Symptoms of hepatitis B and methods of treating viral disease

The hepatitis B virus is potentially dangerous to humans. He is able to survive in any condition for a long time. A person can become infected unnoticed.

To identify the disease, you need to undergo a diagnostic examination by a specialist. Otherwise, the virus will manifest itself with terrible symptoms.

Next, we will try to explain in detail what it is and how hepatitis B is transmitted, its types and symptoms, how it is treated and how to avoid it.

What is hepatitis B

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an anthroponotic DNA-containing viral disease caused by a pathogen with pronounced hepatotropic properties.

The virus has a negative effect on the entire human body if infection occurs. Of all the organs, the liver suffers the most.

In most cases, the disease occurs without pronounced symptoms. Therefore, the infection is difficult to detect on your own.

The virus passes from the asymptomatic stage into chronic hepatitis B. During this period, cirrhosis of the liver develops or cancer is discovered.

Hepatitis B is resistant to sudden changes in temperature and chemicals. The virus can remain in dried blood for a long time. Every person should take care of the safety of their health.

Who is susceptible to infection (risk factors)?

The risk of infection is observed in the following categories of people:

• The age category from 20 to 50 with good immunity can detect an acute form of the virus, but further development does not occur.
• infected people over 40 years of age with an acute course of the virus (can become chronic).
• some newborns already have the hepatitis B virus in an acute form, in most cases it becomes chronic.

Types and stages of the disease

There are several types of hepatitis B. These include:

• Fulminant.
• Spicy.
• Chronic.

The lightning-fast progression of the virus manifests itself in cerebral edema. This causes the person to fall into a coma. People with this type of hepatitis B do not live long.

During the acute form of the virus, patients experience certain symptoms. This type has several stages:

• The patient observes primary symptoms.
• Exacerbation.
• The disease lasts a long time.
• Relapses and improvements occur.
• Liver failure occurs.

Chronic hepatitis B manifests itself after six months of the virus. During this period of time, the infection is in the incubation period. When the virus enters a new stage, new symptoms appear. They are more pronounced.

Causes of hepatitis B in humans

The initial cause of hepatitis B is the entry of a pathogen into the human body. People with weakened immune systems are at risk of infection. The following factors may influence this:

• alcoholic drinks;
• frequent smoking;
• chemical fumes or toxins;
• antibiotics.

People do not lose touch with social life. The infection is not transmitted through the air. People need to maintain personal hygiene measures if they come into contact with a sick person.

The course of the infection depends on how hepatitis B is transmitted and how the person became infected. This information will help with diagnosis by a specialist. Therefore, it is necessary to know how hepatitis B is transmitted.

Chronic hepatitis B can manifest itself if a person is infected naturally.

Methods of transmission

A person should know how hepatitis B is transmitted. So that he can take action if he is near a carrier of the virus.

Hepatitis B viral infection is found in:

• blood;
• vaginal discharge;
• sperm.

It is in these biological fluids of the carrier that the concentration of the virus is in large quantities. There are several ways to transmit the hepatitis B virus:

• if you transfuse infected blood to a healthy person;
• using the same syringe several times;
• through medical equipment, if proper cleanliness is not carried out:
• during sexual intercourse;
• newborn from mother:
• infection at home.

One of the most common ways of transmitting hepatitis B is through blood. This happens during injections. This can be done with non-sterile equipment.

This especially happens during a blood transfusion. Even in dentistry, there were cases when a carrier came for help, and his infected blood remained on the equipment. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor not only ordinary people, but also medical workers about sanitary conditions.

Often infection occurs through sexual contact. The hepatitis B virus is dangerous through unprotected sex.

The method of transmission of hepatitis B to the child during childbirth is from the mother. To reduce the risk of further progression of the virus, the baby is vaccinated.

Hepatitis B may appear in the future. Therefore, it is necessary to do preventive examinations.

The routes of transmission of hepatitis are limited. In some cases, contact with the carrier is safe. These include:

• if the patient sneezed or coughed heavily;
• handshake;
• kisses, if the covers are not damaged;
• if you consume food and drinks from common containers;
• Mothers can breastfeed their babies.

Symptoms of a viral infection

The development of the virus occurs secretly. In some cases, slowly if it is an incubation period. Experts identify the primary symptoms of hepatitis:

• body temperature rises slightly;
• there is a feeling of weakness and rapid fatigue;
• no appetite;
• there is pain in the joints and muscles;
• infants experience frequent regurgitation;
• belching for no reason and a bitter taste;
• not serious inflammatory processes on the mucous membrane of the respiratory system and larynx;
• hemorrhagic skin rashes.

The manifestation of the hepatitis B virus occurs individually in each person. In some cases, you can recognize the virus by dark-colored urine and discolored stool. Other people are watching:

• nausea;
• vomiting;
• apathy;
• dizziness.

At an early stage, hepatitis B is manifested by stool disturbances. The person suffers from diarrhea or constipation. This happens at least once a week. In a person of any age, the virus can create abdominal pain.

