What is Hepatitis B? Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Hepatitis B is an important liver disease and an inflammatory condition that is commonly seen worldwide. The cause of the disease is the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis B is an infectious disease that only causes illness in humans. Once the virus enters the body, it only settles in liver cells. The Hepatitis B virus causes the immune system to attack the protein molecules it carries, which it deposits into healthy cells. As a result, liver cells are damaged, and inflammation begins.

Hepatitis B, which leads to elevated liver enzymes, is transmitted through blood, body fluids, and mucosal contact. In other words, the disease is transmitted through the use of non-sterilized needles and unprotected sexual intercourse. Since the virus is not present in the oral mucosa, Hepatitis B cannot be transmitted through kissing, but it is risky to kiss if there is a herpes (cold sore) present on the lips. Hepatitis B can also be transmitted through tattooing. Even if single-use sterile needles are used during the procedure, the shared use of the ink bottles in which the needles are inserted may lead to the transmission of the Hepatitis B virus to a healthy person. Additionally, if tools used in barbershops, such as razors, straight razors, and manicure/pedicure instruments, are not properly sterilized, they can also transmit the Hepatitis B virus. During pregnancy, the virus can also be transmitted from the mother to the baby. The disease, which is seen worldwide, is more common in Southern Europe and East Asian countries. Turkey is in a moderate-risk region. Hepatitis B, which can be prevented with vaccination, is considered chronic Hepatitis B if it lasts for more than 6 months. Chronic Hepatitis B, which causes scarring in the liver, can lead to liver failure, liver cancer, and cirrhosis.

What is Hepatitis B?

The disease caused by the Hepatitis B virus can also be described as liver inflammation. The disease is transmitted from person to person through blood, contact with body fluids, and sexual contact. It can also be transmitted from the mother to the baby during pregnancy. If left untreated, Hepatitis B can lead to life-threatening diseases such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. After infecting some individuals, the Hepatitis B virus can remain in the body without causing the disease. In some people, even though the disease has healed, the virus cannot be eliminated from the body. While these individuals may not show any symptoms, they remain carriers, and the risk of transmitting the infection persists. The majority of people who are carriers of the Hepatitis B virus can live their entire life without developing health problems related to the virus. However, about 10% of these individuals may develop Hepatitis B disease. Therefore, it is recommended that people who are Hepatitis B carriers be regularly monitored. Hepatitis B is classified into acute and chronic forms. In acute Hepatitis B infection, the person recovers within 6 months after being exposed to the virus. Chronic Hepatitis B refers to cases where the virus cannot be cleared within 6 months after transmission to a healthy person. The frequency of chronicity in acute Hepatitis B infection is about 1% to 5% in adults, but this rate increases to 90% in newborns. In other words, the likelihood of the disease becoming chronic decreases with age. However, in very rare cases, fulminant Hepatitis B can occur. Fulminant Hepatitis B starts suddenly and can rapidly lead to liver failure, posing a life-threatening risk.

What are the Symptoms of Hepatitis B?

The incubation period of the virus is between 6 weeks and 6 months after infection. During this period, the person is contagious. Hepatitis B, which is transmitted through sexual contact and body fluids, causes liver damage. The disease progresses without symptoms until liver damage occurs, and it is often diagnosed when it turns into cirrhosis or cancer. The symptoms of symptomatic Hepatitis B cases include:

• Weakness and fatigue
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Vomiting blood
• Yellowing of the eyes and skin
• Abdominal bloating due to edema
• Leg edema
• Abdominal pain
• Muscle pain
• Joint pain
• Diarrhea
• Light-colored stools
• Dark-colored urine
• Easy bruising of the skin

What are the Causes of Hepatitis B?

The disease caused by the Hepatitis B virus can lead to liver damage, which may result in life-threatening conditions such as liver failure, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. In these cases, liver transplantation is often required for treatment. The causes of Hepatitis B are directly related to the transmission of the virus. The causes or routes of transmission of Hepatitis B are as follows:

• Blood and blood product transfusions
• Shared use of objects like razors, nail clippers, and toothbrushes with an infected person
• Contact with open wounds or blood of an infected person
• Unprotected sexual intercourse
• Sharing injection materials like needles and syringes
• Needle punctures
• Exposure to blood through sharp or pointed objects
• Reuse of non-sterilized surgical instruments
• Getting a tattoo under unsanitary conditions
• Shared use of tools during manicure and pedicure procedures
• Transmission from mother to child during childbirth

The frequently asked question, "How is Hepatitis B transmitted?" can be answered this way: Hepatitis B virus does not spread through water, food, respiratory droplets, or by casual contact.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

Hepatitis B is a preventable disease with vaccination. The Hepatitis B vaccine, which is included in the infant vaccination schedule, is administered in 3 doses. The first dose of the vaccine is given within 72 hours after birth. The second dose is given at the end of the first month, and the third dose is given at the end of the sixth month. If the vaccination is administered after birth, the second dose can be given at least 4 weeks after the first dose, and the third dose can be given at least 8 weeks after the second dose. For babies born to mothers who have Hepatitis B, the first dose of the vaccine should be administered within the first 12 hours after birth. After the third dose, the baby should be tested for anti-HBs and HBsAg levels between 4 to 8 weeks. The Hepatitis B vaccine, which can be administered to all age groups, provides a protective rate of 95% in individuals aged 0-19, while it is around 90% in adults. In individuals over 60 years old, the vaccine's effectiveness decreases to approximately 75%. The protective effect of the vaccine may decrease over time. Common side effects of the vaccine include pain at the injection site and mild fever. Rarely, headaches, fatigue, and irritability may occur.

What Should Be Done to Avoid HBV?

The most effective measure to avoid the Hepatitis B virus is vaccination. In addition, unprotected sexual intercourse should be avoided, and objects like toothbrushes, lipsticks, and nail clippers should never be shared with others, even once.

What Measures Should Hepatitis B Carriers Take?

Hepatitis B virus is 10 times more contagious than Hepatitis C and 100 times more contagious than HIV, which causes AIDS. Therefore, it is recommended that Hepatitis B patients and carriers take the following precautions:

• Ensure that the people you live with get vaccinated as soon as possible.
• Never engage in unprotected sexual intercourse.
• Do not share personal hygiene items such as razors, lipsticks, toothbrushes, or nail clippers with family members or friends.
• If you are pregnant, inform your doctor about your condition.
• Avoid alcohol use, which can cause liver damage.
• Inform your doctor before undergoing dental or surgical procedures.

What Are the Treatment Options for Hepatitis B?

The diagnosis of Hepatitis B is made through a blood test. In cases of acute Hepatitis B, treatment is usually not required, but supportive medications may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms. In chronic Hepatitis B cases, there are various treatment options available. The goal of treatment is to eliminate the possibility of the disease progressing to liver failure, cirrhosis, or liver cancer. Although the treatment can help control Hepatitis B, it is not possible to completely eradicate the Hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B treatment is primarily done with oral medications, but in advanced cases, liver transplantation may be necessary.