Hepatitis B is a viral infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) that leads to inflammation of the liver. It is one of five main types of hepatitis viruses. The infection can be either acute or chronic. In many cases, acute hepatitis B resolves on its own without medical treatment. However, if left untreated, the infection can become chronic and result in serious liver complications over time.
Some individuals may unknowingly carry and transmit the virus, especially during childbirth. Infants infected at birth are at a much higher risk of developing chronic hepatitis B. This chronic form often progresses silently and may not show symptoms until liver damage has already occurred.
Symptoms of Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B often goes undiagnosed in newborns who contract the virus from their parents, as symptoms usually don’t appear until after the age of five. Typically, symptoms begin to show between two to five months after infection. Early signs of hepatitis B may include:
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Fever
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Fatigue
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Nausea and vomiting
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Loss of appetite
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Abdominal pain
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Muscle and joint pain
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Swelling in the abdomen, arms, or legs
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Dark urine
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Pale or clay-colored stool
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Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
While symptoms of acute hepatitis B often subside on their own, it’s important to consult a doctor if any of them occur. Chronic hepatitis B may remain symptomless for years but can lead to serious liver damage or even liver failure if left unmanaged.
How is Hepatitis B Transmitted?
Hepatitis B spreads through infected body fluids, such as blood, semen, or vaginal fluids. You can contract the virus in several ways, including:
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From an infected mother to her baby at birth
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Through unprotected sex with an infected partner
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Sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment
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Sharing personal items like razors, nail clippers, or toothbrushes
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Exposure to open wounds of an infected individual
How is Hepatitis B Diagnosed?
To diagnose hepatitis B, a doctor will typically begin by reviewing your symptoms and conducting a physical examination. They may also ask about your medical and family history, especially if there’s a background of liver disease. Diagnostic tests, usually blood tests, are then recommended to confirm the infection.
Services like Thyrocare offer hepatitis testing packages and provide the convenience of free home sample collection.
Treatment for Hepatitis B
The treatment approach depends on whether the infection is acute or chronic. There is currently no specific treatment for acute hepatitis B; most cases resolve naturally with supportive care. In contrast, chronic hepatitis B may require long-term treatment using oral antiviral medications and immune-modulating drugs to manage the infection and reduce liver damage.