During diagnosis, patients complain of pain when palpating the liver area.

Children feel dull or aching discomfort.

In most cases, the hepatitis virus is mistaken for a disease based on its primary symptoms. Patients feel general weakness. Temperatures can exceed 39 degrees. This symptom is often observed in infants in the first months of life.

Hepatitis B infection in children can occur without pain in the joints or muscles. However, in adults this symptom occurs in most cases. Appears along with high fever.

During diagnosis, an increase in liver size is observed. This occurs several days after infection. In individual cases, hepatitis B increases the size of the spleen.

In patients, the following is observed in the tests:

• increase in the number of leukocytes.
• development of lymphocytosis.
• ESR is normal.

If you do not take into account the primary symptoms and consider it a common cold, then hepatitis B goes into the stage of jaundice.

The following symptoms are observed:

• the skin becomes jaundiced (see photo above);
• heart rate increases;
• it becomes more difficult to breathe;
• bladder dysfunction;

Chronic hepatitis B has no significant symptoms in most people. In individual cases note:

• general malaise;
• disturbance of sleep patterns, turning into insomnia;
• slight increase in temperature;
• bleeding gums occur;
• nosebleeds occur.

Complications of hepatitis B

Complications manifest themselves in the form of secondary diseases. These include:

• hepatic encephalopathy;
• increased bleeding;
• cerebral edema.

Liver failure does not process toxins. Their accumulation causes brain poisoning. This may manifest itself as the following symptoms:

• drowsiness during the day;
• disturbance of sleep patterns, which leads to insomnia;
• constant drowsiness;
• nightmares;
• anxiety;
• hallucinations.

If a secondary disease is not detected, it will become an additional reason for falling into a coma. At the same time, the functions of other organs are disrupted.

During fulminant hepatitis, coma develops without accompanying symptoms.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BVzUmSuISU

The liver contains factors that help blood clot. If renal failure develops, this function is impaired. Manifests itself in the form of bleeding from different places. They can also manifest themselves internally. Therefore it is a dangerous complication.

When the virus occurs in an acute form in a patient, the complication can be expressed by cerebral edema. In other cases it may become:

• respiratory failure;
• sepsis.

Diagnostics

Hepatitis B virus can be cured if it is not in a malignant form. It is necessary to seek help in time. Delay can have a detrimental effect on the body.

First of all, the specialist conducts an examination. First, tissue palpation is done, especially the liver area. Further diagnosis is made using:

• Biochemical analysis - give reason for further examination of the patient.
• Ultrasound examination of the liver - helps to determine the condition of the organ, identify inflammatory processes or tissue compaction.
• Liver biopsy - allows you to determine viral activity if there are prerequisites for a chronic course of the disease.

In most cases, the patient is prescribed a clinical laboratory test. An immunogram determines how the body reacts to the virus.

At the same time, a PCR test is prescribed (a laboratory diagnostic method aimed at identifying pathogens of infectious diseases).

Treatment of hepatitis B virus

Treatment of hepatitis occurs in a hospital setting. Drug therapy is carried out. Under the supervision of specialists, solutions are administered. This is done intravenously. The injected substances help remove toxins from the body.

Prescribed drugs that reduce the absorption function of the intestine. Due to the inability of the liver, toxins are absorbed into the blood and cause dangerous consequences.

Treatment of acute hepatitis B can be carried out at home. Experts recommend drinking more water. This will help remove toxins from the body.

Medications are prescribed that are aimed at destroying the virus. They help restore liver function.

For recovery to be fruitful, bed rest must be observed. It is recommended to exclude physical activity. The patient is given a diet that is aimed at restoring the liver.

In some cases, the infection goes away without treatment. If the virus enters the chronic stage, then the following is prescribed:

• drugs with antiviral effects, for example, Adefovir .
• medications that slow down the development of liver sclerosis, for example, Interferons (Reaferon-EC) .
• Hepatoprotectors – help the liver fight the virus.
• Vitamins, both in tablets and in the form of injections.

In serious cases, a liver transplant is performed. This is a difficult treatment due to the long search for a donor. In this case, 2 methods are applicable:

• removal of an organ from a corpse.
• using a liver fragment from a close relative.

In order for a family member to become a donor, he must meet a number of criteria.

Prevention

Many people should know how to avoid infection. The following recommendations must be followed:

• Maintain personal hygiene and wash your hands after any contact with people in public places.
• Use contraception during sexual intercourse and try to avoid promiscuity.
• Get preventive vaccinations against the virus.
• Carry out activities to strengthen the immune system.

If there is close contact with a carrier of the virus, this may cause the transmission of hepatitis B. You should immediately contact a specialist. He will prescribe preventive medication. The following measures will be taken:

• Immunoglobulin will be administered to block the virus in the blood.
• Prophylactic vaccination will be carried out.
• The next clinic visit will be scheduled and a booster vaccination will be given.

Infection occurs through contact with liquid and damaged tissue surfaces of a healthy person.

