Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the liver due to infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV).

Other types of viral hepatitis include:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis C
• Hepatitis D

Symptoms

Symptoms has been expanded.

After you first become infected with the hepatitis B virus:

• You may have no symptoms
• You may feel sick for a period of days or weeks
• You may become very ill very quickly (called fulminant hepatitis)

Symptoms of hepatitis B may not appear for up to 6 months after the time of infection. Early symptoms include:

• Appetite loss
• Fatigue
• Low fever
• Muscle and joint aches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Yellow skin and dark urine

Symptoms will go away in a few weeks to months if your body is able to fight off the infection. Some people never get rid of the hepatitis B virus. This is called chronic hepatitis B.

People with chronic hepatitis may not have symptoms and not know they are infected. Over time, they may develop symptoms of liver damage and cirrhosisof the liver.

You can spread the hepatitis B virus to other people even if you have no symptoms.

Exams and Tests

Exams and Tests has been expanded.

A series of blood tests called the hepatitis viral panel is done to help diagnose the condition.

The following tests are done to look for liver damage if you have chronic hepatitis B:

• Albumin level
• Liver function tests
• Prothrombin time

You will also have a test to measure the level of HBV in your blood (viral load). This lets your doctors know how your treatment is working.

Treatment

Treatment has been expanded.

Acute hepatitis, unless severe, needs no treatment. Liver and other body functions are watched using blood tests. You should get plenty of bed rest, drink plenty of fluids, and eat healthy foods.

Some patients with chronic hepatitis may be treated with antiviral drugs. These medicines can decrease or remove hepatitis B from the blood. They also help to reduce the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.

It is not always clear which patients with chronic hepatitis B should receive drug therapy and when drug therapy should be started. You are more likely to receive these medicines if:

• Your liver function is quickly becoming worse
• You develop symptoms of long-term liver damage
• You have high levels of the hepatitis B virus in your blood

For these medicines to work best, you need to take them as instructed by your health care provider. Ask what side effects you can expect and what to do if you have them. Not everybody who needs to take these medicines responds well.

If you develop liver failure, you may receive a liver transplant. A liver transplant is the only cure in some cases of liver failure.

Other steps you can take:

• Avoid alcohol.
• Check with your doctor or nurse before taking any over-the-counter medications or herbal supplements. This includes medications such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen.

Severe liver damage, or cirrhosis, can be caused by hepatitis B.