OVERCOMING SEXUAL HEALTH CHALLENGES:
What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that impacts the liver, causing inflammation in its tissues, known as "hepatitis." Initially, it presents as a short-term acute infection, but in some cases, it progresses to become a long-lasting chronic infection that doesn't go away.
Continued inflammation can cause significant harm to the liver over time, potentially leading to cirrhosis and liver failure. Unlike acute liver diseases, hepatitis B can cause liver damage without manifesting symptoms, leaving many people unaware of their infection.
Hepatitis B has several unique characteristics that set it apart from other hepatitis viruses:
A safe and effective vaccine is available to prevent hepatitis B. The World Health Organization recommends vaccinating all children as soon as possible after birth.
Children are disproportionately affected by hepatitis B. While only 5% of adults who contract the virus develop a chronic infection, this number jumps to 30% in children under 6 years old.
Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through bodily fluids, meaning that infected birthing parents can pass it on to their newborns during delivery. Up to 90% of infants infected with hepatitis B will develop a chronic infection.
While chronic hepatitis B can be managed with antiviral medication, it cannot be cured. Individuals with chronic hepatitis B must take special care of their liver for the rest of their lives.
What are the signs and symptoms of Hepatitis B
Symptoms of hepatitis B infection can vary in severity and may not be present in all cases, regardless of whether the infection is acute or chronic. It's important to note that individuals can still spread the virus even without symptoms.
Common symptoms of hepatitis B infection include:
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness and fatigue
- Joint pain
In addition, those with hepatitis B may experience symptoms of liver disease, such as:
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Dark-colored urine
- Light or clay-colored stools
- Swelling and fluid retention in the abdomen, arms, and legs
If you have symptoms of liver disease during an acute infection, it may indicate a more severe reaction than usual. While some people can clear the virus without treatment, it's important to seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of liver disease.
With chronic hepatitis B, symptoms may be mild or vague and persist over time, or they may not appear at all for many years. However, the development of liver disease symptoms in the later stages of chronic infection may signal liver failure.
Treatment and Diagnosis
During a medical evaluation for hepatitis B, your healthcare provider will inquire about your symptoms and perform a physical examination. They may also ask about your medical history, including any family history of liver disease, and any other factors that could make you more susceptible to viral hepatitis.
Specific blood tests can provide your healthcare provider with important information about your condition, including:
- Whether you have an acute or chronic infection
- Whether you have been previously infected
- Whether you have developed immunity to the virus
- Whether the infection is impacting your liver function
Following a diagnosis, your provider may order additional tests to evaluate the condition of your liver. These may include radiographic images of the liver tissues or a liver biopsy, in which a small sample of liver tissue is examined in a laboratory.