What is Hepatitis B? To put it simply...
Hepatitis B is a viral infection . It mainly causes inflammation of your liver . Think about it, the liver is one of the most important organs in our body. It is like a factory, it works a lot. So the hepatitis B virus damages such an important organ. Sometimes this comes as a short-term (acute hepatitis B) , and sometimes it can get better without any symptoms and without treatment. However, for some people it becomes chronic (chronic hepatitis B) or a long-term condition in the body. This chronic condition can be dangerous. Because, over time, this can lead to scarring of the liver, which is called cirrhosis , and eventually liver failure . Currently, there is no complete cure for hepatitis B, that is, a treatment that completely removes the virus from the body. But the good news is that there are medications that can inactivate this virus. An inactivated virus means that even if you have the virus in your body, the chance of infecting others is much lower. It can also control the damage to the liver.How common is Hepatitis B?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hepatitis B is the most common liver infection in the world . Just think, it is estimated that about 254 million people worldwide suffer from this chronic hepatitis B condition. Even in countries like the United States, thousands of people suffer from this disease. Although there are no exact statistics about the situation in our country, this is a disease that is quite common among us.What are the symptoms of Hepatitis B?
Sometimes you can have Hepatitis B and not have any symptoms . That's the problem with this. If symptoms do occur, they may be:- Stomach ache
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lifeless body
- Urine turns dark yellow or brown
- Stools become light-colored, clay-colored
- Swelling of the abdomen, hands, and feet (due to fluid retention)
- Yellowing of the whites of the eyes and skin - this is what we call jaundice .
Remember, having one or more of these symptoms does not mean you have Hepatitis B. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, it is wise to seek medical advice.
Why do we get Hepatitis B? How is it transmitted?
Hepatitis B is spread through exposure to bodily fluids from someone who has the hepatitis B virus. These bodily fluids are:- Blood
- Semen
- Vaginal fluid
- Saliva (although the risk of transmission through saliva is low, it can occur through a broken mouth)
- From mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth (e.g., amniotic fluid, mother's blood)
- Menstrual fluid
- Reusing needles or syringes used by someone infected with the virus. This is a common risk among drug users.
- Having unprotected sex with an infected person. That means having sex without using a condom.
- An injury from a sharp instrument contaminated with infected blood. For example, from a medical instrument (such as a scalpel) in a hospital, or from an infected instrument used in a tattoo parlor or beauty salon.
- From an infected mother to her baby during birth. This is the main way hepatitis B is transmitted worldwide. That is why pregnant mothers are tested for hepatitis B.
Who is at higher risk of developing Hepatitis B?
Anyone can get Hepatitis B, but some people are at higher risk:- People with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV.
- People taking immunosuppressants. These medications are given to control the body's immune system for certain diseases, for example, after an organ transplant.
- People undergoing blood purification (dialysis) treatment due to kidney disease.
- People with other liver diseases.
- Healthcare workers. Because they are often in contact with patients, there is a risk of being pricked by something like a needle.
- People who live in the same household as an infected person. (It is important to avoid sharing personal items)
How long can someone with Hepatitis B be contagious?
You can spread the virus to someone else as long as the virus is active in your body. For example, a short-term case of acute hepatitis B can last for about six months. You can spread the virus throughout this time. If you have active chronic hepatitis B , you can spread the disease throughout your life. However, if you have inactive chronic hepatitis B , which means that the virus is controlled with medication, the risk of spreading it is much lower. Your doctor can do blood tests to find out if you have active or inactive virus in your body.What are the complications that can occur due to Hepatitis B infection?
Both acute and chronic hepatitis B can cause complications. These include:- Acute liver failure: This is a sudden, rapid stoppage of liver function. This risk is higher in people with short-term hepatitis B.
- Chronic liver failure: Chronic hepatitis B can cause the liver to gradually fail over time.
- Cirrhosis: This is a condition in which the liver becomes stiff due to the formation of scar tissue. This scarring occurs when the liver is damaged and is trying to repair itself. As the damage increases, the scar tissue also increases.
- Hepatitis D: This is another type of hepatitis. You can only get it if you have hepatitis B.
- Liver cancer: Chronic hepatitis B is the leading cause of liver cancer.
- Reactivated hepatitis B: This occurs when previously controlled hepatitis B suddenly recurs if you take immunosuppressants, or after stopping those medications.
How do you find out if you have Hepatitis B?
When you see a doctor, they will ask you about your symptoms, do a physical exam, and ask if anyone in your family has liver disease. In addition, they may ask you things like:- Does your job put you at risk of exposure to the virus? (e.g. healthcare workers)
- Do you use intravenous (IV) drugs?
- Do you have unprotected sex with people you think might have hepatitis B?
What kind of tests are done?
