Hepatitis B is a type of virus that invades and infects the liver. Hepatitis may affect some adults for a short period of time and then it gets better. This type of hepatitis B is called acute hepatitis. Hepatitis B can cause a chronic infection when it is long-lasting. Hepatitis B can greatly damage a person’s liver. People may have hepatitis B and not even know it. Keep reading to learn more about hepatitis B and how it can be treated.
Hepatitis B Symptoms
Many people with chronic hepatitis B do not have any noticeable symptoms. Hepatitis B can cause symptoms that feel similar to having the flu. These symptoms often include:
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dark urine
- Jaundice
- Tan-color bowel movements
- Low-grade fever
How is Hepatitis B caused?
Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus. It is spread through contact with blood and other bodily fluids that are infected with hepatitis B. Hepatitis B may be spread in a variety of ways including sharing needles with an infected person, having sex with an infected person without using a barrier measure like a condom, sharing personal items like toothbrushes and razors with an infected person. A woman may also transmit the hepatitis virus to her baby during the delivery process.
Can hepatitis B be prevented?
Hepatitis B can be prevented by receiving the vaccination. The Hepatitis B vaccination is a series of 3 to 4 shots. People who are at risk of all ages should be vaccinated. There is also a combination vaccination available that protects against hepatitis B and hepatitis A. The risk of hepatitis B can be reduced by using condoms, not sharing needles, wearing protective clothing and gloves in certain environments where contamination may occur and not sharing personal items such as toothbrushes or razors. People can also reduce the risk of developing hepatitis B by ensuring that they ensure that clinics, spas and tattoo parlors that they go to are clean and the instruments used are sterilized.
How is hepatitis B diagnosed?
Hepatitis B may be diagnosed through a blood test. If a person tests positive for hepatitis B and the doctor thinks that their liver may be damaged from the virus, their doctor may order a liver sample. This will help to determine if the liver is damaged.
Hepatitis B Treatment
Hepatitis B often goes away on its own. The symptoms of hepatitis B can be relieved using certain at home treatments and lifestyle changes including drinking plenty of water, avoiding drugs, avoiding alcohol and eating a healthy diet. Regular exercise and practicing healthy sleep habits can also help relieve some symptoms. The doctor will create a treatment plan with the person who has hepatitis B that can help to provide relief from their symptoms. The doctor will also tell people who have liver damage from hepatitis B certain things that they should avoid. People that have hepatitis B should get regular checkups from their doctor to make sure that their infection is not getting worse. Medication may also be used to treat hepatitis B. People who have severe liver damage caused by hepatitis B may require a liver transplant.=