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Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a liver infection. It is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). The liver is a crucial organ. It filters toxins from the blood. It also produces bile for digestion and stores nutrients. Hepatitis B virus infection can cause inflammation and damage to the liver. It can impair its normal function.

Types of Hepatitis B

Acute Hepatitis B

Acute Hepatitis B is a short-term liver infection. It only lasts for less than six months. Most people recover from it completely. They develop immunity against the virus. Rest, proper nutrition, and hydration help in recovery even if the symptoms are severe.

Chronic Hepatitis B

If Hepatitis B is not treated or managed appropriately, the infection can sometimes become long-term (chronic), lasting more than six months. Chronic Hepatitis B may increase the risk of serious liver-related health issues, such as scarring of the liver (cirrhosis), liver failure, or liver cancer. Regular medical checkups and early assessment by a healthcare professional can help reduce these risks.

Symptoms of Hepatitis B

Fatigue

A person may feel extremely tired during Hepatitis B. It can lead to extreme weakness in the body. This tiredness and fatigue are persistent. It does not get better with rest. It can affect a person both mentally and physically.

Joint Pain

Hepatitis B affects joints and bones badly. It causes severe joint pain and swelling in the lower extremities. This swelling is known as edoema. It is due to the liver’s decreased ability to produce proteins. It results in fluid leakage into surrounding tissues.

Swollen Abdomen

Hepatitis B increases the size of the abdomen. It happens due to fluid accumulation in the abdomen. This swelling is known as ascites. It can cause discomfort and difficulty breathing. It indicates severe liver disease or cirrhosis.

Itchy Skin

Hepatitis B causes itchiness on the skin. This itching is usually persistent and known as pruritus. It is due to the deposition of the bile salts in the skin. It is a result of impaired liver function.

Causes of Hepatitis B

The Hepatitis B virus causes hepatitis B. It is a highly contagious virus that infects the liver.

Mother-to-Child Transmission

A mother having Hepatitis B can pass the disease to her baby during the process of giving birth. Such spreading of the disease is also called perinatal transmission. This happens when the baby comes in contact with the mother's blood or body fluids during delivery. The immune system of the babies is weak at the start. Those babies have a high risk of getting severe Hepatitis B if they are born with the hepatitis B virus at birth. They cannot fight the virus with weak immunity. Some vaccines are given within 12 hours of birth to newborns. It prevents and reduces the high risk of infection.

Sexual Contact

Hepatitis B can be passed on to another person during sexual contact with a person who has the virus. People who have various sexual partners are at great risk. Also, those having sexually transmitted infections can contract and spread the virus.

Sharing Needles and Injections

Using syringes and needles during drug injection is one of the main ways of spreading Hepatitis B. This virus minimally survives 7 days outside of the body. It is present on needles and other drug-related tools. Mixing syringes, needles, or other equipment is highly dangerous. Infected needles put oneself and others at extremely high risk of getting infected and spreading the virus.

Household Transmission

Living with someone who has severe Hepatitis B can also lead to the transmission of the virus. It occurs through sharing personal items that may have traces of blood, like razors, toothbrushes, or nail clippers. Close contact, such as caring for a person with open cuts or sores, can also be a risk.

Tattooing or Body Piercing

The use of infected tools for body piercing and tattooing can bring about the Hepatitis B virus. The use of equipment that is infected with the virus can be harmful. It can pass the virus on to the next individual getting the treatment.

Prevention for Hepatitis B

Vaccination

A doctor can advise you on preventive measures for Hepatitis B, which may include vaccination where clinically appropriate.

Avoid Sharing Personal Items

Do not share your personal care items with anyone to prevent Hepatitis B, such as razors, toothbrushes, nail cutters, etc., that may come into contact with blood.

Handle Blood Carefully

Medical professionals ought to pay attention to basic precautions. They must wear gloves and other protective gear while taking blood samples and handling bodily fluids.

Suppose you go through any of the symptoms. You are advised to speak with your physician. Getting yourself checked properly is necessary. You can book an online consultation with a healthcare professional through Prime Medic to discuss your symptoms and receive guidance on the most appropriate care for your needs.