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Hepatitis B

What is Hepatitis B?

  • Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV).
  • Acute – short-term infection
  • Chronic – long-term infection that may cause serious liver damage.
  • ~254 million people live with chronic hepatitis B globally.
  • Causes about 1.1 million deaths yearly, mainly from liver disease.
  • Preventable through vaccination

Symptoms of Hepatitis B

  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dark urine
  • Joint pain
  • Jaundice (yellow skin/eyes)

How Hepatitis B Spreads

  • Blood contact
  • Unprotected sexual contact
  • Sharing needles/syringes
  • Mother-to-baby during childbirth
  • Needlestick injuries

Diagnosis of Hepatitis B

  • Blood tests (HBV markers)
  • Liver function tests
  • Ultrasound or FibroScan
  • Liver damage assessment

Complications of Hepatitis B

  • Cirrhosis (liver scarring)
  • Liver cancer
  • Liver failure
  • Kidney disease
  • Reactivation of infection

Treatment of Hepatitis B

  • Acute Hepatitis B
    • Usually supportive care
    • Rest, hydration, nutrition
  • Chronic Hepatitis B
    • Antiviral medicines (e.g., tenofovir, entecavir)
    • Regular monitoring
    • Sometimes liver transplant in severe case
    • Hepatitis B vaccination (highly effective)
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