Overview
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). For most people, it is short-term, lasting less than six months, but for others, the infection becomes chronic and lasts longer than six months. Having chronic hepatitis B increases the risk of developing liver failure, liver cancer, or cirrhosis. Most adults recover fully, but infants and children are more likely to develop a long-lasting infection. A vaccine can prevent hepatitis B, but there's no cure if you have the condition. Taking certain precautions can help prevent the spread of the virus to others.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
Symptoms of acute hepatitis B can range from mild to severe and usually appear about 1 to 4 months after infection. Some people, particularly young children, may not have any symptoms. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, dark urine, fever, joint pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, weakness and fatigue, and yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, also called jaundice. If you think you have symptoms of hepatitis B or have been exposed to the virus, contact your health care provider immediately.
Risk Factors
The risk factors for developing hepatitis B include:
- Having unprotected sex with multiple sex partners or with someone who's infected with HBV.
- Sharing needles during IV drug use.
- Being a man who has sex with other men.
- Living with someone who has a chronic HBV infection.
- Being an infant born to an infected mother.
- Having a job that exposes you to human blood.
- Traveling to regions with high infection rates of HBV, such as Asia, the Pacific Islands, Africa, and Eastern Europe.
Development
Hepatitis B can develop either as an acute infection or a chronic infection. Acute hepatitis B typically lasts less than six months and is often resolved by the immune system without any long-term complications. However, some people may develop a chronic infection, which lasts longer than six months and can persist for a lifetime. Chronic hepatitis B can lead to serious liver diseases such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. The younger a person is when they contract hepatitis B, the higher the risk of developing a chronic infection. Infants and children are more susceptible to chronic hepatitis B compared to adults. Chronic infection may be asymptomatic or present with mild symptoms of acute hepatitis. Hepatitis B spreads through contact with blood, semen, or other body fluids from an infected person. Risk factors include unprotected sex with multiple partners or someone infected with HBV, sharing needles during IV drug use, being a man who has sex with other men, living with someone who has a chronic HBV infection, being an infant born to an infected mother, having a job that exposes you to human blood, and traveling to regions with high infection rates of HBV.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should see a doctor if you suspect hepatitis B infection if you have any symptoms such as abdominal pain, dark urine, fever, joint pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, weakness and fatigue, or yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (jaundice). Additionally, if you know you've been exposed to hepatitis B, it's essential to contact your healthcare provider immediately. A preventive treatment may reduce your risk of infection if you receive the treatment within 24 hours of exposure to the virus.
Diagnosis
To diagnose hepatitis B, your health care provider will examine you and look for signs of liver damage, such as yellowing skin or belly pain. Tests that can help diagnose hepatitis B or its complications are blood tests, which can detect signs of the hepatitis B virus in your body and determine if it's acute or chronic. A simple blood test can also determine if you're immune to the condition. Other tests that may be performed include a liver ultrasound or liver biopsy, which involves removing a small sample of your liver for testing to check for liver damage.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Potential complications of hepatitis B include scarring of the liver (cirrhosis), liver cancer, and liver failure. Chronic hepatitis B infection, which persists for six months or longer, can lead to these complications over time. The risk of complications is higher for infants and children who contract the virus, as well as people who engage in certain high-risk activities such as sharing needles during IV drug use, having unprotected sex with multiple partners, or living with someone who has a chronic HBV infection. There is no cure for hepatitis B, but taking precautions can help prevent the spread of the virus to others.
Prevention
Hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination. The hepatitis B vaccine can be given to almost anyone, including infants, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems. By receiving the vaccine, you can reduce your risk of contracting the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Additionally, practicing safe sex, using protection during sexual activities, avoiding sharing needles or other injection equipment, and following proper hygiene can help prevent the spread of hepatitis B.
Home Remedies
It is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis B. They can provide guidance on medications, lifestyle changes, and other treatments specific to your situation.
Treatment
Treatment for hepatitis B infection depends on whether it is acute or chronic.
- For acute hepatitis B infection, if the infection is mild, the body's immune system can usually fight it off on its own. Rest, proper nutrition, plenty of fluids, and close monitoring are recommended. In severe cases, antiviral drugs or hospitalization may be needed to prevent complications.
- For chronic hepatitis B infection, treatment is usually necessary for the long term. Factors such as liver damage, presence of other infections, and suppressed immune system determine the need for treatment. Antiviral medications, including entecavir, tenofovir, lamivudine, adefovir, and telbivudine, can help fight the virus and slow liver damage. Interferon injections may be recommended for some, especially young people wishing to avoid long-term treatment or women who might want to get pregnant within a few years. It is essential to protect others from the virus by practicing safe sex, not sharing personal care items, and avoiding sharing needles or razor blades. A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, exercise, and sufficient sleep, can also support overall liver health.
Preparing for medical consultation
To prepare for an appointment for hepatitis B, you should:
- Ask about any pre-appointment restrictions: When you make the appointment, inquire if there are any special instructions or restrictions you need to follow before the appointment, such as dietary restrictions or isolation to avoid spreading the infection.
- Gather your medical history: Make a list of your key medical information, including any other conditions for which you're being treated and any medications, vitamins, or supplements you're currently taking.
- Note your symptoms and recent exposure: Write down any symptoms you've been experiencing, along with their duration. Also, mention any recent travel or exposure to possible sources of infection.
- Prepare a list of questions: Write down a list of questions to ask your healthcare provider during the appointment, such as the cause of your symptoms, recommended tests, the best course of action, and whether a specialist should be consulted.
- Bring your vaccination record: Find out before your appointment if your vaccinations are up to date and bring a copy of your vaccination record, if possible. By being well-prepared for your appointment, you can make the most of your time with your healthcare provider and ensure that you receive the necessary information and guidance for your situation.