Hepatitis b: what it is, how it is transmitted, symptoms and treatment

Hepatitis B is an infectious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus, or HBV, which causes changes in the liver and can lead to the appearance of acute signs and symptoms, such as fever, nausea, vomiting and yellow eyes and skin. If the disease is not identified and treated, it can progress to the chronic phase, which can be asymptomatic or be characterized by severe severe liver impairment, progressing to cirrhosis with altered function.

Hepatitis B is considered a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), since the virus can be found in blood, semen and vaginal secretions, and can easily be transmitted to another person during unprotected sex (without a condom). Thus, it is possible to avoid contagion through the use of condoms and vaccination. Learn how to protect yourself from Hepatitis B.

The treatment of hepatitis B varies according to the stage of the disease, with acute hepatitis being recommended to rest, hydrate and take care of the diet, while in chronic hepatitis treatment is usually done with medicines prescribed by the hepatologist, infectologist or clinician general.

Transmission of Hepatitis B

The hepatitis B virus can be found mainly in blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk. Thus, transmission can happen through:

• Direct contact with the blood and secretions of an infected person; Unprotected sexual intercourse, that is, without a condom; Use of material contaminated with blood or secretions such as syringes widely used in case of use of drugs applied directly to the vein, needles and other used instruments for getting tattoos or acupuncture, as well as material used for piercing; Sharing of personal hygiene objects such as razors or shaving and manicure or pedicure instruments; During normal birth or breastfeeding, although it is infrequent.

Although it can be transmitted through saliva, the B virus is generally not transmitted through kissing or sharing cutlery or glasses, as there must be an open wound in the mouth.

How the diagnosis is made

The diagnosis of hepatitis B is made by performing a blood test to detect the presence of HBV in the circulation, as well as its quantity, and these data are important for the doctor to indicate the treatment.

In addition, blood tests may be indicated to evaluate the functioning of the liver, being requested the dosage of Glutamic Oxalacetic Transaminase (TGO / AST - Aspartate aminotransferase), Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (TGP / ALT - Alanine Aminotransferase), Gamma- glutamyltransferase (gamma-GT) and bilirubin, for example. Learn more about these and other tests that assess the liver.

To identify the presence of the virus in the blood, the presence or absence of antigens (Ag) and antibodies (anti) in the blood is investigated, with the possible results:

• Reagent or positive HBsAg: infection with the hepatitis B virus; Reagent HBeAg: high degree of replication of the hepatitis B virus, which means that the risk of transmission of the virus is greater; Anti-Hbs reagent: cure or immunity against the virus if the individual has been vaccinated against hepatitis B; Anti-Hbc reagent: previous exposure to hepatitis B virus.

Liver biopsy can also be used to aid in diagnosis, assess liver impairment, predict disease progression and need for treatment.

Hepatitis B vaccine

The hepatitis B vaccine is the most effective way of preventing the disease and, therefore, it should be taken soon after birth, until the first 12 hours after delivery, in the 2nd month and 6th month of the baby's life, making a total of 3 doses.

Adults who have not been vaccinated as children can get the vaccine, including pregnant women from the second trimester of pregnancy. In adults, the hepatitis B vaccine is also administered in 3 doses, the first can be taken when necessary, the second after 30 days and the third after 180 days of the first dose. Know when it is indicated and how to get the hepatitis B vaccine.

The test that indicates the effectiveness of the hepatitis B vaccine is the Anti-hbs that is positive when the vaccine is able to activate protection against the virus.

Hepatitis B has a cure?

Acute hepatitis B has a spontaneous cure, in most cases, due to the body creating antibodies to eliminate the virus. However, in some cases, hepatitis B can become chronic and the virus remains in the body for life.

In chronic hepatitis B there is a great risk of serious liver diseases, such as liver cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer, which can create irreversible damage to the liver, so in these cases, patients should follow the treatment indicated by the doctor.

However, with treatment the person can become a chronic healthy carrier, that is, he can contain the virus in the body, but not have any active liver disease, and in this case, he does not have to take specific medications. In addition, patients with chronic hepatitis B can be cured after several years of treatment.

Main symptoms

The incubation period for hepatitis B is 2 to 6 months, so the signs and symptoms of acute hepatitis B may appear after 1 to 3 months of contamination. The initial signs and symptoms of hepatitis B include:

• Nausea; Vomiting; Tiredness; Low fever; Lack of appetite; Abdominal pain; Pain in joints and muscles.

Symptoms like yellow color in the skin and eyes, dark urine and light stools mean that the disease is developing and liver damage is occurring. In chronic hepatitis B, most patients do not show any symptoms, but the virus remains in the body and can be transmitted in the same way.

How to treat

Treatment for acute hepatitis B includes rest, diet, hydration and no alcoholic beverages. If necessary, the person can take medication to relieve symptoms such as fever, muscle and headache, feeling sick and vomiting.

Treatment for chronic hepatitis B, in addition to not drinking alcohol and a low-fat diet, includes antiviral and immunomodulatory drugs such as Interferon and Lamivudine to prevent irreversible liver damage, which may have to be taken for life.

However, when it is confirmed by the blood test that the individual with chronic hepatitis B does not have liver disease, he does not need to take any more medication, which is why individuals with chronic hepatitis B need to have blood tests frequently. Find out more details about treatment for hepatitis B.

Watch the following video on how to eat in case of hepatitis B to prevent further liver complications:

Prevention forms

The prevention of hepatitis B can be done through the 3 doses of the vaccine and the use of condoms in all sexual relations. The use of condoms is very important because there are several different hepatitis viruses and the patient who has had the hepatitis B vaccine may get hepatitis C.

In addition, it is important not to share personal objects, such as a toothbrush, razor or shaving razor, and manicure or pedicure instruments, as well as syringes or other sharp instruments. If the individual wants to get a tattoo, piercing or acupuncture, one must make sure that all materials are correctly sterilized.