What you need to know about Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the liver. Hepatitis B is of two types- acute and chronic hepatitis. Most of the adults who get it for short time is called acute Hepatitis. While chronic hepatitis is for a longer duration. After some time, it can cause severe damage to the liver. So, it is important to diagnose it in the early stage.

Symptoms of Hepatitis B

How will you know that you are infected with HIV? Here are some of the symptoms of Hepatitis B-
• A headache
• Upset stomach and vomiting
• Tan colored stools
• Yellowish eyes and skin
• Loss of appetite
• Mild fever
• Belly pain
• Feeling tired

Cause of Hepatitis B

It is caused by the Hepatitis B virus. It spreads through the fluid and blood contact. Some of the main causes are-
1. Sex with an infected person without the use of condoms.
2. Use of infected needle.
3. Sharing of toothbrush and razors.
4. Using infected piercing tools
5. A mother might pass it to the siblings while giving birth.

Always remember, hugs and kisses don’t pass on the virus.

Treatment

1. Acute Hepatitis B
Acute Hepatitis B may go away on its own. You may need to have healthy food. Drink lots of water. Take complete rest and avoid drinking alcohol. Avoid herbal products as some of them may worsen your case.

2. Chronic Hepatitis B
In The case of Chronic Hepatitis B, you may be healthy and active but your liver might be damaged which you would not realise on a early stage. If the liver has been damaged you need to consult hepatologist for the treatment of liver transplant as it is the last resort to save your life.

Whom to consult?

1. Hepatologist
This is the major question that arrives in front of us. Many of us consult the general Physician for Hepatitis B. This is quite obvious. This is because we may not find a hepatologist at ease. But first, you need to understand who is Hepatologist. A Hepatologist is a doctor that specializes the disease associated with the liver. Hepatology is the subset of gastroenterology. So, it is an obvious choice to go for a Hepatologist. But, it may not be convenient for the people to find a Hepatologist as compared to the general physician.

2. General Physician
But, because Hepatitis B is an infectious disease it may make sense to consult with General Physician, who is infectious disease expert. Moreover, it is a disease related to your Gastro-Intestinal Tract. So, you can even consult them. But, a good Hepatologist has a good knowledge about Gastro Intestinal tract as well. So, it is better to consult a hepatologist.

For acute Hepatitis, there is no problem even if you consult a general physician. But, when you are suffering from Chronic Hepatitis, you should definitely go for Hepatologist. Because you cannot go to a teacher to make a building.

3. Pediatrician for Child Patient
If a patient is a child, he/she can go to the pediatrician. But, you should go to a pediatric liver specialist Most of the cutting edge doctors are both pediatrician liver specialist as well as the Gastro-Intestinal specialist. Children are treated differently than adults. Treatment protocols also differ. So, you need a pediatrician as well.

Typically, there is no need to go to the doctors frequently until and unless you are undergoing a treatment. So, make sure take corrective steps. Obey the doctor’s advice. Moreover, consult a specialist of disease in every case.

To know more about your specific condition, please visit an Hepatologist in a trusted hospital close to you.