Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B
This is a serious viral infection of liver result from the infection of hepatitis B virus. This infection has potential of developing into chronic infection. Hepatitis B infection can leave permanent scars on the liver leading to liver cancer or liver failure.
Symptoms
Hepatitis B infection presents as :
- Abdominal cramps
- Passage of dark urine
- Pain in joints
- Decrease appetite
- Malaise
- Nausea and vomiting
- Jaundice
- Weakness and fatigue
Causes
This infection occur due to the exposure with Hepatitis B virus. It is not contagious i-e it can’t be spread with coughing and sneezing. Virus can be spread through following routes:
- Sexual contact
- Sharing of needles
- Accidental needle sticks
- From pregnant lady to her newborn
- Hepatitis B infection can be acute or chronic. Chronic hepatitis B infection can lead to life-threatening conditions like cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Complications
When infection become chronic, it can lead to following complications:
- Scarring of the liver, which is known as cirrhosis.
- Liver cancer
- Liver failure
- Kidney disease
- Inflammation of blood vessels.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of this condition depends upon detailed medical history and complete general physical examination of the patient. Other tests include:
- Blood tests.
- Liver ultrasound.
- Liver biopsy is sometimes considered
Treatment
Treatment options include:
- After the exposure, an injection of immunoglobulin is given within 12 hours of exposure.
- Medications are prescribed for chronic infections. Medications include Antiviral medications.
- Injections of interferons
- Liver transplant
Lifestyle and home remedies
- Use latex condom and make sex safer so that risk of transmitting it to the partner become less.
- Ask your sexual partner to get tested for hepatitis B virus
- Limit the sharing of personal hygiene items