Symptoms of Hepatitis B : Types, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Understanding Hepatitis B: Types, Symptoms, and Treatments

Hepatitis B, a viral infection, impacts liver function leading to both acute and chronic diseases. Such infection spreads when someone comes in contact with body fluids such as blood, saliva, vaginal fluids, and semen. Hepatitis B starts is characterised by acute inflammation of the liver. This may be short lived or can prolong for a long time depending on the severity and progression of the disease. 

Long-term inflammation causes serious impacts on the liver, leading to cirrhosis and sometimes, liver failure in some severe cases. Symptoms, at the beginning, do not cause many issues. Read ahead to know more about this. 

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that causes inflammation in the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is generally transmitted through contact with the blood stream, semen, or other body fluids of an infected person. The process of transmission is different and how it impacts the body. However, it is preventable through vaccination, and treatments are available for chronic cases to manage the infection and prevent complications. 

Only 5% of adults can suffer from this viral infection because it primarily impacts children. But adults can still become infected, and the outcomes tend to be better for adults than for children. 

Types of Hepatitis B

Based on the hepatitis B symptoms there are two types hepatitis B found in children and adults:

●  Acute Hepatitis B: This lasts for six months only. In acute cases of hepatitis B, the immune system fights back and helps the affected individuals to recover within a few days. It is more common in children but can also be seen in adults. Prolonged symptoms can lead to chronic stage. 
●  Chronic Hepatitis B: Chronic hepatitis B can last six months or longer. This is an advanced stage where the diseased individual does not get healed by the immune system.

Hepatitis B Symptoms 

Generally, children or adults affected with hepatitis B do not understand its symptoms. At the initial stage, there are hardly any symptoms one can spot. At an advanced stage, hepatitis B causes the following symptoms: 

●  Fever
●  Loss of Appetite 
●  Nausea and Vomiting
●  Abdominal Pain
●  Weakness
●  Joint Pain

In addition to these hepatitis B symptoms, one can face other severe forms of liver diseases which include:

●  Jaundice
●  Dark Urine
●  Fluid in hands, legs, and belly

Sometimes, the hepatitis symptoms are so mild that one could hardly notice. But in case of discomfort in the liver, one needs to consult with healthcare providers. 

Causes of Hepatitis B

The transmission of HBV spreads from the infected person to uninfected ones through body fluids. However, infection does not transmit through sneezing or coughing. There are some common ways that hepatitis b can get transmitted which are: 

●  Sexual Contact: People can get infected with hepatitis B if they have a sexual relationship with the infected ones. Such a form of virus gets passed down through blood, semen, or vaginal fluids. 
●  Used Needles: Dissemination of hepatitis B occurs through used needles or syringes. Sharing needles to insert illicit drugs can cause hepatitis B. 
●  Pregnant Mothers: Pregnant mothers can infect the newborns. The virus can pass down from mother to child. During pregnancy, consult with the provider and get tested for hepatitis B to prevent the disease from happening. 

Complications of Hepatitis B

Chronic hepatitis B causes the following conditions that include:

●  Liver Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis happens when the liver is badly affected by inflammation. It may lead to complete liver failure. 
●  Liver Cancer: People suffering from hepatitis B have a potential risk of developing hepatitis B. 
●  Liver Failure: This stops the liver from its essential functioning. In case of liver failure, one may need a liver transplant. 
●  Sudden Surge in Hepatitis B Virus: People with chronic hepatitis B virus can face a sudden surge of viruses. This phase is the reactivation of the virus resulting in complete liver damage. 

Diagnosis and Tests

To diagnose hepatitis B, healthcare providers may examine the affected individuals. They might check the entire health history, any liver disease running in the family, or the other underlying factors. Specialists can suggest the blood test because this is the only way to determine the symptoms of hepatitis B. Specific blood test, HBsAg, can suggest the type of hepatitis B and the severity of this infection. HBsAg positive means that one is infected with the virus recently and needs to be taken care of. 

Once the diagnosis is over and it comes out someone is HBsAg positive, professionals can suggest a few more additional tests to check the current condition of the liver such as radiographic images and taking small samples to the lab. 

Management and Treatment

There are different treatment options available for the patients based on the present condition of the patients. Following are some of the common treatment options for hepatitis B patients:

1.Prophylactic Treatment

If a doctor suspects that your child is infected with the virus, they may start prophylactic treatment to prevent the infection from further impacting. Prophylactic is a type of medication that is used to stop the severe consequences of the disease. Such treatment process includes: 

●  Vaccination: The doctors suggest hepatitis B vaccination when HBV infection is positive. An affected individual requires a total of 3 vaccinations to get fully vaccinated against the disease. 

●   HBIG: Hepatitis B immune globulin is a substance taken from human blood. It naturally produces antibodies to prevent the hepatitis B virus. This treatment is effective for children born from parents with chronic hepatitis B. 

2.Acute Treatment

If anyone is suffering from acute hepatitis B, in many cases they may not require any treatment. It is advisable to reach out to doctors if there are any severe complications. In critical cases, one needs IV fluids, IV nutrition, and pain relief. 

3.Chronic Hepatitis B Treatment

There are several treatments available for chronic hepatitis B. Following are some of the ways to treat chronic hepatitis B: 

●  Medication: Healthcare providers prescribe medications to treat chronic hepatitis B. This helps in boosting the immune system and minimises the risk of spreading. Doctors often prescribe immune modulators and antivirals to fight the virus. 
●  Lifestyle Changes: One should make certain changes in their lifestyle such as cutting down the alcohol consumption and having a healthy diet regularly. Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the bad cholesterol and triglycerides level leading to acute liver inflammation. 
●  Surgery: At an advanced stage, if cirrhosis is diagnosed or liver failure happens, doctors suggest for surgical process. 
Prevention

Vaccination is one of the safest options to prevent the onset of hepatitis B. It primarily takes six months to complete the vaccination.

Also, there are other ways to stop this disease from rapidly spreading:

●  Get Yourself Diagnosed: Your symptoms can be mild, it is better to get the test done. Early awareness of the disease can help the affected ones to get over it. 
●  Involvement in Safe Sex: Affected individuals should have an awareness of the disease and they should inform the same to their partners and get them vaccinated. 
●  Use Equipment Safely: Ask clinicians not to use the needles that have been previously used. Ensure, the needles used to take blood samples are properly disposed of. 
●  Planning of Childbirth: If anyone is planning for childbirth, they should be extra conscious. If someone gets ever diagnosed with hepatitis B, they should plan to get their child tested. 

Conclusion

Hepatitis B is a serious viral infection of the liver but is preventable. So, early diagnosis, vaccination, and maintaining healthy lifestyle can help you manage the infection and mitigate its effects. Due to increased treatment knowledge, most patients tend to recover from or effectively manage the disease, enabling a good quality of life. Keep in touch, show awareness, and see the healthcare personnel appropriately when possible.