An Overview of Hepatitis B: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Hepatitis B is a liver infection that is quite serious and is caused by the HBV or hepatitis virus. Hepatitis B can become chronic and last for more than six months. When chronic, the risk of liver failure, cirrhosis, or liver cancer is often high.

In adults, full recovery is possible even when severe. When children contract the infection, the chance of it becoming chronic is high. There is a vaccine that can help with prevention. However, a cure has not yet been found.

Symptoms

Symptoms can be severe or mild. They appear 1 to 4 months after infection. There are cases when the symptoms are noticed two weeks after the infection. However, in some people, especially children, there are no symptoms.

Some of the symptoms include:

• Fever

• dark urine

• belly bread

• fatigue and weakness

• Nausea

• vomiting

• loss of appetite

• bread stamp

• Jaundice

Causes and mode of infection.

HBV causes infection. It can be passed from one person to another through bodily fluids such as semen and blood. The infection cannot be spread by coughing or sneezing. It can spread through:

• Sexual contact: having unprotected sex with an infected person

• Sharing infected needles

• accidental needle sticks

• Transmission to a child from an infected mother

Risk factor’s

Hepatitis B can be cleared from the body when it is acute and one can make a full recovery in a couple of months. However, it can become chronic, especially when the body is unable to fight it. It can also last a person’s lifetime and lead to other problems.

The chances of infection are increased by:

• sharing needles

• Having sex between men of the same sex

• Living with someone who has an HBV infection, especially when it is chronic

• mother to child infection

• Travel to regions where infection rates are high

• Being in a race where one is exposed to human blood

Treatment

Liver biopsy, liver ultrasound, and blood tests can help determine immunity to hepatitis B. When you have been exposed to the virus, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Medications for hepatitis B include an injection of immune globulin, and is given about 12 hours after exposure. This can protect you from getting sick. This is short term protection. It is better to be vaccinated.

If the infection is acute, you may not be given Medications for hepatitis B. Rest, fluids, and proper nutrition can help. When cases are severe, you may receive antiviral drugs. It may also be necessary to stay in the hospital to reduce complications.

If you have chronic hepatitis B, you may need to receive treatment for the rest of your life. contract hepatitis B-drugs it reduces the chances of developing liver disease and does not pass it on to others.

Medications for hepatitis B they include antiviral drugs such as entecavir, tenofovir, lamivudine, adefovir, and telbivudine. You may also receive interferon injections. The substance is usually given to fight infection, especially for women who want to have babies and youngsters.

A liver transplant may also be strongly recommended when the liver has been severely damaged.