Hepatitis B is an infectious disease caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV), which causes liver disorders and can cause acute signs and symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, eyes and yellowish skin, if the disease is not identified and treated, can progress to a chronic phase, which can be asymptomatic or characterized by severe liver failure, leading to cirrhosis and alterations in its functionality.
Hepatitis B is considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI), as the virus can be found in the blood, vaginal secretions and can be easily transmitted from person to person during unprotected sex, so condom use and vaccination are recommended to prevent contagion.
- Treatment of hepatitis varies depending on the stage of the disease.
- If acute rest.
- Hydration and dietary care are recommended.
- Although chronic treatment can be done with medications prescribed by the hepatologist.
- Infectious diseases and family doctor.
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 symptoms are:
Signs such as the yellow color of the skin and eyes, darkness or light and needs mean that the disease is progressing, causing liver damage. In chronic hepatitis B, most patients have no symptoms, but the virus persists in the body and can be transmitted in the same way.
Hepatitis B virus can be transmitted through contact with blood and other body secretions such as semen, vaginal secretions, and maternal care, so transmission could occur through:
Although it can be transmitted by saliva, it is not usually transmitted by bees to the cabin compartment, as there needs to be a wound in the mouth, a cold sore, a periodontal disease for them to occur.
Hepatitis B could be diagnosed with a blood test for the presence of hepatitis B virus and the condition in which it is in the blood, and this data is of great importance to your doctor to indicate the best treatment.
In addition, the doctor may indicate the performance of tests that will evaluate the functioning of the liver, if a liver profile is requested that quantifies liver enzymes such as Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (TGO / AST- Aminotransphera Aspartate), Transaminase GlutamP- vica ALT – Alanine Aminotransferase), Gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT) It houses other tests that make the liver evolve.
To identify the presence of the virus in the blood, antigens (Ag) and antibodies (Anti) are searched in the blood, resulting in possible results:
Liver biopsy can also be used to assist in diagnosis, evaluate liver failure, predict the course of the disease, and the need for treatment.
The hepatitis B vaccine is the most effective way to prevent the disease, as there are 3 records that usually cause birth, with the 2nd and 6th month of life, of course, according to the vaccination schedule of each country.
Adults who have not been vaccinated in childhood may be given the vaccine, including those vaccinated, from the second trimester of gestation. In adults, the hepatitis B vaccine is also given in 3 doses, the first of which can be given if necessary, the second two days after the third of the first 180 days.
The test that indicates that the hepatitis B vaccine is effective is the anti-HBs, which must be positive when the vaccine is able to activate protection against the virus, find out what this test is for.
Acute hepatitis B resolves on its own, in most cases, as the body creates antibodies to eliminate the virus. However, in some cases, hepatitis B can become chronic and the virus may remain in the body for life.
In chronic hepatitis B, there is a high risk of serious liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer, which can create irreversible damage, and it is important that the individual undergoes treatment indicated by the doctor.
However, with the treatment of the individual, he may be a chronic carrier, meaning that he may contain the virus in the body, but he does not have active liver disease, and in these cases, no medication is needed. , patients with chronic hepatitis B can be cured after several years of treatment.
Treatment of acute hepatitis B includes rest, diet and hydration, and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. If necessary, your doctor may order medicines to relieve fatigue, headaches and muscle aches, nausea and vomiting.
Treatment of chronic hepatitis B, in addition to avoiding alcohol consumption and consuming a low-fat diet, including antiviral and immunomodulatory drugs, such as interferon and lamivudine, to avoid irreversible liver damage that, on a case-by-case basis, in particular. have to be ingested for life.
However, when a blood test confirms that the person with chronic hepatitis B has no liver disease, the doctor stops taking the medication, so it’s important for people with chronic hepatitis B to have blood tests frequently.
Hepatitis B prevention can be achieved by placing 3 doses of the vaccine and using condoms in all sex. The use of conditions is of paramount importance because there are different types of hepatitis B virus and, although the individual is subjected to the hepatitis B vaccine, he or she may be infected with the hepatitis C virus.
In addition to this, it is important not to share personal items such as nail polishes, nail polishes and manicure or pedicure instruments, as well as jingles or other cutting instruments. If the individual wants to perform a tattoo, an acupuncture piercing, he should make sure that all the material is properly sterilized.