Hepatitis and How It Is Transmitted

Hepatitis due to viral infection consists of several main types A, B, C, D, and E:

- Hepatitis A (HAV) and E (HEV): These two types of hepatitis are generally transmitted through the fecal-oral route, namely through food or water contaminated with the patient's feces. HAV and HEV infections are usually acute and can be cured with proper treatment.

- Hepatitis B (HBV), C (HCV), and D (HDV): Transmission of this virus occurs through contact with infected blood or body fluids, for example due to the use of non-sterile syringes, unprotected sexual intercourse, or transmission from mother to baby during childbirth. Hepatitis B and C are at risk of developing into chronic infections that can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Meanwhile, Hepatitis D can only infect a person who has been infected with Hepatitis B.

In addition to viruses, hepatitis can be caused by non-infectious factors:

- Chronic excessive alcohol consumption (alcoholic hepatitis).

- Drug poisoning or exposure to toxins (toxic hepatitis).

- Autoimmune diseases that attack liver cells (autoimmune hepatitis).

- Certain parasitic infections, such as liver worms, that are related to the consumption of raw or undercooked food.

Effective Preventive Measures

Hepatitis prevention efforts need to be adapted to its transmission route:

- For Hepatitis A and E: make it a habit to wash your hands with soap, maintain personal hygiene, and make sure the food and water consumed are safe and have been cooked thoroughly.

- For Hepatitis B, C, and D: avoid sharing personal items that are at risk of blood contamination, such as syringes, razors, and toothbrushes. In addition, practice safe sexual behavior and ensure that every medical procedure uses sterile equipment.

- Vaccination: Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccines are an effective prevention method and are recommended by health experts. The Hepatitis B vaccine is essential to prevent chronic infections as well as reduce the risk of transmission from mother to baby.

Why Early Detection Matters

One of the reasons people are not recommended to wait until their eyes or skin turn yellow is because hepatitis infections, especially Hepatitis B and C, often do not cause symptoms in the early stages (asymptomatic). Complaints such as nausea, fatigue, dark urine such as tea, pale stools, and yellowing eyes usually only appear when liver function begins to be disturbed or liver damage is severe enough.

Through periodic medical check-ups (MCUs) and blood tests to assess liver function, doctors can detect liver infections or inflammation early. Early treatment can help control the progression of the disease, prevent transmission to others, and reduce the risk of serious complications such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure.

It's Time to Care More About Liver Health

The commemoration of World Hepatitis Day every July 28 is an important momentum to increase public awareness about liver health. Do not wait until severe symptoms such as yellowing eyes appear to do an examination. Protect yourself and your family by implementing a clean and healthy lifestyle, completing the necessary vaccinations, and conducting early detection at the nearest health facility. Liver health is a long-term investment. The earlier hepatitis is recognized, the greater the chance of preventing complications and maintaining an optimal quality of life.

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