Hepatitis B
General Information
Human body consists of various systems. These systems help us in maintaining healthy life. Digestive system is one of the most important systems of human body. Respiratory system, circulatory system, nervous system and immune system are some other systems of our body. Each system has its own chain of organs and way of functioning. When an organ in any system malfunctions, it has adverse effect on the complete system. Malfunctioning of organs leads to development of abnormalities and result into occurrence of diseases.
Digestive system comprises of various body organs and liver is one of them. The liver may develop abnormality of malfunction owing to affects of various factors. Almost all types of hepatitis are associated with malfunctioning or abnormalities of liver. Hepatitis B is one of such abnormalities. We will elaborate on this aspect in the succeeding paragraphs.
Description of Hepatitis B
In simple words Hepatitis B is a medical condition caused by attack of HBV (Hepatitis B Virus) virus on the liver. Hepatitis B is considered as serious health condition. This attack of virus can lead to serious complications such as chronic liver infection, liver cancer, liver failure, scarring of the liver (cirrhosis) and may even result in death. Hepatitis B vaccination, which is easily available and people from all ages can take, is the best way of preventing occurrence of Hepatitis B infection.
Symptoms of Hepatitis B
About one third of the people suffering from Hepatitis B do not experience any sings or symptoms. However, whenever the symptoms occur, commonly they include: fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, dark yellow colored urine, joint pain and yellowish eyes and skin.
Causes behind development of Hepatitis B
Infection caused by Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is the only cause behind occurrence of hepatitis B.
Transmission of Hepatitis B from one person to another
The viruses of Hepatitis B from infected person are transmitted to other person when the body fluids or blood from infected individual enters body of other person, who is not immune. Unprotected sex (without using condom), use of same needles for injections, sharing needles for drug shooting, inheritance (from infected mother to new born baby) and sharps or needlestics exposures on the job are the other ways by which Hepatitis B can spread from one person to another.
Risk Factors of Developing Hepatitis B
Following factors increases risk of getting infected with Hepatitis B Virus and developing Hepatitis B.
- Having sex with multiple partners
- Having sex with partners suffering from sexually transmitted diseases
- Homosexuals (man having sex with other man)
- Sexual activities with infected persons
- Household contacts of infected persons<
- Injection drug use
Prevention of Hepatitis B
Prevention is the best treatment for any disease. Hepatitis B vaccination is the best way of preventing Hepatitis B. Also avoidance to risk factors will help you, up to certain extent, in prevention of hepatitis B.
Treatment of Hepatitis B
There are certain options available for treating Hepatitis B. The mode of treatment depends upon the intensity of infection. Your doctor will advise you better on this aspect.
