Hepatitis B: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Hepatitis B is another effective liver disease caused by virus of Hepatitis B. However, with proper treatment Hepatitis B can be cured on its own. Nonetheless, it the disease isn't treated properly on time, it can be dangerous and often lead to liver cancer and cirrhosis. Hepatitis B is one of the serious problems around the world. Lakhs and thousands of people die every year due to Hepatitis B. Even if Hepatitis B is a illness for a short period of time, most of the people affected by it cause serious damages. Hepatitis B can be prevented by immunization.

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is the infection and inflammation of liver. People who are infected by this virus often tend to pass it to other. Most of the people are unaware of their seriousness. Several people detect no symptoms, while some experience infection only in the initial stage. However, if it is not treated in time it can lead to a chronic infection. This virus keeps on attacking the liver from time to time. In certain cases, the damage can tend to be irreversible. Most of the people who are affected by Hepatitis B, tend to die due to liver failure.

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis B?

Most of the people suffer from the infection right from their children. However, these are not diagnosed in all cases. Although you may notice it rarely. Some of the most common symptoms of Hepatitis B include

●     Muscle and joint pain

●     Dark coloured urine

●     Fatigue

●     Fever

●     Sudden loss of appetite

●     Yellow of eyes (sclera) and skin (jaundice)

●     Weakness

●     Discomfort in the abdomen

Even if you notice the minor symptoms, you will need to get it diagnosed. The symptoms for Hepatitis B will become major for the elderly people mostly over the age of 60. Even if you have been exposed to the symptoms, you should consult your doctor. Nonetheless, you can take certain measures to prevent the infection.

How is it diagnosed?

Most of the doctors conduct blood tests to determine Hepatitis B. People who are at the risk of developing Hepatitis B include

●     HIV positive people

●     Kidney dialysis patient

●     Come in touch with any Hepatitis B patient

●     Pregnant

●     Prone to IV drugs

●     Been criminals in jail

For the screening of Hepatitis B, blood tests are carried out. The wide range of blood tests include

Hepatitis B surface antigen test

The presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen would indicate that you're are affected. The positive results mean that you are capable of spreading it however the absence means you will not. Nonetheless, the test won't indicate any difference between serious and mild disease.

Hepatitis B core antigen test

The presence of the core antigen would determine if you had been affected currently or not. The positive results means it may either be serious or mild. However, it can determine that you are recovering from the disease.

Hepatitis B antibody test

This test determines the immunity of HBV. The possible result shows that you are safe against the disease.

Liver function test

This is very essential for Hepatitis B patients. The presence of excess enzyme means you are affected. It also helps you determine which part is not functioning properly.

How is Hepatitis B treated?

Hepatitis B can be treated by the following ways

Hepatitis B vaccine and immune globulin

If you notice any symptoms regarding the exposure of Hepatitis B, you should consult your doctor. A vaccination will help you prevent the infection from growing. You may as well get vaccinated once again or an injection for HBV immune globulin.

Other Treatment options for Hepatitis B

Normal or initial hepatitis B hardly requires any treatment. Most people tend to get over this on their own. All you will need to do is by hydrated.

You can take antiviral medication to cure serious hepatitis B. This will enable you to fight against the virus. Nonetheless, this will prove to be effective for avoiding further risk. In case of liver damage, you will have to liver transplant.

Benefits of Confidential HIV test

As per general health reports, millions of people each year are affected by HIV. Not all people open up about their sexual health. Although physical contact is considered to be one of the main reasons for HIV, it isn't the only cause. HIV is also caused due to usage of syringe in blood tests, blood transfusion and so on. Most of the times it happens that a number of people aren't aware of the them being affected by HIV. It is necessary to detect HIV at its early stage since it will help to prevent further transmission of HIV. Diagnosing the disease at an early age can help in starting the treatment at an early period.

What is a HIV test?

One of the most common ways that can help to determine HIV in any human is blood test. The HIV test helps to find the following

Antibodies- These are produced by body when the body tries to fight against HIV.

Antigens- The protein contains of the HIV cell.

Antigens as well as antibodies

Mostly after the outbreak of the infection, antigens are found in huge quantity in the bloodstream. Nonetheless, these usually disappear after a few days. However, antibodies usually take time to appear in the blood stream. It can take about 6 to 12 weeks. After the outbreak of these antibodies, these can be found in the bloodstream.

