All about hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is an infectious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus, or HBV, that causes changes in the liver and can lead to the development of acute signs and symptoms, such as fever, nausea, vomiting, and yellow eyes. and skin. If the disease is not identified and treated, it can progress to the chronic phase, which can be asymptomatic or characterized by severe and severe liver failure, progressing to cirrhosis with functional impairment.
- Hepatitis B is considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI) because the virus is found in the blood.
- Semen and vaginal secretions and can be easily transmitted to another person during unprotected (condomless) sex.
- Therefore.
- It is possible to avoid contagion through the use of condoms and vaccination Learn how to protect yourself from hepatitis B.
Treatment of hepatitis B varies depending on the stage of the disease, with acute hepatitis recommended for rest, hydration and diet care, while in chronic hepatitis, treatment is usually done with medications prescribed by the hepatologist, infectious disease specialist or doctor.
The hepatitis B virus is found primarily in blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk, so transmission can be done by:
Although it can be transmitted through saliva, the B virus is generally not transmitted by kissing or sharing utensils or glasses, as there must be an open wound in the mouth.
Hepatitis B is diagnosed by a blood test to detect the presence and amount of HBV in the circulation, and this is important for your doctor to report treatment.
In addition, blood tests may be indicated to evaluate liver function, the dose of Transaminase Glutamic Oxalacético (TGO / AST – Aspartate aminotransferase), Transaminase Glutamic Pirvica (TGP / ALT – Alanine Aminotransferase), Gamma-la glutamiltransferase (gamma-GT) and bilirrub may be indicated. Learn more about these and other liver tests.
To identify the presence of the virus in the blood, the presence or absence of antigens (Ag) and antibodies (anti) in the blood is studied, the possible results being:
Liver biopsy can also be used to aid diagnosis, evaluate liver involvement, predict disease progression, and need treatment.
The hepatitis B vaccine is the most effective way to prevent the disease and should therefore be taken shortly after birth, up to the first 12 hours after delivery, during the baby’s second and sixth months of life, for a total of 3 doses.
Adults who were not vaccinated during childhood may receive the vaccine, including pregnant women from the second trimester of pregnancy.In adults, the hepatitis B vaccine is also given in 3 doses, the first can be taken if necessary, the second after 30 days and the third after 180 days of the first dose.Know when and how to get the hepatitis B vaccine.
The test indicating the effectiveness of the hepatitis B vaccine is anti-hbs, which is positive when the vaccine is able to activate protection against the virus.
Acute hepatitis B has a spontaneous cure, in most cases because the body itself creates antibodies to eliminate the virus; However, in some cases, hepatitis B can become chronic and the virus remains in the body for life.
In chronic hepatitis B, there is a high risk of severe liver disease, such as cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure and liver cancer, which can cause irreversible liver damage.In these cases, patients should follow the treatment indicated by the doctor.
However, with treatment, the person can become a healthy chronic carrier, i.e. it may contain the virus in the body, but not have an active liver disease, and in this case does not have to take specific medications.Chronic hepatitis B can be cured after several years of treatment.
The incubation period for hepatitis B is 2 to 6 months, so signs and symptoms of acute hepatitis B may appear 1 to 3 months after infection.The first signs and symptoms of hepatitis B include:
Symptoms such as yellow skin and eyes, dark urine, and light stools mean that the disease develops and the liver is damaged.In chronic hepatitis B. Most patients have no symptoms, but the virus remains in the body and can be transmitted in the same way.
Treatment for acute hepatitis B includes rest, nutrition, hydration and not drinking alcoholic beverages.If necessary, the person may take medications to relieve symptoms such as fever, headache and muscle aches, nausea and vomiting.
Treatment of chronic hepatitis B, in addition to not drinking alcohol and a low-fat diet, includes antiviral and immunomodulatory medications such as interferon and lamivudine to prevent irreversible liver damage, which may need to be taken for life.
However, when the blood test confirms that the person with chronic hepatitis B does not have liver disease, he no longer needs to take medications, which is why people with chronic hepatitis B often have to have blood tests.treatment of hepatitis B.
Watch the following video on how to eat for hepatitis B to avoid major liver complications:
Hepatitis B prevention can be done by 3 doses of the vaccine and the use of condoms in all sex.Condom use is very important because there are several different hepatitis viruses and the patient who has received the hepatitis B vaccine can get hepatitis C.
In addition, it is important not to share personal items such as toothbrush, razor or knife and manicure or pedicure instruments, as well as syringes or other cutting instruments.If the person wants to get a tattoo, piercing or acupuncture, make sure all the equipment is properly sterilized.