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.