How Do I Know I Have Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is the term for inflamed liver due to viral infection or exposure to too much alcohol, medication or toxin. An estimated 350 million of individuals are said to be infected of this disease. Therefore, we should really be careful and we must know the signs and symptoms of this disease.

First, let us know what hepatitis B is.

Hepatitis B is caused by the Hepatitis B virus or HBV. They belong to the viral family known as Hepadnaviridae. HBV is a composed of deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA. The virus primarily affects the liver but it can also be detected in the blood. The virus does not directly damage the liver. Rather, it is the response of the immune system that causes damage to the liver. The immune system also kills the liver cells when it is trying to kill the virus. Because of the damage, the liver inflames. The destructive and protective effect of the immune system is therefore imbalanced.

The Hepatitis b infection is also communicable. It is usually by exposure to the blood or body fluids that the infection is spread. The virus is found semen, breast milk, saliva and vaginal discharge of the infected person. Therefore, exposure to these body fluids can also be infectious. We should also prevent sharing our personal belongings to other people because this might also cause transfer of infection. Pregnancy can also transfer the disease to the baby.

Hepatitis B can be classified into two; acute and chronic.

Acute hepatitis B is the first 1-4 months of the development of the disease. Some don't have symptoms but others have symptoms like:

· Fever

· Flu-like symptoms

· Over fatigue

· Appetite loss

· Nausea

· Yellowing of the skin and sclera of the eyes

· Pain in the abdomen (liver area)

In rare cases, "fulminant hepatitis" occurs. This is where the damage to the liver is so severe that it ceases to function anymore. This condition is life-threatening and can cause bleeding problems that may result to coma of the patient.

Chronic hepatitis B's symptoms vary widely. It also depends on the severity of the damage in the liver. Liver has many functions such as; production of factors for clotting, production for bile that aides in digestion, break down of toxins and it even plays a role immune system. The symptoms of chronic hepatitis B are in proportion to the function which is more affected. Chronic hepatitis patients usually remain symptom free for a lot of years. When patients start to get worse, the liver becomes inflamed and they are put at risk for liver cirrhosis or severe scarring in the liver. When this happens, signs and symptoms appear. This includes:

· Significant loss of weight

· Appetite loss

· Over fatigue

· Gynecomastia (breast enlargement in men)

· Appearance of rash in the palm of the hands

· Blood clotting difficulties

· Formation of spider-like blood vessels in the skin

· Impaired vision due to the decreased absorption vitamin A

· Osteoporosis due to the decreased absorption of vitamin D

We must always remember that prevention is better than cure. Vaccination for hepatitis B is available so it is advised that we take advantage of it. Being careful of what we use is also an effective way of preventing the disease. But if you think that you are infected of hepatitis B, then immediately refer yourself to a doctor and take necessary steps to prevent infecting others. view more hepatitis tips : Hepatitis solution site