Doctor: Chronic hepatitis occurs without symptoms

Viral hepatitis (WWW) remains one of the most serious health problems in the world, said Dr. Beata Logiewa-Bazger. She appealed for greater awareness of this threat and for regular preventive screenings.

On the occasion of World Hepatitis Day, the specialist drew attention to the scale of the threat and called for greater social awareness and regular preventive tests.

– More than 270 million people worldwide live with hepatitis B, and another 71 million with hepatitis C. Most of these are chronic infections, of which patients are unaware – said Dr. Logiewa-Bazger, head of the Department of Infectious Diseases, Infectious Hepatology and Acquired Immunodeficiencies at the Specialist Hospital in Chorzów.

She explained that acute cases are accompanied by visible symptoms, such as jaundice and weakness, which prompt medical intervention. Chronic infections are much more difficult to detect, as they may remain asymptomatic for years.

"The patient functions normally, sometimes with slightly elevated liver function tests, but these are often ignored. Meanwhile, the infection progresses and, over the years, can lead to cirrhosis or even liver failure," the doctor said.

She also warned against disregarding even minor deviations in test results. She pointed out that primary care physicians do not always refer patients for further diagnostics, yet there are available and reimbursed tests that detect markers of hepatitis B and C.

"This is a simple test that can be performed once a year. If the result is positive, we invite you to our specialist clinics. There, we perform further diagnostics and – if a chronic infection is confirmed – we qualify the patient for antiviral treatment," she added.

The expert reminded that liver diseases do not produce pain symptoms for a long time, which means that many patients only come to doctors in an advanced stage, with complications such as ascites, edema or hepatic encephalopathy.

"Liver cirrhosis is a condition in which healthy tissue is replaced by connective tissue. The organ ceases to function. It no longer produces proteins and no longer cleanses the body. This stage may require a transplant, and in many cases, it ends tragically," warned Dr. Logiewa-Bazger.

World Hepatitis Day is observed every year on July 28. Its goal is to raise public awareness of this infectious disease, which can lead to serious health problems, including liver cancer.

Hepatitis B and C viruses continue to pose the greatest threat worldwide. Both types can develop in acute or chronic forms. Hepatitis C often progresses without any symptoms for many years, which is why it is sometimes called a "silent epidemic" or a "viral time bomb." (PAP)

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