The doctor mainly performs these tests:- Blood tests: These can tell you whether you have short-term or chronic Hepatitis B, as well as a lot of information about the amount of virus and the condition of your liver.
- Imaging tests: For example, a scan such as elastography can be used to check for liver stiffness, or cirrhosis.
- Liver biopsy: If blood tests and scans are not enough, your doctor may order this test to learn more about your liver. This involves taking a small sample of the liver through a small needle and testing it in a laboratory.
What are the treatments for Hepatitis B?
Treatment methods vary depending on your condition.1. Prophylactic treatment
This is given within 24 hours of you being exposed to the virus, for example, if you get a needle stick or have unprotected sex with someone who is infected.- Hepatitis B vaccination: Several doses of the vaccine are given.
- Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG): This contains antibodies that fight the virus. It provides immediate protection.
2. Short-term treatment of acute hepatitis B
There is no specific treatment for short-term hepatitis B. Your doctor may give you IV fluids if you are vomiting a lot or have diarrhea. This will help prevent dehydration , which is when your body loses too much water. Dehydration is when your body loses too much fluid and can't function properly. Rest and a nutritious diet are often the most important things to do.3. Chronic hepatitis B treatment
Treatment for chronic hepatitis B varies depending on your symptoms and overall health.- Surveillance: This word may sound scary, but it means that your doctor is constantly monitoring your health. You will have follow-up appointments every three to six months. They will do blood tests and scans to check your viral load and liver function.
- Medication: Your doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs or immunomodulators . These drugs control the virus, reduce liver damage, and reduce the risk of passing the disease on to others. These medications may need to be taken for the rest of your life.
- Surgery:If hepatitis B causes liver cancer, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove that part of the liver. If the entire liver needs to be removed, a liver transplant may be necessary.
How can you reduce the risk of contracting Hepatitis B?
Vaccination is the best way to prevent this infection. Getting all three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine (some vaccines require just two doses) will give you full protection. These shots should usually be given within six months. In the meantime, there are things you can do to reduce your risk:- Practice safe sex: If you don't know if your partner has the virus, always use a latex or polyurethane condom.
- Don't share personal items: Hepatitis B can be transmitted through infected blood on items such as toothbrushes and razors.
- Practice safe needle use: If you are an intravenous drug user, never share needles or syringes with others. If you get tattoos or ear piercings, make sure that you use clean, sterilized equipment.
If I have Hepatitis B, how can I prevent infecting others?
The first thing to do is find out if you have the virus. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) in the United States recommends that everyone over the age of 18 get tested for hepatitis B at least once in their life.- If you have acute hepatitis B, it is best to stay home and avoid going to work or socializing with others while you have symptoms.
- If you have a chronic condition, take the medications your doctor prescribes exactly. This will reduce the risk of you spreading the virus to others.
- Tell your family and those you have sex with to get the hepatitis B vaccine.
- Do not let anyone touch your blood or body fluids. If you get a wound, cover it well.
How do I take care of myself while living with Chronic Hepatitis B?
Symptoms of chronic hepatitis B can change over time. One way you can take care of yourself is to stay in close contact with your medical team. Here are some other suggestions:- Avoid alcohol: If you drink more than 1.5 - 2 ounces of alcohol per day (that's about a shot of liquor or a can of beer), toxins can build up in your liver. This is very harmful for someone with hepatitis B.
- Eat well: Fill your plate with lean protein, fruits, and vegetables. Mediterranean dietThis is a good diet plan that helps support liver health. Simply put, eating more fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, olive oil, fish, and nuts.
- Look for support: Spending time with people who know what you're going through can help. There may be support groups for people in similar situations.
- Take care before taking new medicines: This includes herbal medicines. Some herbs can harm your liver or interact with other medicines you are taking. So ask your doctor before starting anything new.
- Protect yourself from other liver infections: If you haven't been vaccinated against Hepatitis A , get it. Get tested for Hepatitis C and get treated if you have it. Hepatitis C is a curable disease.
Finally, things to remember
Like many hepatitis viruses, hepatitis B can sneak into your body. You may not even know you have it. It can be a short-term condition. But most of the time, hepatitis B is a chronic disease that has no cure. If you have been tested and found to have hepatitis B, you may be wondering how this disease will change your life. You may also be worried that you will pass the virus on to others.But the good news is that there are medications that can stop you from spreading the chronic hepatitis B virus to others. And there are steps you can take to protect your overall health and protect others.Your doctor can help you make a plan for living with hepatitis B. There are also support groups that provide a safe place to share your story and exchange experiences. You are not alone. Don't worry, with education, proper treatment, and lifestyle changes, you too can live a healthy, normal life.
` Hepatitis B, liver, viral infection, cirrhosis, liver cancer, hepatitis B vaccine, chronic hepatitis B
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