Hepisitis B
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What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a viral infection targeting the liver. Fortunately, a preventative vaccine exists. While some individuals experience a mild, short-term illness termed “acute” hepatitis B, requiring minimal or no treatment, the infection can become chronic in others. This chronic form can lead to liver scarring, liver failure, and even cancer, potentially posing life-threatening consequences.
Hepatitis B transmission occurs through contact with the blood, open sores, or bodily fluids of an infected individual.
While serious, adult-onset hepatitis B is typically short-lived. The body usually combats the infection within a few months, leaving lasting immunity. This means you are effectively protected from future infection. However, for infants acquiring the virus at birth, the illness is more likely to become chronic.
The term “hepatitis” refers to inflammation of the liver. Other viral forms of hepatitis include hepatitis A and hepatitis C.
CAUSES OF Hepatitis B?
The most common ways to get hepatitis B include:
- Sex
- Sharing needles
- Accidental needle sticks
- Mother to child
Symptoms of Hepatitis B?
If you do have symptoms, they may include:
- Jaundice
- Light-colored poop
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Belly pain
- Joint pain
Symptoms may not show up until 1 to 6 months after you catch the virus. You might not feel anything. About a third of the people who have this disease don’t. They find out only through a blood test.
Symptoms of long-term (chronic) hepatitis B infection don’t always show up, either. If they do, they may be like those of short-term (acute) infection.
Diagnosis of Hepatitis B?
If your doctor suspects hepatitis B infection, they will conduct a comprehensive physical examination and blood tests to assess liver inflammation. In the presence of hepatitis B symptoms and elevated liver enzyme levels, further testing is warranted:
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Antibody (HBsAg and Anti-HBs):
- HBsAg: These are proteins found in the hepatitis B virus. They appear in the blood within 1-10 weeks of exposure and disappear after 4-6 months upon recovery. Their persistence beyond six months indicates chronic infection.
- Anti-HBs: These are antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the virus. They appear after HBsAg disappears and provide lifelong immunity against hepatitis B.
Chronic Hepatitis B:
In cases of chronic hepatitis B, the doctor may recommend a liver biopsy, a procedure involving tissue sample extraction from the liver, to assess the severity of the disease. Additionally, a liver ultrasound may be performed to evaluate the extent of liver damage.
Treatment of Hepatitis B?
Post-Exposure Treatment:
If you suspect exposure to the hepatitis B virus, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial. Early intervention allows for prompt administration of a vaccine and hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) injection. HBIG, a protein-based therapy, enhances your immune system’s response and combats the infection.
Acute Infection Management:
If you suspect exposure to the hepatitis B virus, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial. Early intervention allows for prompt administration of a vaccine and hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) injection. HBIG, a protein-based therapy, enhances your immune system’s response and combats the infection.
Inactive Carrier:
If the infection resolves spontaneously, you become an inactive carrier, indicating the absence of active virus in your body. However, antibody tests will reveal prior exposure to hepatitis B.
Chronic Active Hepatitis B Treatment:
For chronic active hepatitis B, lasting over six months, your doctor may prescribe medications like:
- Adefovir dipivoxil (Hepsera)
- Entecavir (Baraclude)
- Interferon alfa (Intron A, Roferon A, Sylatron)
- Lamivudine (3tc, Epivir A/F, Epivir HBV, Heptovir)
- Pegylated interferon (Pegasys)
- Telbivudine (Tyzeka)
- Tenofovir alafenamide (Vemlidy)
- Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread)
“Thank you for visiting Forest Hills Gastroenterology & Liver Disease, my goal is to treat my patients in a highly personalized manner and I am dedicated to give you the utmost attention and respect that you deserve. For more infromation on this disease or to schedule a consultation with me, please give us a call or book a tele-health appointment online.”
Albert Shalomov
Dr. Albert Shalomov, MD
Disclaimer: Educational Infromation, Not Medical Advice
It’s important to remember that the information provided here is intended for educational purposes only and should not be misconstrued as definitive medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified gastroenterologist for accurate diagnosis and treatment of any specific gastrointestinal condition. Only trained healthcare professionals can provide personalized recommendations and ensure your well-being.