If a situation arises that you have to live with a carrier of the virus, then he should know how hepatitis B is transmitted, tell him about it. When blood or other biological fluid gets on clothing, disinfection is immediately necessary.

It is machine washed at a temperature of at least 600C for 30 minutes.

Finally

A person should know how hepatitis is transmitted to protect himself. During preventive measures, you should consult your doctor. He will provide information about what it is and how to avoid getting sick from such a virus.

Doctors categorically do not recommend treating the infection yourself. Especially use traditional methods. In exceptional cases, such therapy may be prescribed along with drug treatment.

If you experience any symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor. Even if it turns out to be a cold or other illness. In the case of a virus, neglect can cause death.

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Source: https://tvojajbolit.ru/infektsionnyie-zabolevaniya/gepatit-b-chto-eto-takoe-prichinyi-vozniknoveniya-simptomyi-i-priznaki-lechenie-i-profilaktika/

How to treat hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus. In most cases, the disease has a favorable prognosis. With an adequate response of the patient’s immune system, the pathology occurs in an acute form and is characterized by vivid symptoms. Within a month, the symptoms of the process disappear, then a complete cure occurs.

In 10% of cases, the disease becomes chronic, initially characterized by a mild clinical picture. It is this condition that is most dangerous for humans and requires early diagnosis and selection of a comprehensive treatment regimen. How to treat hepatitis B and what new hepatologists can offer to fully restore the patient’s body is discussed in the article.

What to do after infection?

The causative agent of hepatitis B is contained in the biological fluids of a carrier of the virus or a sick person. The largest amount is found in the blood, secretions of the salivary glands and seminal fluid. If you suddenly come into contact with an infected person, you must immediately contact a medical facility to prevent infection.

It should be remembered that the virus is transmitted in the following ways:

• Parenteral - during the transfusion of infected blood or its individual components, during manipulations with non-sterile instruments, during the use of one syringe by drug addicts.
• Vertical - from mother to baby during the last trimester of pregnancy, during the passage of the child through the birth canal.
• Sexual – in the presence of macerations and microcracks in the genital area, but subject to high aggressiveness of the virus.

If a person suddenly realizes that he has had contact with a sick person, he should contact a medical facility within the first 12 hours from the moment of the injection or sexual intercourse. In a hospital setting, a specific immunoglobulin will be administered, which will strengthen the body’s defense response, and then vaccination against hepatitis B will be carried out.

The first vaccination against hepatitis B is carried out on the first day of the baby’s life.

You should definitely monitor your own condition and monitor the appearance of hepatitis symptoms during the first 4 months after such an incident. Usually this period is enough for liver inflammation to make itself felt.

In case the person was still infected. He will develop weakness, headache, pain in muscles and joints, and hyperthermia.

Later, yellowness of the skin and sclera, skin rash, itching, soreness and heaviness in the right hypochondrium will appear.

Treatment for hepatitis B depends on the following factors:

• how aggressive the virus is in the patient’s body;
• how much of the pathogen penetrated;
• stage of the disease;
• the degree of damage to the liver and other organs;
• course of the disease.

Mild and moderate forms of hepatitis B can be treated at home. During the first week of therapy, doctors recommend bed rest. Further restrictions regarding motor activity depend on the general condition of the patient. Pediatric patients are advised to remain in semi-bed rest even after signs of intoxication have disappeared.

Any physical activity during the treatment of liver inflammation is prohibited. Children are exempt from attending physical education classes for six months, and when participating in professional sports - for a year. Increasing the level of physical activity should be dosed and individual. It is important to take into account the patient’s age, his laboratory parameters, and the body’s recovery rate.

Experts say that the therapy is aimed at inhibiting the processes of viral DNA production, stopping the progression of the disease, achieving remission in relation to changes that occur in the liver at the cellular level, as well as preventing the development of oncological processes, cirrhosis and liver failure.

Protein foods should be presented:

• lean meats - chicken, beef, veal, rabbit;
• fish - pike, cod, pike perch;
• fermented milk products of medium fat content;
• steamed omelette.

Steamed chicken cutlets are an excellent dish option for a person with a diseased liver

Lipids can enter the body in various types of vegetable oils (corn, olive, sunflower), as well as good quality butter.

Carbohydrate products are represented by porridges (rice, buckwheat, oatmeal, wheat), day-old bread and crackers. It is important that the patient’s diet includes a sufficient amount of vegetables and fruits.

They can be not only raw, but also stewed, boiled, or baked in the oven.

To completely cure hepatitis B, you should limit the patient’s intake of the following foods:

• lard;
• margarine and products based on it;
• spices;
• smoked meats;
• canned food;
• alcohol and soda;
• ice cream and jelly;
• fatty meats and fish;
• garlic;
• nuts, etc.

Important! The patient's menu should include at least 5 meals a day. It is important to drink plenty of liquid (pure water, herbal tea).

