hepatitis b
Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term), and is spread through contact with infected blood or body fluids. It can cause liver damage and, in chronic cases, lead to serious complications like cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure.
What it is:
- Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver, causing inflammation and potentially leading to liver damage.
How it spreads:
- It's transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen, or other body fluids, including during birth from an infected mother to her baby.
Acute vs. Chronic:
- Acute: For most people, hepatitis B is a short-term infection that clears up within six months.
- Chronic: In some cases, the infection can become chronic, lasting longer than six months, and can lead to serious long-term health problems.
Symptoms:
- Many people with hepatitis B, especially those with acute infection, may not experience any symptoms.
- When symptoms do occur, they can include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
Complications of Chronic Hepatitis B:
- Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver.
- Liver cancer: Chronic hepatitis B is a leading cause of liver cancer.
- Liver failure: In severe cases, the liver may stop functioning properly.
Prevention:
- Vaccination: A safe and effective vaccine is available to prevent hepatitis B infection.
- Safe practices: Avoiding contact with infected blood and body fluids, practicing safe sex, and not sharing needles or other drug-injection equipment can help prevent transmission.
Diagnosis:
- Hepatitis B is diagnosed through blood tests that detect the presence of the virus.
Treatment:
- Acute hepatitis B: Often, the body can clear the virus on its own, and treatment may not be necessary.
- Chronic hepatitis B: Treatment with antiviral medications can help suppress the virus and prevent complications.