Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road Hosts Public Session on Early Liver Disease Screening

BENGALURU — Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road recently hosted a public awareness session dedicated to liver health, addressing the growing concern of liver disorders going unnoticed until reaching advanced stages. Titled 'Protect Your Liver, Preserve Your Life,' the event featured the hospital's gastroenterology team and brought together approximately 54 participants to discuss various conditions, including fatty liver, viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and transplantation.

The discussion opened with detailed insights into Hepatitis A and E. Experts noted that both infections are primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water. While Hepatitis A is generally acute and resolves with rest, hydration, and the avoidance of alcohol or hepatotoxic drugs, prevention relies heavily on two vaccine doses administered six months apart, proper hand hygiene, and access to safe drinking water.

Hospitals experts explained that Hepatitis E follows a similar acute protocol, though it presents higher risks and potential chronicity for immunocompromised patients and pregnant women. The session highlighted that these infections remain common causes of acute illness despite being largely preventable.

A major focus of the session was the silent progression of chronic Hepatitis B and C. If left undiagnosed, these conditions can advance from persistent inflammation to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Dr. Syed Ahmed, Consultant in Gastroenterology at the hospital, addressed the diagnostic challenges during the event.

"Chronic hepatitis B and C often show no symptoms until liver damage is advanced, which is why they are diagnosed late," Dr. Ahmed stated. He added that Hepatitis C is curable through direct-acting antiviral therapy with cure rates exceeding 95 percent, while Hepatitis B can be effectively controlled via regular antiviral treatment and monitoring. He emphasized that routine screening for individuals with known risk factors is critical to changing the disease's course.

Adding to the discussion on preventive measures, Dr. Umesh KJ, Consultant in Medical Gastroenterology, outlined strategies for mitigating liver disease risks. He stressed that prevention remains a primary defense against viral hepatitis through vaccination for Hepatitis A and B, safe food and water handling, proper blood screening, and avoiding unsafe injection practices.

"Equally important is early testing such as liver function tests, viral markers and periodic ultrasound surveillance, which can catch complications like hepatocellular carcinoma at a stage when they are still treatable," Dr. Umesh KJ noted.

The awareness session concluded with a call for broader community action regarding vaccinations, hygienic practices, and timely diagnostic screenings to help lower the long-term public health burden associated with acute and chronic viral hepatitis.

"Public health initiatives focused on preventive care and early screening play a critical role in addressing chronic illnesses before they escalate into severe economic and personal burdens. From a business and societal perspective, increasing awareness around wellness and diagnostics not only improves long-term patient outcomes but also drives sustained engagement for healthcare providers investing in community health education." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes