Hepatitis B is known to affect the liver. Many adults usually acquire it for a short span of time and eventually get better. Oftentimes, the virus causes a lasting or chronic hepatitis B infection. Over time, it can impair the liver. Infants and young children who are infected by the virus are likely to develop the chronic type.
Remember that an individual might have hepatitis B and not aware of it. Symptoms might not be present but if they arise, they are somewhat the same with the flu. Take note that if one has the virus, he/she can spread it to others.
What are the causes?
The condition is spread via contact with bodily fluids and blood of an infected individual. One can acquire hepatitis B through the following:
- Sexual contact
Symptoms might not be present but if they arise, they are somewhat the same with the flu. Take note that if one has the virus, he/she can spread it to others. - Sharing needles
- Tattoos or piercing
- Sharing personal items such as toothbrush or razors
Even a mother who has the virus can pass it to her child during delivery. Due to this, pregnant women must be tested for hepatitis B. If positive for the virus, the baby can be given shots to prevent infection with the virus.
Indications
Many individuals with hepatitis B do not know that they have the condition since there are no symptoms. If there are any, it feels as if having the flu such as:
- Mild fever
- Feeling tired
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Appetite loss
- Nausea or vomiting
- Skin rashes
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Muscle and joint pain
- Yellow-tinged eyes and skin which arises only after the other symptoms have settled
Management
In most instances, hepatitis B settles on its own. The symptoms can be relieved at home by getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, increased intake of fluids and avoiding alcohol and drugs. The doctor must be consulted on medications to be avoided since some can worsen the liver damage due to hepatitis B.
For chronic cases, it depends on whether the infection is worsening and if there is damage to the liver. Many individuals with the chronic type can still have active lives by proper care of the body and regular check-ups.
In some cases, chronic hepatitis B might lead to significant damage to the liver. Once this occurs, a liver transplant might be required.