Hepatitis B incubation period

To recover from viral liver damage, it is necessary to determine what stage of the disease the patient currently has. The fact is that it is necessary to act on the virus at the moment of its reproduction. In such conditions, it will be possible to get rid of the disease forever. To clarify the stage of the disease, a number of laboratory and instrumental studies are carried out.

Mandatory are a biochemical blood test, determination of the presence of hepatitis B markers, PCR analysis to clarify the presence of pathogen DNA in the patient’s body, as well as an assessment of the viral load.

At the same time, the condition of the liver is examined using ultrasound with Doppler sonography, and the degree of fibrotic changes is clarified using elastometry.

If necessary, diagnostics of virus mutations and determination of its resistance to a number of drugs are prescribed.

Most patients are interested in how much a comprehensive examination costs, which is prescribed by the attending physician to select the correct treatment regimen. As a rule, the cost is in the range of 20-25 thousand rubles, if tests and instrumental diagnostics are done in private laboratories.

The question of whether hepatitis B can be treated or not has received a clear answer. Yes, hepatitis can be cured and quite successfully. If we compare the prognosis for patients with liver damage by a B-type virus, they are much more comforting than for patients who encountered a C-type pathogen or combined infection.

The treatment regimen is selected only after receiving diagnostic results

Doctors have identified a number of criteria by which the effectiveness of the therapy is assessed:

• normalization of transaminase levels in the blood;
• absence of viral cell DNA, which is confirmed by real-time PCR;
• disappearance of HBeAg;
• stopping the progression of deterioration of the histological picture of the liver.

A decrease in transaminase levels to normal levels is a biochemical response to the treatment. A decrease in the amount of pathogen DNA and the disappearance of HBeAg indicates a virological response. Normalization of liver condition indicators at the level of hepatocytes – histological response. The combination of all responses is called a complete response to therapy.

Important! A persistent positive result of the treatment is the normalization of all of the above indicators and maintaining them at this level for 6-12 months from the end of therapy.

At this stage, two drugs are most often used for antiviral therapy: Interferon and Lamivudine.

Interferon

The group of interferons is characterized not only by its antiviral effect. These drugs are able to fight tumor cells and strengthen the body's immune system.

Scientists have found that interferon alpha suppresses the reproduction process of the hepatitis B virus, which contributes to the development of remission of the disease.

However, the drug is not prescribed to all patients, since there are certain restrictions regarding selection criteria for treatment.

The effectiveness of therapy in pediatric patients is similar to that in adults.

Clinical data have proven that the use of interferon alpha against the background of a chronic form of the disease, in which HBeAg is absent, is accompanied by a positive response to treatment, but is fraught with relapses of the disease within 5 years from the date of completion of treatment. Permanent cure is achieved in only a quarter of patients.

Interferon is not recommended for use in patients with liver cirrhosis, since when taking such drugs, the level of ALT in the blood serum increases sharply, which confirms the occurrence of a cytolytic crisis. The result may be the development of liver failure.

The antiviral drug is prescribed as injections under the skin, the course of treatment is 3-4 months

Adverse reactions to interferon therapy:

• weakness;
• decreased appetite;
• pain in joints and muscles;
• depression;
• decrease in the level of leukocytes in the blood;
• anxiety;
• hair loss.

Lamivudine

This drug stops the process of reproduction of the hepatitis virus by integrating the active substance into the growing DNA chains. Recommended for use in patients who have HBeAg-positive hepatitis. A persistent virological and histological response is observed in half of the patients. Children, as a rule, are not prescribed Lamivudine.

The drug is also recommended for those patients who do not have HBeAg. In such a case, the effectiveness of therapy over 5 months is 63%. Lamivudine is excellent for those patients who are resistant to interferon alpha.

Also, a number of studies have proven that the medication can be used against the background of liver cirrhosis. Among the undesirable effects of taking the drug, a slight increase in the level of transaminases in the blood can be noted, but this is far from critical.

Otherwise, the drug is tolerated quite well.

Famciclovir - clinical studies have proven that this medication has an antiviral effect, but is inferior in terms of activity to Lamivudine. Moreover, the medicine should be taken three times a day, so it is unlikely that it will be the drug of choice.

Adefovir dipivoxil - the drug cannot be used in high doses, as it becomes toxic to the kidneys. Able to reduce the amount of viral DNA in the patient’s body. Thymosin is a well-tolerated drug that stimulates the activity of T-cell immunity. In some cases, it is combined with other medications.

In the presence of severe intoxication, specialists prescribe detoxification therapy. It involves the introduction into a vein of a number of solutions (sodium chloride, rheosorbilact, hemodez, rheopolyglucin, glucose). At the same time, hormonal agents are administered. Start with high doses, gradually reducing them.

Vemlidy is a new drug recommended for use in the treatment of hepatitis B. It is a European product that is prescribed to patients over 12 years of age and weighing more than 35 kg. The medicine is not yet available in our country.

