Hepatitis B is an infection that affects livers and is caused by the hepatitis B virus. If not treated in time, it can transform into liver cirrhosis. Delay in the treatment can also lead to liver failure, kidney diseases, inflammation of blood vessels, and even liver cancer. People at the risk of hepatitis B include healthcare workers, those who have chronic liver diseases, those suffering from kidney diseases, elderly with diabetes, and those travelling to countries with a high incidence of Hepatitis B.
Symptoms of hepatitis B
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Pain in the abdomen
- Pain in the joints
- Dark-coloured urine
- Yellowing of the skin and the white area of the eyes (jaundice)
- Decrease in appetite
Types of hepatitis B
Acute hepatitis B
Acute Hepatitis B is a short-term illness that does not last more than six months. People with acute hepatitis usually experience mild symptoms or sometimes, no symptoms at all. Their immune system clears the virus from the body within a few months. However, acute hepatitis B can turn into chronic, and then people need hospitalization. Often, adults are affected by acute hepatitis B.
Chronic Hepatitis
Chronic hepatitis B is a long-term illness and lasts for more than six months. For some people, it also becomes a life-long illness, and for the treatment, they need to consult with a hepatologist in Delhi or the city they live in. Hepatologists give them the required treatment and guide them on how to manage the illness. Mostly, young people, especially infants, are at a higher risk of developing chronic hepatitis B.
Transmission of hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is contagious but is not spread through saliva, coughing, sneezing, or breastfeeding. Ways hepatitis B virus is transmitted are:
- By coming into contact with the blood of an infected person
- By coming into contact with the body fluids of an infected person
Use of infected needle - Intimate contact and intercourse with a person suffering from hepatitis B
- If a pregnant woman is infected with hepatitis B, it highly likely that her baby will be as well
People experiencing the symptoms of hepatitis B should not wait to see the doctor. Doctors will ask them about their medical history and will prescribe some test for the confirmed diagnosis.
Dr. Vikas Singla 