Comprehensive Guide on Hepatitis B Disease

Symptoms

Some common signs and symptoms of hepatitis B infection are:

• Abdominal pain

• Pain in the joints and muscles

• Fever

• Dark urine

• Nausea and vomiting

• Loss of appetite

• Weakness

• Fatigue

• Pale and yellowish skin

• Yellowing in the whites of the eyes

Hepatitis B Causes

The infection is caused by transmission of the hepatitis B virus from one person to another. The virus can be transmitted both through blood and other bodily fluids.

Some common causes of hepatitis B infection are —

• Sexual Intercourse:

Having unprotected sexual intercourse with a person with hepatitis B infection can increase your risk of suffering from the condition.

• Sharing Infected Needles:

Sharing or reusing needles or syringes can put you at risk of hepatitis B infection.

• Sharing Personal Care Products:

Sharing certain personal care products, such as toothbrushes and razors, increases the risk of hepatitis B infection.

• Accidental Contact:

Unintentional contact with blood of a hepatitis B patient, especially through accidental needlesticks or pricks on skin with the infected needle, can cause hepatitis B infection. This is more common among healthcare workers.

• Childbirth:

Pregnant women infected with HBV can pass on the infection to their newborn.

Risk Factors

This includes:

• Having unprotected sexual intercourse with someone infected with HBV

• Having many sexual partners

• Living with someone diagnosed with HBV infection

• Being a healthcare worker

• Using infected needles or syringes

• Travelling to a country with high rates of HBV infection

• Having HIV or hepatitis C

• Using illegal injected drugs

Diagnosis

If your doctor notices some visible signs of hepatitis B infection, such as yellowish skin, yellowing in the white part of your eyes, etc., he/she may prescribe the following tests to check for hepatitis B infection —

• Blood Test:

A simple blood test can help detect the signs of HBV infection in the body. It can also tell whether the condition is acute or chronic.

• Liver Ultrasound:

Since HBV affects the liver, doctors often advise a liver ultrasound to check the amount of liver damage.

• Liver Biopsy:

In this test, the healthcare provider removes a small sample of your liver with the help of a needle and tests the same for liver damage.

Treatment Options

There are two forms of hepatitis B infections – acute and chronic. If you get diagnosed with hepatitis B infection, the treatment will depend on the type of infection you are diagnosed with.

• Treatment for Acute Hepatitis B Infection:

Acute hepatitis B infections are short-lived, and they get cured on their own. Therefore, if you get diagnosed with the condition, the doctor will ask you to do the following:

• Consume a nutritious diet

• Increase fluid intake and stay hydrated

• Get plenty of rest

If the infection turns severe, the doctor may prescribe antiviral medication. You may also be advised to get admitted to the hospital for close monitoring to avoid complications.

• Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B Infection:

In most cases, chronic hepatitis B patients require lifelong treatment. If you get diagnosed with the condition, the treatment may include the following:

• Antiviral medications

• Interferon injections

• Liver transplant in case of a severe infection

If hepatitis B persists for more than 6 months, you are a carrier. In this case, you must not donate your blood, body organs, plasma or tissue.

Prevention Tips

The following are some tips to reduce the risk of hepatitis B infection:

• Get vaccinated against the condition,

• Do not share your personal items, particularly those exposed to blood. These include razor blades, toothbrushes, etc.

• Do not share or reuse needles and syringes.

• Use protection during sexual intercourse.

• If you plan to travel to a country where the hepatitis B infection rate is relatively high, you must get vaccinated to stay safe.

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water often, especially after touching blood and other body fluids.