Once you go to get the test, the negative result indicates that there is no growing sign of any infection. A positive result would determine that you are affected by the infection. There are chances that your results may not be accurate in the first go itself. If you get a positive result in the first time, it is better to get yourself checked the second time. This will help you determine the accuracy of the test.

Benefits of HIV testing

HIV testing is more important than that of the prevention. Most of the people are unaware of them being affected by HIV. This, thus increases the risk of transmitting HIV to others compared to the ones who are aware of themselves being affected by HIV. The 20% of the people who are unaware of their HIV status, tend to transfer HIV to about 50-70%. This is the reason why HIV testing is compulsory. Several studies have found that people are aware of their HIV status are less likely to indulge into any high-risk factor.

After beginning with the HIV treatment, the vital level dropped to an extreme level. When the viral load becomes undetectable, the risk of transmitting HIV lowers too, it almost becomes close to zero too. There are several factors that may help in lowering the risk of developing HIV within the community. The infection rates may also be dropped among the community on HIV positive people if it is treated effectively. Reduced community viral load means that less infection would be transferred from people to people.

Benefits of confidential HIV testing

In many parts around the world, HIV is considered to be a taboo and a shame. Also, sexually transmitted infections and diseases are a major matter of shame among people. It is for this reason that not a lot of people want to discuss their sexual health with doctors or medical professionals. Especially when it comes to HIV, it becomes even more matter of shame. As a result, many of the people remain unaware. These people refrain from getting tested in medical clinics.

As a result, the matter of confidential testing had been developed. The matter of confidential HIV testing helps to save against the risk of embarrassment to a lot of people. For the purpose of confidential HIV testing, several personalized kits too have been developed. Also, there are several clinics around the world which help you to undergo the confidential testing procedures.

Getting tested in proper time can help to save you against several risk factors. It will not only save you but your partner as well.

Syphilis Testing- Why is it important?

Syphilis is extremely contagious sexually transmitted diseases. It is most spread around the body by sexual activities such as oral sex or anal sex. Even long kissing sessions and proximate body contact can lead to syphilis. The disease begins with a sore which is normally painless. However, most people tend to ignore these sores which ultimately grow to the deadly disease. Most of the people who carry this disease are usually unaware of it. Hence, they transfer the disease to their partners too.

In some cases, pregnant women may too be carrying this disease. However, pregnant women who suffer from this disease tend to pass it on to their babies. This refers to congenital syphilis. It can lead to abnormalities in child and may sometimes result in the death of the baby. Like many other problems, syphilis isn't spread by toilet seats, hot tubs, door knobs and so on.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of syphilis are usually differentiated in three stages and different stages have different symptoms. However, after the exposure there may be no symptoms at all for many years. There are three stages: Primary, secondary and sometimes, latent phase.

●     Primary

The symptoms in the primary stage of syphilis are painless. The sores are firm and round in nature and are referred to as chancres. These syphilitic sores usually appear about 3 weeks after the exposure. If treated, these chancres disappear after three to six weeks. If not treated, the disease may escalate to the next step.

●     Secondary

The symptoms in the secondary stages of syphilis includes

A non-itchy rash commences from the trunk and then goes on to spread on the whole body. The rash will appear to be rough and the color will be red or reddish-brown.

●     Sores in the oral, anal and genital area.

●     Hair loss in the form of patches

●     Fatigue

●     Headache

●     Weight loss

●     Pain in muscles

●     Swollen lymph nodes

●     Fever

●     Sore throat

If these symptoms are properly taken care of, they may disappear in a few days. However, they may continue to return for a brief period of time in the long run.

If syphilis isn’t treated in its secondary stage, the problem may escalate to the late or latent syphilis. 

●     Latent

The latent phase of syphilis lasts for several years. In this case, the body does not have prominent symptoms. There are chances of the symptoms disappearing or the problem becoming more serious. In the phase, the T. palladium bacteria continue to be dormant with the chances of recurrences. Even if you do not notice any symptoms, it is better to get treated.

 How is it tested?

In order to confirm syphilis, the doctor usually carries out a physical examination and checks upon the sexual history. The test is done by three procedures: blood test, bodily fluid test and cerebrospinal fluid. If anyone is getting diagnosed for syphilis, their sexual partners should get diagnosed too.

Why is testing important?