Treatment of malignant form

Can malignant hepatitis be cured? The malignant form of the disease, which is more often observed in children, requires immediate correction of the body’s condition. Moreover, medications begin to be administered even at the moment of threat of its development.

Treatment regimen:

• glucocorticosteroids into a vein;
• administration of plasma, albumin, rheopolyglucin;
• diuretics to force diuresis (Mannitol, Lasix);
• heparin in case of development of disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome;
• enterosorbents orally to accelerate the elimination of toxic substances;
• antibacterial drugs.

According to indications, hyperbaric oxygenation, plasmapheresis, hemosorption are performed

Dispensary registration

In case of treatment in a hospital setting, the patient is discharged 30-35 days from the start of therapy. At this time, body functions are restored, transaminase levels are slightly reduced. The doctor gives the patient a note. It describes how to eat properly and what the recommended regimen is.

The first examination after the patient’s discharge is carried out after 30 days, then after 3, 4, 5 months. They are removed from the dispensary register if the indicators of general clinical tests and biochemistry are within normal limits twice in a row, and HBsAg is absent.

Patients are interested in whether hepatitis can be treated with folk remedies. On websites devoted to the treatment of viral liver damage, you can find reviews that someone was/was treated using traditional medicine recipes.

Source: https://albur.ru/lechenie/kak-lechit-gepatit-b

Hepatitis B - causes, signs, symptoms and treatment

Viral hepatitis B is an inflammatory viral disease that primarily affects liver tissue. After a person recovers from this disease, he develops lasting, lifelong immunity. But it is possible for the acute form of hepatitis B to transform into a chronic progressive form. Carriage of the virus is also possible.

Online consultation on the disease “Hepatitis B”.

Ask a question to the experts for free: Infectious disease specialist.

The danger of the pathology is that usually infection of a healthy person occurs completely unnoticed by him, therefore the presence of viral hepatitis is diagnosed only during a laboratory test or when characteristic symptoms appear. It is important to carry out adequate treatment of the disease as soon as possible in order to prevent the development of dangerous complications.

The virus is highly resistant to chemical and physical factors. For example, it does not die when exposed to high temperatures, freezing, or exposure to an alkaline or acidic environment. If the virus enters the environment, it can survive for up to several weeks in a spot of dried blood or on the tip of a needle. Its infectiousness is very high.

Routes of infection

Through microtraumas on the skin, the hepatitis B virus penetrates the human body and reaches the liver through the bloodstream, where it begins to actively multiply in its cells, provoking their pathological changes. The human immune system reacts to this process - lymphocytes attack the changed cells, but at the same time they also attack the organ’s own tissues.

The main source is the blood of an infected person. It can be transmitted to a healthy person through:

• use of personal hygiene items;
• hemodialysis machines;
• poorly processed instruments in beauty salons;
• transfusion of contaminated donor blood;
• through instruments used in dentistry, in operating rooms, manipulation rooms, etc.;
• through unsterile needles.

The virus is also transmitted sexually and transplacentally - from an infected mother to a child during fetal development. It is worth noting that shaking hands, using the same utensils, and breastfeeding do not transmit the infectious agent. Other routes of transmission have not been recorded.

Risk group

Risk factors for hepatitis B infection

Now, at the state level, a list of people who are at risk of contracting this disease has been approved, so they need to be given a vaccine against hepatitis B:

• students of schools and institutes;
• drug addicts;
• patients who regularly require intravenous administration of drugs;
• people who need regular hemodialysis;
• children who go to kindergartens;
• workers of medical institutions;
• people who are promiscuous.

Forms

This dangerous disease has several forms of development:

• lightning fast. In this case, the symptoms of the pathology develop rapidly, accompanied by severe cerebral edema and a coma. The treatment is not effective. The entire pathological process takes only a few hours and ends with the death of the patient;
• acute hepatitis B. This form has several stages of development: the stage of manifestation of general symptoms, icteric and the stage of resolution or further progression of the pathology;
• chronic viral hepatitis B.

Symptoms

The incubation period of the disease is quite long - from two months to six months, but sometimes this period can be shortened to 30 days or extended to 225 days. During the progression of the incubation period, symptoms of the pathology are completely absent.

Symptoms of hepatitis B depend on which form of the disease affects the person.

Lightning form

The most dangerous type of pathology, as the clinical picture develops rapidly. A person experiences an attack, which is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• vomit;
• severe weakness;
• a person cannot get out of bed on his own;
• dizziness;
• bruises appear on a person’s skin during this period;
• swelling occurs in the legs;
• fainting;
• blackouts;
• gums bleed;
• Nosebleeds often occur.

As a rule, this period ends in a coma and death is also possible.

Anicteric period

During this period, there are no specific manifestations of pathology yet. Symptoms that are characteristic of most viral diseases come to the fore:

• headache;
• the person’s well-being gradually deteriorates;
• there is a loss of appetite;
• lethargy;
• weakness;
• muscle and joint pain;
• the appearance of respiratory manifestations (cough, runny nose) is observed.

