“Hepatitis” means inflammation of the liver. Whenever the liver is inflamed or damaged, it will lose its function. Hepatitis B virus is one of virus which will cause of serious liver disease over the period of time.
Acute Hepatitis B refers to a short-term infection that occurs within the first 6 months after someone is infected with the virus. It can range in severity from a mild illness with few or no symptoms to a serious condition requiring hospitalization. Some people, especially adults, are able to clear, or get rid of, the virus without treatment. People who clear the virus become immune and cannot get infected with the Hepatitis B virus again.
Chronic Hepatitis B refers to a lifelong infection with the Hepatitis B virus. Up to 90% of infants infected with the Hepatitis B virus will develop a chronic infection. In contrast, about 5% of adults will develop chronic Hepatitis B. Chronic Hepatitis B can cause liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and even death.
Mode of spread:
Many people with Hepatitis B virus do not develop any symptoms until the stage of decompensated chronic liver disease. Most common and early symptom is fatigue or tiredness.
Stages:
- HBsAg carrier
- Chronic hepatitis B
- Chronic liver disease
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (Liver cancer)
Tests to confirm the disease & severity of the disease:
HBsAg, USG abdomen or CT abdomen with triphasic study, HBV DNA quantification assay, Alfa fetoprotein.
Treatment:
Anti-viral drugs
Family members screening & Vaccination:
The best way to prevent Hepatitis B is by getting vaccination which will provide life-long immunity against the virus.