Getting the syphilis testing done will not only help you find the detect but will also be beneficial to get the correct treatment. Getting the right treatment for syphilis, can be very helpful for preventing any further exposures or complications. Since most of the time, the symptoms aren’t visible, people think there is no need of getting treated. People who have not tested for syphilis, may unknowingly pass it on to other people which may be a health risk.

If the result of syphilis testing is positive, usually the doctor will suggest starting with the treatment.

What is the danger?

Several people around the world are affected by Syphilis. It is noted by doctors that people who aren’t treated for syphilis or the other sexually transmitted disease will have a significant threat upon the health of the individuals. Even if these diseases do not show signs initially, then can go on to develop and cause injury.

The formation of sores in case of syphilis can prove to be extremely annoying for the body. This is because the sores may interfere with the external appearance. Getting right treatment in right time, can play a significant role in preventing the disease. 

How does Hepatitis A spread? Symptoms & Diagnosed

Hepatitis A refers to the liver inflammation mostly due to the toxins, immune diseases, infection or excessive use of alcohol. One of the significant causes of Hepatitis A is virus. Hepatitis A is the result of being infected by hepatitis A virus or HAV. This is a very short-term hepatitis which doesn't require any specific medical treatment.

As per the repository of World Health Organization more than 1.4 million of people are affected by Hepatitis A each year. Hepatitis A is highly contagious and spreads owing to contaminated water and food. The effects of Hepatitis A do not last for a long time and aren't that serious. Most of the times it reduces or vanishes on its own

 Symptoms of Hepatitis A

When children below the age of 6 are affected by Hepatitis A they do not show any significant signs. But, older children, adults and teenagers do show certain signs and symptoms on being affected by Hepatitis A. These may include

●     Pain in the abdominal area mostly in the upper part

●     Passage of dark colored urine

●     Sudden weight loss

●     Symptoms similar to that of flu inclusive of fever, body pain and so on.

●     Onset of jaundice, a disease which leads to yellow skin and eye.

Most of the times, the symptoms usually take 15 to 50 days to reappear in order to show the symptoms.

 How is Hepatitis A caused and contracted?

People become infected with Hepatitis A only after contracting with the virus. The virus may be transmitted due to eating contaminated food or liquid that contains fecal matters of virus. After being transmitted, the virus spreads in the body via bloodstream and reaches the liver. It is in the liver where the virus reacts causing inflammation and swelling.

Apart from consuming contaminated food and water, the virus is also transmitted after coming in contact with an infected person. Since HAV is contagious, people suffering from Hepatitis A can transmit the diseases to people in the house.

 Hepatitis A generally spreads because of

●     Consuming any food prepared by a HAV infected person

●     Consuming food from the hands of people who do not follow proper safety rules and do not wash their hands

●     Eating food that may contain fecal matter of insects

●     Avoiding the usage of protection while having an intercourse with HAV infected person

●     Drinking contaminated and polluted water

●     Growing in contact with fecal matter infected with HAV

If you have been infected by HAV virus, you might become contagious even two weeks prior to the outbreak of any symptoms. The contagious period disappears after one or two weeks of symptom outbreak.

How is it tested and diagnosed?

If you notice any outbreak of the symptoms, it is better to consult your doctor. The doctors often suggest undergoing a blood test to detect any viral or bacterial infection presence. It is only after the blood test that the presence will be detected.

Some people have very fewer symptoms of Hepatitis A outbreak. Most of the time, people develop jaundice due to the outbreak of Hepatitis A. If the symptoms of Jaundice do not appear, detecting any hepatitis may turn out to be difficult in physical form. If the symptoms are mild you might as consider not to get Hepatitis A diagnosed. As far as Hepatitis A is concerned, only few complications occur if the condition is left untreated.

 What are the complications?

As mentioned earlier, in only a few rare cases can Hepatitis A lead to liver failure. This is mostly observed in people having liver disease. Hospitalization becomes mandatory in such cases. But, you are likely to recover from these. As far as liver transplant is considered there are very few cases of it.

 How is treated and how to prevent long-term breakout?

Since Hepatitis A breaks out for a short time, it is not necessary to treat it: Get Tested Now. The virus will gradually disappear with time. In order to lower the discomfort caused due to symptoms you should refrain from alcohol, drink water regularly and consume a healthy diet.

Hepatitis A does not have significant long-term effects. The body will build up the immunity system after recovering in order to prevent the body from exposure to virus again.