I, therapist-hepatologist Konul Mahmudova, have spoken on programs broadcasted via "ARB" channel about liver diseases, viral hepatitis, their diagnostics, and prevention.
Types and differences of hepatitis viruses
There are eight types of hepatitis viruses in the world. The types found in Azerbaijan and becoming chronic are hepatitis B, C, and D. Hepatitis E is mostly transmitted through contaminated water and is widespread in countries like Africa and India. Hepatitis A manifests itself in the acute phase and heals on its own when the immune system is normal and there are no additional complications.
Both acute and chronic forms of hepatitis B exist. When it stays in the body for more than six months, the disease enters the chronic stage. Chronic hepatitis B has carrier and disease stages. Carrier individuals must be examined because there is a risk of developing liver cancer in the future. Hepatitis D can only survive in an organism that has the hepatitis B virus, and by accelerating liver damage, it can lead to cirrhosis within a few years. Hepatitis C is treated with modern drugs within three to six months and cleared from the body.
Signs of liver damage
The liver is a silent organ that does not cause pain. Early signs of the disease include weakness, a sense of depression, headaches, joint pain, spots in the back and leg areas, and in some cases, weight loss.
When the disease worsens, changes in urine color, yellowing of the eyes, swelling in the legs, bleeding from the gums, nose, mouth, and rectum, encephalopathy, and coma may occur.
Modern liver diagnostics
To determine the condition of the liver, particularly the fibrosis stage, we use elastography examination. Through elastography, we can determine the degree of liver damage with 93% accuracy within 15-20 minutes without the need for a biopsy. The examination is painless and requires no incisions or punctures.
Protection from hepatitis and transmission routes
Hepatitis B, C, and D viruses are transmitted through blood. Transmission can occur during dental treatment, gynecological procedures, manicure tools, razors, and blood transfusions. These viruses are not transmitted through household contact — by using the same dishes, spoons, washing clothes in the same place, shaking hands, or hugging.
The way to protect against hepatitis B is vaccination. Within the framework of the state program, this vaccine is given to newborns. Adults can also get vaccinated after checking for antibodies in the blood.