Archive for October 31st, 2011
Say No To Unhygienic Food And Prevent Jaundice
A yellowish discoloration on the white part of the eye, skin, palms, and soles is the feature. Jaundice can occur at any age right from the newborn period. Jaundice is invariably due to “viral hepatitis”. There are a variety of them starting from hepatitis A to E and more are being added to the list. The most important of them are Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B.
The most common type of jaundice is due to hepatitis A. this is due to the consumption of contaminated food or water. It is transmitted by the fecal-oral route. This emphasizes the need to practice hygienic methods of preparing, storing and consuming food. ‘Food vending’ done in unacceptable standards should not be encouraged. It is always advised not to have junk food. Fortunately after contracting jaundice if proper food restrictions and conservative treatment is taken most of the cases improve. The doctor’s advice and his monitoring of the situation is important. If properly followed the complications are rare and few. Preventive vaccinations are now available.
Hepatitis B is the dreaded type of hepatitis. This can be transmitted from mother to baby or through unscreened blood and blood products and by sexual route and direct inoculation. The complication of chronic liver disease- liver failure is more frequent. Effective treatment is unlikely. Prevention by vaccinating everybody against this is the most sensible approach and ought to be practiced by all concerned.
