Hepatitis B
This is the most severe and common form of hepatitis, which has received the second name “serum hepatitis”. The fact is that infection occurs through blood infected with a small number of viral cells. The virus can also be transmitted sexually, through the use of non-sterile syringes and from mother to child.
Causes of hepatitis B
Infection can occur:
when using donated blood, since, although a small part of donors are carriers of the virus, with repeated transfusion, the risk of infection increases significantly;
drug-addicted people, because they often use one needle and a syringe;
during sexual intercourse, this is the most common infection option for this particular disease;
through the blood, from mother to child;
when using insufficiently sterile dental instruments;
when piercing ears and applying tattoos.
Unfortunately, in 40% of cases, it is not possible to determine the source of infection.
Symptoms of hepatitis B
This disease occurs in an acute or chronic form.
In acute hepatitis B:
In its initial stage, the disease manifests itself in the form of a typical flu (general malaise, body aches, minor fever, headaches, etc.).
Gradually, the symptoms of the disease change significantly, occurs:
fecal discoloration;
darkening of urine;
bouts of vomiting and nausea;
fixing pain in the right side;
an increase in the size of the liver;
yellowness.
Most often, after jaundice manifests, the patient’s condition stabilizes and the process of reverse development of symptoms begins, if the disease does not transition into a chronic form.
In most cases, if the human body is able to give an adequate immune response, a full recovery occurs.
Chronic hepatitis B
In the absence of an adequate immune response of the body to a viral infection, a chronic form of the disease develops, which is characterized by a jaundice-free course. This is the most dangerous form of hepatitis B. His symptoms are unstable, so, as a rule, they practically do not pay attention to it. At the initial stage , it is noted:
stool disorder;
muscle and joint pain;
pain in the upper abdomen;
nausea.
In the advanced stage of the disease , it is noted:
the appearance of vascular asterisks;
increase in the size of the spleen and liver;
drastic weight loss;
bleeding from the gums;
skin itching;
darkening of urine;
jaundice.
Diagnosis of hepatitis B
Diagnostic measures to detect this disease are carried out by an infectious disease specialist. After a general examination and collection of anamnesis of the disease, laboratory tests are prescribed:
determination of specific markers of hepatitis;
biochemical blood analysis.
Treatment of hepatitis B
The therapy of this disease depends on its stage and form. General therapeutic measures include the restriction of fatty, canned, fried and spicy foods and the complete exclusion of alcoholic beverages.
In acute hepatitis B, the symptoms of intoxication of the body are removed and supportive therapy is carried out. The main task is to restore liver tissue and remove toxins.
For the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, a complex individually selected treatment is required, which is prescribed with mandatory consideration of the patient’s characteristics and sympomatics.
Medical treatment involves taking antiviral drugs to reduce the rate of reproduction of viruses. The duration of treatment can vary from several months to several years. In some cases, a repeated therapeutic course is necessary. Drugs that protect liver cells and drugs that stimulate the body’s immune system are also prescribed.
