HEPATITIS B
HEPATITIS B VIRUS 2
HEPATITIS B VIRUS
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that is caused by the hepatitis b virus (HBV). It is a serious inflammatory condition of the liver. There are two types of hepatitis B which are acute and chronic. When a person first becomes infected with the virus it is known as an acute infection. Depending on how the persons body reacts to the virus determines whether or not they exhibit any symptoms. Hepatitis B is sometimes referred to as a silent infection because most people in the acute category show know symptoms. You may have hepatitis B and not even know it but as long as you have the virus you can spread it to others. Some people have it for a short while and then get better. According to Nettleman, “Common symptoms of hepatitis B include: appetite loss, feeling tired, nausea and vomiting, itching all over the body, pain over the location of the
HEPATITIS B VIRUS 3
liver, jaundice, dark urine and pale colored stools.” If acute hepatitis B is left untreated it may then turn in to chronic hepatitis B. It is considered chronic when a person has it for six months or longer. According to Blahd, “Approximately 5% to 10% of adults and children older than age 5 with hepatitis B infection go on to develop chronic infection.” A person with chronic hepatitis B may experience complications such as scarring of the liver also known as cirrhosis. Scarring of the liver affects the way the liver functions. Another complication is that the chances of getting liver cancer increase. Acute liver failure is a very serious and life threatening possible complication of chronic hepatitis B. The way people get infected with the hepatitis B virus is from another person through blood, body fluids and semen. When a person is infected with the HBV, it goes straight to the
HEPATITIS B VIRUS
HEPATITIS B VIRUS
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that is caused by the hepatitis b virus (HBV). It is a serious inflammatory condition of the liver. There are two types of hepatitis B which are acute and chronic. When a person first becomes infected with the virus it is known as an acute infection. Depending on how the persons body reacts to the virus determines whether or not they exhibit any symptoms. Hepatitis B is sometimes referred to as a silent infection because most people in the acute category show know symptoms. You may have hepatitis B and not even know it but as long as you have the virus you can spread it to others. Some people have it for a short while and then get better. According to Nettleman, “Common symptoms of hepatitis B include: appetite loss, feeling tired, nausea and vomiting, itching all over the body, pain over the location of the
HEPATITIS B VIRUS 3
liver, jaundice, dark urine and pale colored stools.” If acute hepatitis B is left untreated it may then turn in to chronic hepatitis B. It is considered chronic when a person has it for six months or longer. According to Blahd, “Approximately 5% to 10% of adults and children older than age 5 with hepatitis B infection go on to develop chronic infection.” A person with chronic hepatitis B may experience complications such as scarring of the liver also known as cirrhosis. Scarring of the liver affects the way the liver functions. Another complication is that the chances of getting liver cancer increase. Acute liver failure is a very serious and life threatening possible complication of chronic hepatitis B. The way people get infected with the hepatitis B virus is from another person through blood, body fluids and semen. When a person is infected with the HBV, it goes straight to the
HEPATITIS B VIRUS
References: (JUNE 2009). What common blood tests are available to diagnose hepatitis B? Retrieved from www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/B/bFAQ.htm#FAQ23. Mary Nettleman, MD, MS, MACP. (June 2014). Hepatitis B Symptoms. Retrieved from http://www.emedicinehealth.com/hepatitis_b/page3_em.htm. By Mayoclinic Staff. (August 2014). Treatment to prevent hepatitis B infection after exposure. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-b/basic/treatment/com-20022210 (2014). How is hepatitis B diagnosed? Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/hepatitis-b/page5.htm William Blahd, MD. (July 2014). Digestive diseases and hepatitis B. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/hepatiits/digestive-disease-hepatitis-b