Hepatitis B - Symptoms & Diagnosis
Liver
Hepatitis B Virus
Overview ●
Dangerous liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV).
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Two types are there,
1.
Acute Hepatitis B
2.
Chronic Hepatitis B
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The infection may become chronic, means last more than 6 months.
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The acute virus lasts less than 6 months.
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Infants & children have a high risk of chronic hepatitis infection.
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Even if the symptoms are severe, most of the adults can recover completely.
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Long-lasting infection increases the risk of liver cancer, cirrhosis, liver failure, etc.
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It causes permanent scars on the liver.
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Vaccines are available, but you must take medications for prevent the spreading of the virus.
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Contact your doctor immediately, when symptoms arise.
Symptoms ●
In young children, it doesn’t show any symptoms.
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Usually, the symptoms may be mild & severe.
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The signs appear about 3 to 4 months after you have been infected.
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Some of the main symptoms are, ○
Fever
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Abdominal pain
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Joint pain
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Dark urine
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Loss of appetite
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Fatigue
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Nausea & vomiting
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Yellowish color for skin & whites of eyes (Jaundice)
Causes ● ● ● ●
HBV is the main cause of Hepatitis B infection. The virus spreads through blood, semen, vaginal discharge or other body fluids of one person to another. Sneezing or coughing can’t cause the spreading of the Hepatitis B virus. Usual ways of spreading,
1.
Unprotected sex
You may get Hepatitis B, if you have an unprotected sex with a person who is infected. It spreads through saliva, blood, semen, vaginal secretions, etc. 2.
Sharing of needles
The virus spreads through the syringes or needles that are impure with infected blood. 3.
Mother to child
HBV can pass from an infected pregnant woman to her child.
Risk Factors ●
The risk of Hepatitis B increases, if you
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Have unprotected sex with HBV infected person.
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Have multiple sex partners.
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Share syringes or needles with multiple person.
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Live with a person who is HBV infected.
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Are an infant born from an infected woman.
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Have a job which comes in contact with human blood.
Issues â—?
Hepatitis B infection can leads severe liver diseases.
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It includes,
1.
Liver cirrhosis (Scarring of the liver)
Liver cirrhosis is the permanent scarring of the liver. It results in the serious damage of the liver. 2.
Liver cancer
Hepatitis B infection may leads to liver cancer and it is dangerous for the human life. 3.
Liver failure
The condition in which the major function of the liver stops. Liver transplantation is the only way to overcome the situation. But it has some limitations.
Preventive measures ●
Take Hepatitis B vaccine
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Avoid multiple sexual contact
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Know the HBV status of sex partner
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Never use prohibited drugs
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Be careful during tattooing & body piercing
Diagnosis Tests If you found any symptoms like yellowing of skin, abdominal pain, consult your doctor. Tests that helps to diagnose Hepatitis B infection are, 1.
Blood test
Blood test can determine whether your body is HBV infected or not. It helps to analyse the condition is acute or chronic. 2.
Liver ultrasound
Liver ultrasound can diagnose the damages in the liver. 3.
Liver biopsy
It is the advanced method to know any damages in the liver. The doctor take a small sample of your liver for testing.
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