Hepatitis B is a condition that affects the liver tissues, with diverse causes, forms, and symptoms. Understanding the ways of contracting hepatitis B, its causes, and health impacts is essential for prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment. Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie discusses various aspects of this health condition in this article, starting from a comprehensive introduction about types of hepatitis B, transmission, and reaching to symptoms, diagnosis, and modern prevention and treatment methods that continuously evolve in the medical field.
What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a serious disease that can damage the liver, and it is caused by infection with the hepatitis B virus. The virus is transmitted from person to person through the contact of body fluids, which can occur in various ways, such as sexual activity or sharing needles.
What are the Symptoms of Hepatitis B?
When some people infect with virus B for the first time, they may feel as if they have flu. The symptoms may include:
- Nausea
- Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin)
These symptoms usually improve, but it may take weeks to months. In most people with acute hepatitis, liver damage improves within about 6 months. However, some may remain infected for a long time, a condition called chronic hepatitis B.
Most people with chronic hepatitis B do not show symptoms. However, the infection over time may lead to a liver condition called cirrhosis, with symptoms including:
- Swelling in the abdomen and legs, fluid accumulation in the lungs
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Difficulty breathing
- Feeling full
- Coma
Chronic hepatitis B also increases the risk of developing liver cancer.
Ways of transmission Hepatitis B
There are several ways to transmit the B virus, all involving the mixing of body fluids with others. You might have contracted the disease through:
- Sexual activity with an infected person
- Sharing needles with an infected person
- Using needles carrying infection in tattoos, acupuncture, or piercing
- Sharing toothbrushes, razors, or other personal items with an infected person
If your mother was infected with hepatitis B while pregnant with you, you may have contracted the infection from her, especially if she is from an area where hepatitis B is prevalent. Similarly, if you are infected with virus B and pregnant, you can transmit the infection to your child.
Is there a Test for Hepatitis B?
Yes, if your doctor suspects virus B based on your symptoms, blood tests will be conducted to check for the infection. Your doctor might also conduct these tests if you are at risk of hepatitis B, even if you do not show symptoms.
For example, you may be tested if you live in an area where hepatitis B is prevalent or if you have close contact with an infected person. Blood tests can also indicate whether you have had hepatitis B in the past, even if the infection improved on its own.
Your doctor might also want to conduct tests to determine if your liver has been damaged. This may include blood tests or tests to measure liver stiffness. Some individuals might undergo a liver biopsy, where the doctor inserts a needle into the liver and takes a small tissue sample. The sample will show the extent of the damage.
How is Hepatitis B Treated?
Most people with acute hepatitis B do not require treatment. Usually, the body clears the infection on its own within about 6 months.
If you have chronic hepatitis B, meaning the virus did not disappear after 6 months, your doctor might suggest medication. However, not everyone with chronic hepatitis B needs immediate treatment.
If your doctor decides that you do not need to start treatment right away, they will monitor you over time, conducting periodic blood tests. If the tests show that the virus is causing more damage to the liver or if new symptoms appear, you may start medication at that time.
For those who need treatment, it typically involves antiviral medication. People taking antiviral medications often need to continue the treatment for several years, sometimes for life. In severe cases, a person may need a liver transplant, but this is rare. Liver transplantation involves replacing the diseased liver with a healthy one.
In addition to receiving treatment, your doctor might recommend an ultrasound every 6 months to make sure your liver is not damaged. Some individuals might undergo a liver biopsy. In this test, the doctor inserts a needle into the liver and takes a small tissue sample. The sample will show the extent of the damage.
How Can I Protect My Liver If I Have Chronic Hepatitis B?
There are several things you can do:
- Avoid alcohol
- Receive the virus B vaccine and other vaccines, including influenza and pneumonia vaccines
- Avoid pain relievers, as these medications may sometimes lead to liver damage
How Can I Avoid Transmitting the Disease to Others?
If you have an active hepatitis B infection, you can reduce the chance of spreading the virus by:
- Making sure your close family and friends get tested for hepatitis B and receive the vaccine
- Using a condom every time you have sex
- Not sharing razors, toothbrushes, or anything that might contain blood
- Not sharing needles and syringes
- Using bandages to cover wounds and open sores
- Cleaning items with your blood droplets using a mixture of water and chlorine
What if I Want to Get Pregnant?
If you are infected with hepatitis B and want to get pregnant, talk to your doctor first. You may need to take medication before pregnancy for several months. Additionally, your child should receive a special injection immediately after birth to protect them from infection.
Moreover, your child will receive a vaccine injection when they are one or two months old and another when they are six months old. A test will be performed when your child is between nine and twelve months old, determining whether the child has the disease. Your doctor will decide if your child needs more vaccine injections at that time.
Best Liver Doctor for Hepatitis B Treatment
Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie is the best doctor for treating hepatitis B. He is a liver and gastrointestinal consultant, a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in England, and a member of the American College of Gastroenterology. Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie is currently a lecturer in general internal medicine, liver diseases, and gastroenterology at Al-Azhar University in Cairo.
Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie regularly participates in local and international scientific conferences and has numerous scientific research publications in prestigious medical journals.
Book your appointment now if you would like to consult with Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie regarding hepatitis B, as well as other acute and chronic liver diseases.