Hepatitis B
The virus hepatitis B it is one of the 6 main viruses responsible for hepatitis. It is a group of viruses that have a special affinity for the hepatocyte or liver cell, within which they multiply.
Acute hepatitis B in most cases is a benign, self-limited disease that heals without leaving sequelae. leaving permanent immunity against the virus. Serious complications of the disease such as liver failure or death are rare in previously healthy people. Some cases of acute hepatitis B evolve into chronic hepatitis B that in the medium or long term can develop serious complications such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.
How does spreads the disease?
The hepatitis B virus is transmitted through people infected by the virus, the main routes of infection are:
- By contact with infected blood (wounds, use of needles or syringes, transfusions, hemodialysis, acupuncture, piercing, tattoos, intravenous drugs ...).
- Sexually (contact with semen, secretions and saliva).
- By transmission from a mother to the fetus during the time of delivery.
- By contact with utensils or objects contaminated by the virus such as a toothbrush, glasses, cutlery, sanitary material ...
Incubation period
The incubation period for hepatitis B virus is about 60-90 days. People with acute or subacute infection with the hepatitis B virus can transmit the disease from the time they are infected up to 2 weeks after the first symptoms. It must be taken into account that the virus can survive for several days in the environment (in contaminated objects or utensils). People with chronic infection are always potentially contagious.
Symptoms of Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is often asymptomatic, although its main symptoms are:
- Fatigue
- Weightloss
- Moderate fever
- Flu syndrome (cough, sneezing, chills, generalized bone or joint pain)
- Itchy skin
- Change in color of the skin and mucous membranes (yellowing)
- Change in color of stool (whitish stool).
- Abdominal discomfort
Patients are free of symptoms within a maximum period of 3-6 months.
Diagnosis of the disease
The diagnosis of hepatitis B is made by an internist or specialist in digestive pathology, in the consultation of the medical center or hospital.
Diagnosis is based on the patient's symptoms and the patient's physical examination. In addition, various complementary studies are carried out to detect liver inflammation and / or the presence of the virus or antibodies against it in the blood.
Treatment of the disease
Treatment of acute hepatitis B is symptomatic. In most cases, treatment requires bed rest and medication to treat the symptoms.
The intake of plenty of fluids is recommended to avoid dehydration, follow a low-fat diet and avoid consuming inflammatory products such as alcohol or certain drugs such as paracetamol that inflame the liver.
Treatment of chronic hepatitis B requires use of antiviral drugs to avoid the replication of the virus within the liver and should be prescribed by the patient's usual doctor.
Disease prevention
Hepatitis B can be prevented by use of the vaccine against the hepatitis B virus. Infected people or those who live with people infected by the hepatitis B virus must know and avoid the routes of transmission of the virus.
(Updated at Apr 14 / 2024)