Jaundice period

During the icteric period, the manifestation of symptoms characteristic of this disease is observed. They appear in the following sequence:

• at the beginning of the period, urine changes its color - it becomes the color of dark beer;
• further yellowing of the sclera and oral mucosa is observed;
• The palms and skin acquire a yellow tint.

As soon as jaundice appears during this period, the patient’s condition gradually stabilizes. Of the main symptoms, he may be bothered by heaviness in the right hypochondrium (at the location of the liver). There are no other symptoms. Possible lightening of the stool due to blockage of the bile ducts.

The severity of jaundice is directly related to the severity of the pathology, as well as the progression of cholestasis syndrome. Stabilization of jaundice is observed on the 10th day, after which it decreases.

In severe cases, hemorrhagic syndrome may also appear - pinpoint hemorrhages into the skin are observed. Hepatitis B is more severe in children.

Symptoms persist for a long time and there is a high risk of developing dangerous complications.

Recovery period

After jaundice, a convalescence period begins. The jaundice disappears. The patient has no complaints - his appetite is restored, weakness disappears.

If the disease is benign, then liver functionality is restored after 4 weeks.

If treatment of the pathology was not carried out in a timely manner or was incomplete, then there is a risk of the acute form of viral hepatitis turning into chronic.

Chronic form

Chronic hepatitis B is manifested by the following symptoms:

• increased fatigue;
• weakness;
• drowsiness;
• decreased appetite;
• nausea, vomiting;
• bloating;
• characteristic symptoms of chronic hepatitis B, such as darkening of urine and jaundice, appear much later than in the acute form.

Symptoms of hepatitis B

Diagnostics

As a rule, during the incubation period, almost none of the patients seek help from a doctor, since there are no symptoms of pathology. A doctor is consulted when an acute form of pathology develops, when the clinical picture is more than pronounced.

Diagnosis of hepatitis B in children and adults is carried out by an infectious disease specialist. For this purpose, the patient is interviewed, thoroughly examined, and clinical and laboratory tests are prescribed.

It is mandatory to take a blood test for:

Complications

If hepatitis B is not treated promptly, children and adults may develop the following dangerous complications:

Therapy

Treatment of a mild form of pathology can be carried out at home, but only after examination by a qualified specialist and obtaining permission from him. The treatment plan includes:

• carrying out detoxification. The patient needs to drink as much mineral water as possible to reduce the severity of symptoms and also restore water balance in the body;
• moderate physical activity;
• complete cessation of alcohol consumption;
• It is prohibited to take any medications without a doctor’s recommendation;
• dieting. Fatty, fried and smoked foods are excluded from the diet;
• Antiviral drugs are not prescribed for this form of the disease.

Treatment of acute forms of pathology:

• for the treatment of this form, antiviral drugs are already prescribed: interferons, nucleide analogues;
• maintenance therapy. The basic treatment plan is supplemented with hepatoprotectors and immunomodulators;
• detoxification. In this case, taking oral fluids is no longer enough, so doctors prescribe sterile solutions to be administered intravenously to reduce the level of toxins contained in the body;
• vitamin therapy;
• dieting.

Surgical treatment is indicated only in cases of liver cirrhosis. It is allowed to be carried out only in the inactive stage. This treatment method involves transplanting a donor liver to a sick person.

Vaccination

Recombinant hepatitis B vaccine

To prevent infection with hepatitis B virus, healthcare professionals recommend that patients receive a special vaccination in a timely manner.

Scientists have developed a vaccine that can protect the human body from infection. The vaccine is injected only into the muscle. Only in this case will the maximum level of protection be achieved.

If by mistake the vaccine was administered subcutaneously, it is not counted. A repeat injection is required.

Not all people are allowed to get vaccinated, as there are certain contraindications for administering the drug:

• pregnancy;
• lactation period;
• The vaccine should also not be given to premature babies.

Vaccination schedules:

• standard. The vaccine is first administered to the patient on a specific day. Repeated administration is carried out after a month. The last injection of the vaccine is carried out after 6 months;
• alternative. The first injection of the vaccine is given on the chosen day, the second – a month later, and the third – after 2 months.

Side effects that may occur after vaccination:

• skin hyperemia at the site of vaccine administration;
• a slight compaction may appear at the injection site (local reaction);
• urticaria may appear;
• pain in the joint area (joints located near the site of vaccine administration are more likely to hurt).

The vaccine should be administered to young children with caution. After vaccination, their condition should be closely monitored for a certain period of time. If your health worsens, you should immediately contact a medical facility.

Source: https://SimptoMer.ru/bolezni/infektsii-parazity/1257-gepatit-b-simptomy

Hepatitis B

Viral hepatitis B (serum hepatitis) is an infectious liver disease that occurs in various clinical variants (from asymptomatic carriage to destruction of the liver parenchyma). With hepatitis B, liver cell damage is autoimmune in nature. A concentration of the virus sufficient for infection is found only in the biological fluids of the patient. Therefore, hepatitis B infection can occur parenterally during blood transfusion and various traumatic procedures (dental procedures, tattoos, pedicures, piercings), as well as through sexual contact. In the diagnosis of hepatitis B, the detection of HbsAg antigen and HbcIgM antibodies in the blood plays a decisive role. Treatment of viral hepatitis B includes basic antiviral therapy, mandatory diet, detoxification and symptomatic treatment.

