Hepatitis B: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

The term “hepatitis” refers to liver inflammation. The function of the liver may be impacted by inflammation or injury. Hepatitis can be caused by heavy alcohol consumption, pollutants, certain drugs, and certain medical disorders. However, a virus is usually the cause of hepatitis.

Caused by the hepatitis B virus, hepatitis B is an infection of the liver. This article will provide comprehensive information on the causes, symptoms, and hepatitis B treatment options.

What is Hepatitis B?

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the source of the dangerous liver infection known as hepatitis B. Being infected with chronic hepatitis B raises the chances of liver cancer, cirrhosis, and liver failure, which leaves the liver permanently damaged.

The majority of cases of hepatitis B are short-term, often known as severe, lasting less than six months. Conversely, in certain cases, the infection progresses to a chronic stage, lasting longer than half a year. Even in cases where symptoms are severe, most adults with hepatitis B recover completely. A chronic hepatitis B infection is more common in infants and young children.

Hepatitis B cannot be cured. However, it can be prevented with a vaccine.

Types of Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B can be categorised into two types:

• CHRONIC HEPATITIS B: This is a long-term hepatitis B virus infection. Most individuals with chronic hepatitis B initially had an acute infection that their bodies couldn’t overcome. The likelihood of developing a chronic hepatitis B virus infection increases with age of infection. Though the risk decreases with age, over 90% of infected newborns go on to have a lifetime illness.

Chronic hepatitis B may cause severe health issues like liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and potentially be life-threatening.

• ACUTE HEPATITIS B: This is a temporary disease that often manifests within the first six months following hepatitis B virus exposure. Acute hepatitis B often presents with either no symptoms at all or very minor ones. However, some patients require hospitalisation due to severe symptoms. Some individuals who come into contact with the hepatitis B virus before reaching adolescence are immune to the virus and don’t require hepatitis B treatment.

Symptoms of Hepatitis B

When first infected, the majority of people show no symptoms. Some patients experience symptoms of an acute disease that last for several weeks. Severe acute hepatitis can cause liver failure, which can be fatal. Infected individuals who are 30 years of age or older are more likely to experience symptoms. In most cases, symptoms appear 90 days after hepatitis B virus exposure; however, they can also appear up to 6 months later.

The symptoms may include:

• Black urine
• Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eye whites
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Nausea
• Extreme Fatigue
• Light coloured stool (light or clay coloured stool)
• Joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Fever

Causes of Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is contracted by coming into contact with a hepatitis B virus-infected person’s blood, spit, semen, or other bodily fluids. Even in the absence of symptoms, a hepatitis B virus carrier can spread the infection. Typically, this can occur in the following ways:

• Distributing syringes, needles, or other injectable supplies.
• From a pregnant woman to her unborn child during pregnancy and delivery.
• Giving or receiving razors, toothbrushes, or medical supplies (such as glucose monitors).
• Exposure to an infected person’s blood or open sores.
• Contact with blood from needlesticks or sharp objects used by an infected person.
• Sexual contact with an infected person.
• Being in an institution that struggles to control infections.

Hepatitis B virus can be transmitted through saliva, sharing food, water, or utensils, coughing, sneezing, or nursing.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing hepatitis B involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests.

Medical History & Physical Examination

Doctors assess symptoms, lifestyle, and risk factors such as unprotected sex, IV drug use, or family history of liver disease. A physical exam helps identify signs of liver damage, including jaundice and abdominal swelling.

Blood Tests

• Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg): Detects active infection.
• Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (anti-HBs): Indicates past infection or immunity.
• Hepatitis B Core Antibody (anti-HBc): This shows past or ongoing infection.
• Liver Function Tests: Evaluate liver health and inflammation levels.

Imaging & Biopsy

• Ultrasound & Fibroscan: Assess liver stiffness and fibrosis.
• Liver Biopsy: Helps determine the extent of liver damage in chronic cases.

Detecting the condition early is essential for prompt treatment and complication prevention.

Hepatitis B Treatment

A visit to the doctor is advisable once you have contracted the virus. To avoid infection, the doctor might advise receiving preventative care. Examples of such care include:

• Receiving the hepatitis B vaccine as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of exposure: Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) is a substance derived from human blood that contains antibodies against the hepatitis B virus.
• Chronic hepatitis B treatment for chronic hepatitis B may or may not be necessary. As these patients seem to respond best to the medications employed, the doctor will probably only treat them if one displays symptoms of liver disease. Although these sets of hepatitis B treatments don’t heal it, they strengthen the immune system to slow down the virus’s rate of reproduction and prevent further harm to the liver.

Prevention

Hepatitis B is highly preventable through vaccination and safe practices.

Get Vaccinated

• Newborns should receive their first dose within 24 hours of birth, followed by additional doses.
• Unvaccinated children, adults, and high-risk groups (healthcare workers, multiple sexual partners, and IV drug users) should complete the vaccine series.
• The vaccine provides long-term protection, often for life.

Reduce Transmission Risks

• Safe sex – Use condoms and limit sexual partners.
• Avoid sharing personal items – Razors, toothbrushes, and nail clippers.
• Safe needle use – Never share syringes, tattoo, or piercing needles.
• Hygiene – Wash hands after contact with blood or bodily fluids.

Prevent Mother-to-Child Transmission

• Pregnant women should get screened.
• Infected mothers should take antivirals if recommended.
• Babies born to infected mothers need the vaccine and HBIG within 12 hours.

Travel Precautions

• Get vaccinated before visiting high-risk areas.
• Avoid unregulated medical procedures abroad.

By combining vaccination with preventive measures, hepatitis B can be effectively avoided.

Conclusion

It is extremely contagious to have hepatitis B. It has a lot of major side effects, some of which are potentially fatal.

However, there are numerous alternatives for therapy as well as strategies to avoid infection, such as receiving a vaccination.

To avoid infection and find the best course of treatment, it’s crucial to speak with a doctor if experiencing one or more symptoms of hepatitis B.

Frequently Asked Questions