What is Hepatitis B

Liver in the human body is used to digest food and to remove toxins from the body. But many times it gets infected and the liver becomes inflamed. Due to which it cannot work properly. The disease caused by that infection is called Hepatitis B. It is one of the most common liver infections. It is caused by hepatitis virus. Usually it is of two types, Hepatitis 'A' and Hepatitis 'B', but there are other types A, C, D, and E.

Hepatitis can also be caused by HBV virus (Hepatitis B Virus). Sometimes it can also be caused by bacterial infection and as a side effect of long-term medicines. We have given some other important information like this in this article. Let us know the meaning of hepatitis , its causes, symptoms and possible treatment .

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. HBV is one of five types of viral hepatitis. Its other types are Hepatitis A, C, D, and E. Each type of hepatitis is a different type of virus, with B and C being the oldest types. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 3,000 people in the United States (USA) die due to hepatitis B every year.

HBV infection spreads very quickly and is believed to be a very chronic infection. Symptoms of acute hepatitis B appear most quickly in adults, while infants who have hepatitis B will never develop acute hepatitis B or develop symptoms. As the infected child grows up, the hepatitis B infection will become chronic.

Is Hepatitis B contagious?

Hepatitis B is a highly contagious disease. Which means it is spread through contact with infected blood and certain other bodily fluids. Apart from this, it spreads the fastest by having sex with an infected person. Although the hepatitis B virus can be found in saliva, it is not spread by sharing food or kissing. It also does not spread through sneezing, coughing, or breastfeeding. Its virus can survive outside the body for seven days.

Causes of Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is actually a very contagious disease. It can be spread through contact with semen, vaginal fluids, blood, and urine. A person can become a victim of hepatitis B through all of these-

having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person (this can be prevented by using a condom or dental band during sex)

Using an infected person's toothbrush and razor (blood on them can carry hepatitis B)

using the same needle for injection drugs, piercings, tattoos, etc.

Symptoms of Hepatitis B

Symptoms of acute hepatitis B do not become apparent for a few months. However, some common symptoms include:

Fatigue Meaning in Tamil

dark urine

joint and muscle pain

loss of appetite

Fever

upset stomach

weakness

nausea

vomiting

yellowing of the eyes (sclera) and skin ( jaundice )

As soon as any symptoms of Hepatitis B appear, it needs to be treated immediately. Symptoms of acute hepatitis B tend to get worse over time in people over age 60. Tell your doctor right away if you've been exposed to hepatitis B. By doing this you may be able to prevent infection.

Hepatitis B prevention

The best way to prevent hepatitis B infection is by getting vaccinated. All doctors recommend vaccination to avoid this. Three vaccines are given in the complete series of vaccinations. The following groups must get

Hepatitis B vaccine-

all babies at birth

any child and adolescent who has not been vaccinated at birth

adults who are being treated for a sexually transmitted infection (STI)

people living in institutional settings

people who have to come in contact with blood because of their work

HIV positive people

men who have sex with men

people who have sex with more than one person

people who inject drugs

family members with hepatitis B

people with chronic diseases

people traveling to areas with high rates of hepatitis B

The HBV vaccine is not very expensive and is very effective. It is also advised to take its vaccine for all people.

There are other ways to reduce the risk of infection with HBV. Always have sex with a person who has been tested for hepatitis B. Always use a condom or dental band while having anal, vaginal and oral sex. Avoid taking drugs. If you're traveling internationally, first check whether your destination has a high incidence of hepatitis B and make sure you're fully vaccinated before you travel.

Diagnosing Hepatitis B

Doctors usually do blood tests to diagnose hepatitis B. In addition, screening for hepatitis B may also be done for people who:

have been in contact with someone with hepatitis B

have traveled to an area where hepatitis B is common

stay in jail

use IV drugs such as heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, prescription drugs, etc.

have had kidney dialysis

get pregnant

are men who have sex with men

who have hiv

Hepatitis B treatment

Treating hepatitis B helps reduce your risk of liver disease and prevents you from spreading your infection to others. The following can be the treatment for chronic hepatitis B:

Hepatitis B vaccination and immune globulin

If you think you have been exposed to hepatitis B in the past 24 hours, talk to your doctor straight away. If you have not been vaccinated, get the hepatitis B vaccine and an injection of HBV immune globulin. By doing this you can prevent infection with HBV. This is a solution of antibodies that act against HBV.

Acute Hepatitis B requires no treatment, it gets better on its own with time, provided you have been vaccinated for it. You can get enough rest and keep yourself hydrated as much as possible for a quicker recovery.

Treatment options for hepatitis B

You can use antiviral medicines for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. This helps you fight the virus. These medicines can also reduce the risk of liver complications in the future.

If you have liver failure due to Hepatitis B, you may need a liver transplant. A liver transplant means that your surgeon will replace your damaged liver with a healthy liver. Most livers used for liver transplants come from deceased people.