Viral hepatitis B (serum hepatitis) is an infectious liver disease that occurs in various clinical variants (from asymptomatic carriage to destruction of the liver parenchyma). With hepatitis B, liver cell damage is autoimmune in nature.

The hepatitis B virus is DNA-containing and belongs to the genus Orthohepadnavirus. In infected individuals, three types of viruses are found in the blood, differing in morphological characteristics.

Spherical and filamentous forms of viral particles do not have virulence; Dane particles, two-layered round full-structured viral forms, exhibit infectious properties. Their population in the blood rarely exceeds 7%.

The hepatitis B virus particle has a surface antigen, HbsAg, and three internal antigens: HBeAg, HBcAg and HbxAg.

The resistance of the virus to environmental conditions is very high. In blood and its preparations, the virus remains viable for years; it can exist for several months at room temperature on linen, medical instruments, and objects contaminated with the patient’s blood.

Inactivation of the virus is carried out by processing in autoclaves by heating to 120°C for 45 minutes, or in a dry-heat oven at 180°C for 60 minutes. The virus dies when exposed to chemical disinfectants: chloramine, formaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide.

The source and reservoir of viral hepatitis B are sick people, as well as healthy virus carriers. The blood of people infected with hepatitis B becomes infectious much earlier than the first clinical manifestations are noted. In 5-10% of cases, chronic asymptomatic carriage develops.

The main epidemiological danger is represented by blood, semen and, to some extent, saliva, since usually only in these liquids the concentration of the virus is sufficient for infection.

Transmission of infection occurs mainly parenterally: during blood transfusions, medical procedures using non-sterile instruments, during medical procedures in dentistry, as well as during traumatic processes: tattooing and piercing.

There is a possibility of infection in nail salons when performing trimmed manicures or pedicures. The contact route of transmission occurs through sexual contact and in everyday life when sharing personal hygiene items.

The virus enters the human body through microdamage to the skin and mucous membranes.

The vertical route of transmission occurs intranatally; during normal pregnancy, the placental barrier for the virus is not penetrated, but in the event of placental rupture, transmission of the virus before birth is possible. The likelihood of fetal infection increases many times when HbeAg in addition to HbsAg is detected in a pregnant woman.

People have a fairly high susceptibility to infection. With transfusion transmission, hepatitis develops in 50-90% of cases. The likelihood of developing the disease after infection directly depends on the dose of the pathogen received and the state of general immunity.

After surviving the disease, long-term, probably lifelong immunity is formed.

The vast majority of people with hepatitis B are people aged 15-30 years. Among those who died from this disease, the proportion of drug addicts is 80%.

Due to frequent direct contact with blood, medical workers (surgeons and operating nurses, laboratory assistants, dentists, employees of blood transfusion stations, etc.) are also at risk for viral hepatitis B.

The incubation period of viral hepatitis B varies quite widely; the interval from the moment of infection to the development of clinical symptoms can range from 30 to 180 days.

It is often impossible to estimate the incubation period of chronic hepatitis B.

Acute viral hepatitis B often begins similarly to viral hepatitis A, but its pre-icteric period can also occur in an arthralgic form, as well as in an asthenovegetative or dyspeptic form.

The dyspeptic variant of the course is characterized by loss of appetite (up to anorexia), incessant nausea, and episodes of causeless vomiting.

The influenza-like form of the clinical course of the pre-icteric period of hepatitis B is characterized by an increase in temperature and general intoxication symptoms, usually without catarrhal signs, but with frequent, mainly night and morning, arthralgia (while the joints are not visually changed). After moving the joint, the pain usually subsides for a while.

If arthralgia combined with urticaria-type rashes is observed during this period, the course of the disease promises to be more severe. Most often, such symptoms are accompanied by fever. In the pre-icteric phase, severe weakness, drowsiness, dizziness, bleeding gums and episodes of nosebleeds (hemorrhagic syndrome) may occur.

When jaundice appears, there is no improvement in well-being, more often the general symptoms worsen: dyspepsia, asthenia increase, skin itching appears, hemorrhages intensify (in women, hemorrhagic syndrome can contribute to the early onset and intensity of menstruation). Arthralgia and exanthema disappear during the icteric period.

If, with intense icterus of the skin, the liver remains of normal size, this is a harbinger of a more severe course of the infection.

In half or more cases, hepatomegaly is accompanied by an enlarged spleen. From the cardiovascular system: bradycardia (or tachycardia in severe hepatitis), moderate hypotension. The general condition is characterized by apathy, weakness, dizziness, and insomnia.

