Hepatitis, which refers to a disease caused by inflammation of hepatocytes and liver tissue, is caused by various factors such as viruses, alcohol, drugs, and autoimmunity. Hepatitis B is a type of hepatitis, which is an inflammatory disease of the liver caused by infection with the hepatitis B virus. According to the clinical symptoms, it is largely classified into acute and chronic. And it accounts for about 3 to 4% of the total population, and it is estimated that about 40 patients are suffering from chronic hepatitis.
Hepatitis B is caused by infection with the hepatitis B virus. After the hepatitis B virus penetrates into the blood, it mainly settles in the liver cells. . The hepatitis B virus is transmitted mainly through infected blood and body fluids, and can also be transmitted through reuse of contaminated syringes, blood transfusions, and sexual contact. And babies born to mothers infected with the hepatitis B virus can become infected shortly after birth. Now, let’s take a closer look at the main symptoms of hepatitis B, as well as various information on treatment and prevention.
Hepatitis B main symptoms
Hepatitis B usually progresses slowly with an incubation period of 1 to 4 months. During the incubation period, various symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain, low fever, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and discomfort in the upper abdomen occur. Most patients feel only the same type of symptoms as body aches, or they do not know the symptoms because they are weak. However, when the symptoms are severe, several recognizable subjective symptoms appear. It can be accompanied by several symptoms, including jaundice, in which the color of the eyes and skin turns yellow, an unpleasant itchiness with the urge to rub or scratch the skin, and dark urine.
About 95% of patients with acute viral hepatitis resolve spontaneously after several weeks. However, about 5% of patients may transition to chronic, which can lead to various complications such as fulminant liver failure and liver cirrhosis. In particular, if chronic hepatitis B continues, the risk of developing liver cancer is very high. Therefore, if the symptoms of hepatitis B, such as darker urine than usual, and jaundice on the skin and eyes, appear to a degree that can be recognized, it is important to visit the hospital for an accurate examination and treatment to prevent chronicity. It can be said that it is important in preventing related complications.
Hepatitis B Treatment and Prevention
1. Accurate diagnosis and treatment through various tests
If the occurrence of hepatitis B is suspected, a blood test that detects the surface antigen of the hepatitis B virus is performed to confirm the presence of the virus, and other blood tests such as liver function tests are performed to confirm the severity of hepatitis. If hepatitis has occurred but not infected with the hepatitis B virus, hepatitis A and hepatitis C viruses are checked. After that, in the case of acute hepatitis B according to the diagnosis result through various tests, management methods such as sufficient rest and high protein and low fat diet control are implemented without special treatment. And when it progresses to chronic hepatitis B, oral antiviral drugs and interferon injections are used to minimize liver damage and prevent related complications such as liver cirrhosis.
2. Hepatitis B Vaccination
Vaccination is the most important part of preventing hepatitis B. It is reported that over 75% of adults and over 95% of children and adolescents can be prevented by vaccination against hepatitis B, so it is important to vaccinate in advance. These hepatitis B vaccines are not only very effective, but also safe, and only three doses are required to provide adequate protection. In addition, to prevent vertical infection from mother to fetus, hepatitis B vaccine and immunoglobulin are given immediately after birth.
3. Refrain from habits that put strain on the liver
In order to quickly treat hepatitis B, it is recommended to avoid various medicines, health functional foods, and alcohol that can put a strain on the liver. In particular, alcohol is a major risk factor affecting the occurrence of all liver diseases as well as hepatitis B, so it is a good way to reduce and limit it.
Also, eating a balanced and healthy diet is an important management habit in preventing and relieving symptoms of hepatitis B. It is important to eat a high-protein and low-fat diet and at the same time to consume sufficient vitamins through the consumption of various vegetables. Also, seafood eaten raw may contain bacteria that are harmful to the liver, so it is recommended to cook it as much as possible and consume it if the liver function is low. In addition, it is also important to prevent infection by not using various items such as razors, nail clippers, earrings, etc.
