Showing all 7 results
What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a fatal liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). This infection can be either acute (lasting less than six months) or chronic, becoming a lifelong problem.
This can affect both children and adults; children, due to their weaker immune systems, are more prone to chronic Hepatitis B infection.
For the same reason, infants are vaccinated for Hepatitis B infections after their birth due to their higher vulnerability.
Hepatitis B can affect the liver, causing minor symptoms such as inflammation initially, or even causing cirrhosis or cancer in fatal circumstances.
How Hepatitis B Spreads?
HBV or Hepatitis B is one of the most contagious viruses, even 50x to 100x more contagious than HIV.
It does not spread with physical touch such as hugging, eating together, or coughing. Rather, it spreads through semen, blood, or infections in body fluids.
Common methods of transmission are as follows:
Sexual Contact: Unprotected sexual intercourse with a partner affected with the HBV virus.
Needle Sharing: On using common needles for blood tests, injectable drugs. Even using common equipment for piercing, etc. HIV also spreads using this method.
Birth: In most cases, a mother already affected with the HBV virus in most cases will infect her newborn infant.
Hence, if diagnosed earlier before planning pregnancy, then first treat HBV infection.
Direct Contact: Sharing items that may have traces of blood, such as toothbrushes or shaving razors. As a basic hygiene, avoid using anyone else’s items that have hygiene issues.
Signs and Symptoms of Hepatitis B Infection
With Hepatitis B, even after being affected, prominent symptoms appear after 2 to 4 months. In young children, the symptoms are even more difficult to recognize.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
Jaundice: Identified by frequent instances of yellow skin and the white portion of the eye also turning yellowish.
Dark Urine: Often, dehydration is the reason for dark urine, and people fail to gauge the danger. Dark brown is the color of urine. Reach out to the doctor immediately after the first instance.
Fatigue: Always feeling tired, despite getting adequate rest.
Digestive Issues: Sudden loss of hunger, pain near the liver, vomiting, and nausea are experienced.
Joint Pain: Joint pain may develop in people with existing joint pain; their situation may get worse.
Acute vs Chronic Hepatitis B: Key Differences
The difference between acute and chronic is the duration for which the virus remains active in the body.
Acute
This is the most common form of Hepatitis B, very common in infants as well. This usually lasts for 6 months, and in this case, with little medication, the virus is fully eradicated.
Chronic
If the virus isn’t prevented or medication isn’t able to treat the virus within 6 months, the infection moves to the chronic stage.
Infants are more likely to get chronic infections due to their immature immune system, which is in a developing stage at the moment. Only less than 5% of adults are likely to get chronic HBV infection.
Causes and Risk Factors of Hepatitis B
There is only one cause of Hepatitis B, the HBV virus. Factors that can increase the risk of getting infected with the HBV virus are:
Transmission of Disease: If you are in a profession where you can come in contact with affected human blood, semen, or body fluids.
Intimacy with multiple people: Indulging in sexual intercourse with multiple partners.
HBV-infected person: Sharing a room with an HBV-infected person.
History of STD: If you have had a history of sexually transmitted disorders.
How is Hepatitis B Diagnosed?
Initially, the diagnosis begins with physical examination and a review of symptoms. But confirmation comes with blood tests, referred to as “Hepatitis B panel.”
HBsAg (Surface Antigen): A positive report card indicates that you are affected with the virus and can spread to other people.
Anti-HBs (Surface Antibody): Here, being positive means you are immune to the virus, due to earlier infection or vaccination.
Liver Function Tests: These are done to check the quality of the liver, to see if any damage has occurred or not.
Imaging/Biopsy: For chronic infection, a sample of liver tissue is removed to test for liver scarring.
Treatment Options for Hepatitis B
• Antiviral Medications:
Medications such as Entecavir or Tenofovir help reduce the virus’s damage to the liver.
• Interferon Injections:
These are synthetic proteins that are injected to boost the immune system to fight against viruses.
• Liver Transplant:
This is the final stage when no medication can work; the liver is transplanted.
Hepatitis B Vaccination: Importance and Schedule
Infants: Till the age of 3, 3 to 4 doses of vaccination must be done. The first dose is usually immediately after birth.
Adults: For adults, vaccination is given at 1 and 6th month, a tri-series of doses. This cycle may be repeated.
Complications of Untreated Hepatitis B
Liver cirrhosis: Liver cirrhosis, where a part of the liver may be surgically removed, or a full transplant is needed.
Liver Cancer: Can be the cause of liver cancer.
Immune Response: Liver and kidney complications might occur as a response from the immune system.
Prevention Tips for Hepatitis B Infection
Contraceptive use: Use contraceptives during intercourse.
Maintain Hygiene: Maintain personal hygiene and avoid sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes.
When to See a Doctor for Hepatitis B Symptoms
Reaching the doctor within 24 hours of first symptoms is the ideal duration to prevent infection. Be aware of your urine, stool, and if your appetite has vanished or feeling exhausted all the time.
Conclusion
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and can lead to serious complications if not managed properly. However, it is preventable through vaccination and manageable with early diagnosis and proper care.
If you suspect exposure or experience symptoms, consult a healthcare provider promptly.