Does hepatitis B cause inflammation?
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection that causes inflammation (swelling and reddening) that can lead to liver damage. Hepatitis B, also called HBV and Hep B, can cause cirrhosis (hardening or scarring), liver cancer and even death.
How long does it take for hepatitis B to affect the liver?
If symptoms occur, they begin an average of 90 days (or 3 months) after exposure to the virus, but they can appear any time between 8 weeks and 5 months after exposure. They usually last several weeks, but some people can feel sick for as long as 6 months.
How does hepatitis B affect the liver?
Cirrhosis: With a chronic HBV infection, large areas of the liver can become permanently scarred and nodules may form. Blood cannot flow freely through scarred liver tissue. This causes the liver to begin to shrink and become hard. Liver Failure: If cirrhosis becomes very severe, liver failure can occur.
How do you treat hepatitis B in the liver?
Treatment for chronic hepatitis B may include: Antiviral medications. Several antiviral medications — including entecavir (Baraclude), tenofovir (Viread), lamivudine (Epivir), adefovir (Hepsera) and telbivudine (Tyzeka) — can help fight the virus and slow its ability to damage your liver.
Can hepatitis B positive become negative?
It can happen, especially in older adults after a long period of “inactive” hepatitis B infection. About 1 to 3 percent of people with chronic hepatitis B lose HBsAg each year, and about half of all people with chronic infections who live up to age 75 will lose HBsAg, depending on the amount of HBV DNA in their blood.
Can you have Hep B and not know it?
Yes. Many people with Hepatitis B infection do not know they are infected since they do not feel or look sick. However, they still can spread the virus to others and are at risk of serious health problems themselves.
What are the signs of hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B symptoms typically last for a few weeks, but can sometimes stick around for months. These are the signs and symptoms of hepatitis B: feeling really tired. pain in your belly. losing your appetite. nausea and vomiting. pain in your joints. headache.
Does Hep B show symptoms?
If they do develop symptoms, the signs and symptoms of acute hepatitis B infection can include jaundice (yellowish discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes), fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, and pain in the upper right side of the abdomen. Some people develop a chronic (long-term) hepatitis B infection.
Is hepatitis B a highly contagious disease?
Hepatitis B is highly contagious. It spreads through contact with infected blood and certain other bodily fluids. Although the virus can be found in saliva, it’s not spread through sharing utensils or kissing.