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Hepatitis B is a serious
disease which affects the liver, and which may have long-ranging consequences.
What are the Causes of Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is
transmitted primarily via sexual contact. It can also be transmitted through
the sharing of needles, a common practice of intravenous drug users. The
disease can also be transmitted via blood transfusions or tattoo needles.
Hepatitis B is PREVENTABLE! A vaccine is now available.
What are the Symptoms of Hepatitis B?
Symptoms may include:
- Jaundice (yellow cast to the skin and eyes)
- Extreme fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Joint pain
Who Is Likely To Get Hepatitis B?
Anyone who is exposed to
the virus may contract it. Some people who are particularly susceptible are:
- Intravenous drug users
- People with multiple sexual partners
- Sex partners of infected patients
- Household contacts of chronically infected patients
- Homosexual men
- Health care workers
- Dialysis patients
Hepatitis B is dangerous because in chronic infection over the long term, it may result in:
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Liver cancer
The mechanism by which
this occurs is not completely understood; however, the virus may cause damage
to the cells, and fibrotic changes may result in cirrhosis. Malignant
transformation may result from cellular damage, causing liver cancer.
What Does Treatment for Hepatitis B Involve?
Most of the time, hepatitis
B is a self-limiting condition. Treatment consists of fluids and bed rest. For
chronic Hepatitis B infection, the following antivirals have shown some
usefulness.
- Adefovir dipivoxil
- Lamivudine
- Entecavir
- Telbivudine
- Interferon alfa
What Are The Advantages Of Treatment?
Treatment prevents
further viral replication and may help in preventing further sequelae of
chronic hepatitis B infection.
How Long Does It Take?
Acute hepatitis B
infection is usually self-limiting. It may take 6-12 weeks for your body to
clear the infection and recover.
How Many Treatments Are Required?
Treatment for chronic
Hepatitis B infection must be an ongoing commitment.
What Are My Alternatives to Treat Hepatitis B?
None commercially available
Will I Have Pain?
Pain is sometimes, but not always a symptom of the disease. This is usually
manageable with over-the-counter analgesics.
When Can I Go Back To Work Or School?
Patients with acute hepatitis B may take a long time to fully recover
(usually 6-12 weeks). The body will feel extremely fatigued during this time
and it will be difficult to work. We recommend staying home until a full
recovery is effected.
Who Will Perform My Treatment?
One of our board-certified gastroenterologists or infectious disease
specialists will prescribe appropriate treatment..
How Much Does It Cost?
Please call TopSurgeons at 800-506-8084 for more information.
Will My Insurance Cover Hepatitis B Treatment?
Insurance should cover this condition and any approved treatments.
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