Hepatitis B: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment 1
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Hepatitis B: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment

Rish K
Reading Time: 6 minutes

Overview of Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The infection can vary in duration and severity. For many people, hepatitis B is an acute condition, meaning it is short-term and lasts less than six months. However, in some cases, the infection can become chronic, persisting for more than six months.

Chronic hepatitis B significantly increases the risk of developing severe liver complications, such as liver failure, liver cancer, and cirrhosis—a condition that results in permanent scarring of the liver.

While most adults with hepatitis B recover completely, even if their symptoms are severe, infants and children are more likely to develop a chronic infection. Chronic hepatitis B lasts for a long time and requires ongoing medical management.

Although a vaccine is available to prevent hepatitis B, there is currently no cure for those who are already infected. If you have hepatitis B, it is important to take precautions to prevent spreading the virus to others and to manage the condition with the help of a healthcare professional.

Symptoms of Acute Hepatitis B

Acute hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and typically appear within 1 to 4 months after exposure to the virus. In some cases, symptoms may develop as early as two weeks post-infection. It is important to note that some individuals, especially young children, may not exhibit any symptoms at all.

Common signs and symptoms of acute hepatitis B include:

  • Abdominal Pain

  •  Discomfort or pain in the area of the liver, located in the upper right side of the abdomen.

  • Dark Urine

  •  Urine may appear darker than usual, often resembling the color of tea or cola.

  • Fever

  •  An elevated body temperature, which may be mild to moderate.

  • Joint Pain

  •  Discomfort or pain in the joints, which may affect one or multiple areas.

  • Loss of Appetite

  • A noticeable decrease in the desire to eat.

  • Nausea and Vomiting

  • Feeling sick to the stomach and possibly throwing up.

  • Weakness and Fatigue

  • Feeling unusually tired or weak, which can affect daily activities.

  • Jaundice

  • A yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, indicating liver dysfunction.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and management. Early detection and treatment can help manage the infection and prevent complications.

Hepatitis B: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment 2

Causes of Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is an infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This virus is transmitted from one person to another through blood, semen, and other body fluids. It does not spread through casual contact such as sneezing or coughing.

Common ways HBV can be spread include:

  • Sexual Contact

  •  Hepatitis B can be transmitted through unprotected sex with someone who is infected. The virus can enter your body through contact with the infected person’s blood, saliva, semen, or vaginal fluids.

  • Sharing Needles

  • HBV spreads easily through needles and syringes that are contaminated with infected blood. Sharing drug paraphernalia, such as needles, poses a high risk for hepatitis B infection.

  • Accidental Needle Sticks

  •  Health care workers and others who handle human blood are at risk of hepatitis B through accidental needle sticks.

  • Mother to Child

  •  Pregnant women who have hepatitis B can pass the virus to their babies during childbirth. However, vaccination given shortly after birth can prevent the baby from becoming infected. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss hepatitis B testing with your healthcare provider.

Acute vs. Chronic Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B infection can be either acute or chronic:

  • Acute Hepatitis B

  • This type of infection lasts less than six months. Most people with acute hepatitis B recover completely as their immune system clears the virus from their body. While most adults with acute hepatitis B will recover, the infection can sometimes develop into a chronic form.

  • Chronic Hepatitis B

  • This infection lasts for six months or longer and occurs when the immune system cannot eliminate the virus. Chronic hepatitis B can persist throughout a person’s life and may lead to severe liver conditions, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Some people with chronic hepatitis B may have no symptoms, while others may experience ongoing fatigue and mild symptoms of the acute phase.

The risk of developing chronic hepatitis B is higher in younger individuals, particularly in newborns and children under five years old. Chronic infection can remain undetected for many years and may only become apparent when serious liver disease develops.

Risk Factors for Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is spread through contact with the blood, semen, or other body fluids of an infected person. Your risk of contracting hepatitis B increases if you:

  • Engage in Unprotected Sex

  • Having unprotected sex with multiple partners or with someone who is infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) raises your risk.

  • Share Needles

  • Using needles or syringes that are shared during intravenous drug use can spread HBV.

  • Are a Man Who Has Sex with Men

  •  Men who have sex with other men are at a higher risk of contracting hepatitis B.

  • Live with an Infected Person

  • Residing with someone who has a chronic HBV infection can increase your risk.

  • Are a Newborn to an Infected Mother

  •  Infants born to mothers with hepatitis B are at risk of contracting the virus during childbirth.

  • Work in a Risky Job

  • Jobs that involve contact with human blood, such as healthcare positions, can increase your risk.

  • Travel to High-Risk Regions

  •  Traveling to areas with high rates of hepatitis B, such as parts of Asia, the Pacific Islands, Africa, and Eastern Europe, can raise your risk of infection.

Complications of Chronic Hepatitis B

Chronic hepatitis B infection can lead to several serious complications, including:

  • Cirrhosis

  •  Chronic inflammation from hepatitis B can cause scarring of the liver, known as cirrhosis, which can impair liver function.

  • Liver Cancer

  •  Individuals with chronic hepatitis B have an increased risk of developing liver cancer.

  • Liver Failure

  • Acute liver failure is a severe condition where the liver ceases to function properly. In such cases, a liver transplant may be required to survive.

  • Reactivation of the Virus

  •  People with chronic hepatitis B who are on immunosuppressive medications, such as high-dose corticosteroids or chemotherapy, are at risk of the hepatitis B virus reactivating. This can cause significant liver damage or even failure. Testing for hepatitis B before starting such medications and consulting with a liver specialist (hepatologist) is crucial.

  • Other Conditions

  • Chronic hepatitis B can also lead to kidney disease or inflammation of blood vessels.

Understanding these risk factors and potential complications can help in taking preventive measures and managing the infection more effectively.

Prevention of Hepatitis B

Preventing hepatitis B primarily involves vaccination and taking specific precautions. The hepatitis B vaccine is highly effective and is usually given in two doses a month apart, or as a series of three or four shots over six months, depending on the type of vaccine. Importantly, the vaccine itself does not cause hepatitis B.

The vaccine is recommended for all adults aged 19 to 59 who do not have medical reasons to avoid it. Additionally, the following groups are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated:

  • Newborns

  •  Vaccination at birth protects infants from the virus.

  • Children and Adolescents

  •  Those not vaccinated at birth should receive the vaccine.

  • Residents and Workers in Developmental Centers

  • Individuals in facilities for people with developmental disabilities should be vaccinated.

  • Household Contacts of Infected Individuals

  • People living with someone who has hepatitis B should get vaccinated.

  • Health Care and Emergency Workers

  • Those who handle blood or body fluids regularly should be vaccinated.

  • Individuals with Sexually Transmitted Infections

  •  Including those with HIV.

  • Men Who Have Sex with Men

  •  This group is at higher risk.

  • People with Multiple Sexual Partners

  • Should receive the vaccine.

  • Sexual Partners of Infected Individuals

  • Recommended for their protection.

  • People Who Inject Drugs

  •  Those who share needles should be vaccinated.

  • People with Chronic Liver Disease

  •  Should get vaccinated to protect their health.
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