Hepatitis B: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

by Medic Scales
in blog
October 7, 2022
Hepatitis B

A viral infection called hepatitis B causes liver inflammation and damage. Swelling occurs in the body when tissues become infected or injured.

Table Of Content

What Is Hepatitis B? 

Hepatitis B is a liver infection that can cause reddening and swelling in the liver. If not treated, it can lead to liver damage. Besides, hepatitis b causes liver cancer and cirrhosis. As per a report submitted by WHO – World Health Organization, more than 290 million people across the globe have hep B. However, the condition can be treated, and there are different hepatitis treatment options available for this. 

What Are The Types Of Hepatitis?

Speaking about the types of hepatitis, a person may suffer from acute or chronic hepatitis infection. You may not need to take any medications to treat acute HBV infection. However, if the infection lasts for more than 6 months, then you are suffering from chronic HBV. It can be fatal. A hepatitis B test will help to know the type of HBV infection you have. With proper treatment, you can slow down the infection’s progress and lower the chance of liver damage. 

What Are The Symptoms Of Hepatitis B?

People who develop Hep B may face different symptoms that can last for weeks. Some common symptoms are mild fever, stomach pain, loss of appetite, achy joints or muscles, brown urine, constipation, mild fever, and more. Jaundice or yellowing of eyes’ whites can also be a symptom of hep B. If you have such symptoms, then consult a doctor for evaluation. 

How Is Hepatitis B Spread?

HBV infection can spread when semen, blood, or body fluids from the person suffering from HBV enter the body of an unaffected person. For example:

  • Direct contact or sexual contact with an affected person.
  • Sharing personal items
  • If a mother has HBV, her baby may also get infect by this virus. 

It may be note that the virus doesn’t spread through hugging, sneezing, or breastfeeding. 

What Are The Risk Factors For Getting Hep B?

Even though anyone can get infect by hep B, the following people are at greater risk.

  • People who share syringes or needles.
  • Kids whose mothers have Hep B virus.
  • People who have sex with HBV-infected person.
  • First responders and healthcare providers, and more. 

How Is Hepatitis B Diagnosed?

In general, blood tests are conduct to diagnose HBV. In some cases, liver biopsy and abdominal ultrasound are also conduct for this. As per the doctors, the HBV virus can be identifi within 30 days to 60 days of getting the infection. Around 70 percent of people may develop the symptoms after 90 days of infection. 

How Is Hepatitis B Treated? 

Wondering What are the treatments for hepatitis? If you have hep B, then you should consult your doctor first to get the right type of treatment. If you have an acute HBV infection, medical treatment won’t be require. For chronic HBV infection, your doctor will suggest some Medications, like X-Vir, Hepbest, Entehep 0.5 mg (Entecavir), and more. Only your doctor can suggest you the best hep B treatment options.  

Complications Of Hep B

Some complications of developing chronic HBV infection include: 

  • Liver cancer
  • Cirrhosis or liver scarring
  • Liver failure
  • Hep D infection

Hepatitis And Pregnancy

As per some studies, this virus can transfer from an infect mother to a newborn child as the child will be expose to fluids and blood during the process of delivery. However, to prevent infection, newborn kids can be administer a hepatitis vaccine and immune globulin within 12 hours of birth. 

Hep B can lead to some serious complications, but it is treatable. If you develop the symptoms, don’t take it lightly and consult a doctor as soon as possible to get a Hep B vaccination or other medications to prevent the infection. 

FAQs

What is the primary cause of hep B?

Hepatitis B is caused by the hep B viral (HBV). The virus can be passed from one person to another through blood, urine, or other bodily fluids. It is not spread through coughing or sneezing.

Is there a faster way to get rid of hep B than the traditional method?

Hepatitis B is not curable. It usually disappears by itself within 4-8 weeks. Over 95% of adults with hepatitis B completely recover. About 1 in 20 adults who contract hepatitis B become “carriers,” meaning they have a long-lasting, chronic hepatitis B infection.

Is hep B present in any of these places?

Hepatitis B virus is found in blood, and to a lesser degree, in saliva, semen, and other body fluids. It can be spread through direct contact with infected fluids, usually via needle stick injury or sexual contact. Hepatitis B virus cannot be spread through casual contact.

What does hep B do to the body?

Hepatitis B, a serious liver infection, causes swelling and reddening that can cause liver damage. Hepatitis B (also known as HBV or Hep B) can lead to liver cancer, cirrhosis, scarring, hardening, and even death.

What is the best treatment for hep B?

There are several antiviral medications that can be used to fight the virus, such as Entavir (Entecavir), Lamivir HBV 100mg (Lamivudine), and X-Vir (Entecavir) which will slow down its ability to damage your liver. These drugs can be taken by mouth.