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What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a severe liver infection which is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). For certain people, this condition of hepatitis B becomes chronic. This means it may last for more than six months. However, the worst part of the chronic hepatitis B is that, it would increase your risk of developing liver cancer, liver failure or cirrhosis which is a condition wherein there is permanent scarring of the liver. Adults who have been infected by the Hepatitis B virus, may recover fully in spite of having severe signs and symptoms. Whereas, Hepatitis B infection can be a chronic condition in infants as well as children.

The Hepatitis B condition can be prevented with a vaccine, however, there is certainly no cure in case you have the condition. In case you're infected, you may take certain precautions from spreading the Hepatitis B virus.

Some of the Hepatitis B symptoms are light-colored poop, belly pain, fever, jaundice, loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, etc.

Causes of Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B virus is the main cause of Hepatitis B infection (HBV). The virus is then passed from one person to another via blood, some other body fluids or semen. It certainly doesn’t spread because of sneezing or coughing.

Mentioned below are some of the Hepatitis B causes:

  • Sexual contact. In case you have unprotected sex with a person who is already infected by Hepatitis B there are chances that the virus may pass in case the vaginal secretions, saliva, person’s blood or saliva enter your body.
  • Sharing of needles. Hepatitis B can easily spread via needles and syringes which are contaminated because of infected blood.
  • Accidental needle sticks. Health care workers are at a higher risk of getting Hepatitis B if they get in contact with the infected human blood whilst at work or on duty.
  • Mother to child. An expectant mother may get infected with HBV that can pass the virus during childbirth to their babies. But, for Hepatitis B prevention, the newborn can be vaccinated for avoiding getting infected in all the cases. Remember to speak to your healthcare provider in case you wish to become pregnant or are already pregnant.

Types of Hepatitis B

There are two types of Hepatitis B and it may totally depend on how long Hepatitis B virus has been in your blood:

  • Acute hepatitis B: This type of Hepatitis B will rarely cause a liver damage. From the time you are first infected with HBV until post six months, you may have Acute Hepatitis B .
  • Chronic hepatitis B: Chronic hepatitis B occurs when you are being with the Hepatitis B virus for more than 6 months and the infected blood still remains in your body. Not many people get infected with chronic hepatitis B. But, as mentioned earlier, this is a very serious condition leading to liver cirrhosis, liver failure, etc.

Treatment

What should you do in case your Hepatitis B worsens?

In case you feel that the Hepatitis B symptoms are worsening, it is important that you visit a doctor. Your doctor may order some diagnostic tests based on the information that you shared.

What are the available Hepatitis B treatment options?

An injection of immunoglobulin which is an antibody if given within 12 hours of exposure to the virus may certainly help in Hepatitis B prevention. Because, the Hepatitis B treatment provides only a short-term protection, it is vital for you to also get the hepatitis B vaccine simultaneously, if you never received it.

Treatment for acute hepatitis B infection

Your doctor is the best person to know if your hepatitis B infection is acute, this means, either it is for a short-span and will go away on its own. If this is the case, you may not need a Hepatitis B treatment. All your doctor may recommend is rest, having plenty of fruits and proper nutrition while your body fights the infection. In serious cases, for Hepatitis B prevention, antiviral drugs or a hospital stay may be recommended.

Treatment for chronic hepatitis B infection

Generally, in case a person gets infection with chronic hepatitis B infection, they will need Hepatitis B treatment for the rest of their lives. Hepatitis B treatment will help in reducing the risks associated with liver diseases such as Liver cirrhosis, liver failure etc. This will also help in passing on the Hepatitis B infection to others. Mentioned below are the alternative options for chronic Hepatitis B infection:

  • Antiviral medications. Many antiviral medications like lamivudine (Epivir), adefovir (Hepsera), tenofovir (Viread), entecavir (Baraclude), and telbivudine (Tyzeka) — are said in helping to fight the virus and slow down its ability to lead to liver damages. These drugs are usually taken by mouth. You should speak to your doctor and understand the type of medication that might be right for you.
  • Interferon injections. Interferon alfa-2b (Intron A) is mainly used in young people infected with hepatitis B and those who wish avoiding long-term treatment. These injections are also apt for women who wish to get pregnant within a few years, post completion of a finite course of therapy. However, in expectant mothers, interferon shouldn’t be used for Hepatitis B treatment since they may have adverse side effects such as nausea, difficulty breathing, vomiting and depression.
  • Liver transplant. This can be an alternate Hepatitis B treatment in case your liver has been damaged severely.

Are there any natural or homemade remedies for Hepatitis B?

In case you've been infected with hepatitis B, you should take the below mentioned steps as Hepatitis prevention so that it doesn’t spread to others.

  • Make sex safer. If you are active sexually, inform your partner that you have Hepatitis B infection and talk how it can be risky since you can transmit the same to him or her. You may also have sex using a new latex condom, but do not forget that condoms only reduce the risk but they don't eliminate the risk completely.
  • Inform your sexual partner to get the tests done. It is important that anyone with whom you've had sex required to be tested for HBV. It is also vital that your partners know about their HBV status from avoiding the infection to others.
  • Not sharing personal care items. Experts recommend not to use any IV drugs, syringes or needles. It is also said that sharing razor blades or toothbrushes, increase the chances of Hepatitis B infection from one person to another.

When to see a doctor?

If you come to know that you've been exposed to hepatitis B infection, immediately contact your doctor. This is a preventive treatment that may reduce the infection risk if you receive the Hepatitis B treatment within 24 hours from the exposure to the virus.

In case you think that you Hepatitis B symptoms, immediately contact your doctor.

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