Showing posts with label Hepatitis B. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hepatitis B. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

5 Facts to Know About STD : Rapid Std Testing


One of the most prominent ways to prevent STDs is to have safe sex. It is recorded that most of the people having unsafe sex are highly prone to the risk of developing STD. Mostly teenagers and people under the age of 24, should be cautious. This is because the risk of developing STD is higher in them compared to the adults. As a result, safe sex with proper use of the contraceptive methods and condom can help in the prevention of STD. As per the reports of World Health Organisation (WHO) about millions of people are affected by STD around the globe each day.

Although it may some astonishing, here are some more facts about STD that are sure to take you by surprise.


Women are more prone than men

Women are more rapidly and seriously affected by STD as compared to men. This is because of the body type. Men can easily transfer the infection to women but it is hard for the vice-versa process. Also, if women leave their STD conditions untreated, the problem may escalate and turn to be serious. Just for example, untreated Chlamydia can grow up-to Fallopian tube leading to pelvic infection and infertility. Although, men may not have such long-term health problem due to Chlamydia. Also, pregnant women suffering from syphilis and genital herpes tend to pass it on to their children.

There are several STDs

As per researches 25 different kind of STDs are known to mankind however, there are more than it. Some of the most commonly known STD include gonorrhea, hepatitis B, syphilis, pubic lice or crabs, Chlamydia, human papillomavirus (HPV) and trichomonas. Apart from it, some of the commonly known infections include scabies, hepatitis B, molluscum, contagiosum and mycoplasma genitalium. Apart from these are other STDs too which can be viral, bacterial and parasitic.

They can be treated but not cured

There are several STDs such as gonorrhea and syphilis which can be cured by antibiotics while insecticides can treat pubic lice and scabies. Also, there are STDs like HIV, HPV, Hepatitis B, genital warts which can't be completely cured but treated to some extent. These sexually transmitted diseases can have a negative impact on the health and romantic life. If you are suffering from any kind of STD, it is better to tell your partner before indulging in any physical relationship with them.

Men having sex with men are at the highest rate of developing syphilis

The number of patients suffering from Syphilis has been increasing each year. The percent of people suffering from syphilis is quite high and most of the reported cases are those of men indulging into sexual relationship with men. In the initial stage of syphilis, a small painless sore develops into the genital area. Through this chancre the syphilis bacteria enters the body. In case of men, this usually develops at the shaft or penis. Then the secondary stage of syphilis develops which causes rash, sores in genital and oral area. It may sometimes even lead to fever and body aches. Both, the primary and secondary stages of syphilis is contagious. Thus, it is recommended to make proper use of latex condoms. This helps to lower the risk of developing syphilis.

 STDs are transmitted through oral sex

While many people think that with oral sex they are on safe side, they're wrong. Having an unprotected oral sex can increase the chances of developing herpes, hepatitis B, syphilis and gonorrhea. Even when you're having oral sex, it is better to use a condom or dental dam. However, in most of the cases, STDs are developed owing to vaginal fluid, semen and blood. Other STD that can be caused due to skin-to-skin contact include scabies, pubic lice and even molluscum contagiosum.

It is highly recommended that whether you are involving in oral or genital sex, you make use of the protective methods. Being on the safe side is important.

Saturday, September 29, 2018

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.