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Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B

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

  1. Acute Hepatitis B

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


  2. Chronic Hepatitis B

    3. The infection becomes chronic if the treatment does not occur on time and properly. It lasts more than six months. Chronic Hepatitis B can lead to serious health problems. It can cause liver cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver failure, and liver cancer.


Symptoms of Hepatitis B

  1. Fatigue

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


  2. Joint Pain

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


  3. Swollen Abdomen

    4. 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.


  4. Itchy Skin

    5. 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

Hepatitis B is caused by the Hepatitis B virus. It is a highly contagious virus that infects the liver.


  1. Mother to Child Transmission

    2. 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 who get hepatitis B virus at birth. They cannot fight the virus with weak immunity. Some vaccines are given within the 12 hours of birth to newborns. It prevents and reduces the high risk of infection.


  2. Sexual Contact

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


  3. Sharing Needles and Injections

    4. Using syringes and needles during injecting drugs 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 are highly dangerous. Infected needles put oneself and others at extremely high risk of getting infected and spreading the virus.


  4. Household Transmission

    5. 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.


  5. Tattooing or Body Piercing

    6. 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.


Preventions for Hepatitis B

  1. Vaccination

    2. The Hepatitis B vaccine is the best defence against the disease.


  2. Avoid Sharing Personal Items

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


  3. Handle Blood Carefully

    4. 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.

If you go through any of the symptoms. You are advised to speak with your physician. Getting yourself checked properly is necessary. You can also book an appointment with a healthcare professional through PrimeMedic for the accurate treatment.