The icteric period can last a month or more, after which a period of convalescence begins: first, dyspeptic symptoms disappear, then there is a gradual regression of icteric symptoms and normalization of bilirubin levels.

Returning the liver to normal size often takes several months.

In case of a tendency to cholestasis, hepatitis may acquire a sluggish (torpid) character.

In this case, the intoxication is mild, the level of bilirubin and the activity of liver enzymes is persistently increased, the feces are acholic, the urine is dark, the liver is persistently enlarged, the body temperature is kept within subfebrile limits. In 5-10% of cases, viral hepatitis B occurs in a chronic form and contributes to the development of viral cirrhosis of the liver.

The most dangerous complication of viral hepatitis B, characterized by a high degree of mortality, is acute liver failure (hepatargia, hepatic coma).

In the case of massive death of hepatocytes and significant loss of liver functionality, a severe hemorrhagic syndrome develops, accompanied by a toxic effect of substances released as a result of cytolysis on the central nervous system.

Hepatic encephalopathy develops through successively the following stages.

• Precoma I : the patient’s condition sharply worsens, jaundice and dyspepsia worsen (nausea, repeated vomiting), hemorrhagic symptoms appear, patients experience a specific hepatic odor from the mouth (nauseatingly sweet). Orientation in space and time is disturbed, emotional lability is noted (apathy and lethargy are replaced by hyperexcitation, euphoria, increased anxiety). Thinking is slowed down, sleep inversion occurs (patients cannot fall asleep at night, and during the day they feel irresistible drowsiness). At this stage, disturbances in fine motor skills are noted (missing during the finger-nose test, distortion of handwriting). In the liver area, patients may notice pain, body temperature rises, and pulse is unstable.
• Precoma II (threatening coma): disturbances of consciousness progress, it is often confused, there is complete disorientation in space and time, short-term outbreaks of euphoria and aggressiveness are replaced by apathy, intoxication and hemorrhagic syndromes progress. At this stage, signs of edematous-ascitic syndrome develop, the liver becomes smaller and disappears under the ribs. Minor tremor of the limbs and tongue is noted. The stages of precoma can last from several hours to 1-2 days. In the future, neurological symptoms worsen (pathological reflexes, meningeal symptoms, breathing disorders of the Kussmuhl, Cheyne-Stokes type may be noted) and the actual hepatic coma develops.
• The terminal stage is coma , characterized by depression of consciousness (stupor, stupor) and subsequently its complete loss. Initially, reflexes (corneal, swallowing) are preserved, patients can react to intense irritating actions (painful palpation, loud sound), later the reflexes are suppressed, the reaction to stimuli is lost (deep coma). The death of patients occurs as a result of the development of acute cardiovascular failure.

In severe cases of viral hepatitis B (fulminant coma), especially when combined with hepatitis D and hepatitis C, hepatic coma often develops early and ends in death in 90% of cases.

Acute hepatic encephalopathy, in turn, promotes secondary infection with the development of sepsis, and also threatens the development of renal syndrome. Intense hemorrhagic syndrome can cause significant blood loss due to internal bleeding.

Chronic viral hepatitis B develops into cirrhosis of the liver.

Diagnosis is carried out by identifying specific virus antigens in the blood serum of patients, as well as immunoglobulins to them.

Serological diagnosis is made using ELISA and RIA.

To determine the functional state of the liver in the dynamics of the disease, regular laboratory tests are performed: biochemical blood and urine tests, coagulogram, ultrasound of the liver. The prothrombin index plays a significant role, a drop of which to 40% or below indicates the patient’s critical condition. For certain indications, a liver biopsy may be performed.

Complex therapy for viral hepatitis B includes dietary nutrition (liver-friendly diet No. 5 is prescribed, with variations depending on the phase of the disease and severity), basic antiviral therapy, as well as pathogenetic and symptomatic agents.

The acute phase of the disease is an indication for inpatient treatment. Bed rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and strictly abstaining from alcohol are recommended. Basic therapy involves the administration of interferons (alpha-interferon is the most effective) in combination with ribavirin.

The course of treatment and dosage are calculated individually.

As an auxiliary therapy, detoxification solutions are used (in severe cases, infusions of crystalloid solutions, dextran are carried out, corticosteroids are prescribed according to indications), means for normalizing the water-salt balance, potassium preparations, lactulose. To relieve spasms of the biliary system and the vascular network of the liver - drotaverine, aminophylline. With the development of cholestasis, UDCA drugs are indicated. In case of severe complications (hepatic encephalopathy) – intensive therapy.

Acute viral hepatitis B rarely leads to death (only in cases of severe fulminant course), the prognosis is significantly worse with concomitant chronic liver pathologies, with combined damage by hepatitis C and D viruses. Death of those infected with hepatitis B often occurs several decades later as a result of a chronic course and the development of cirrhosis and liver cancer.

General prevention of viral hepatitis B involves a set of sanitary and epidemiological measures aimed at reducing the risk of infection during blood transfusion, monitoring the sterility of medical instruments, introducing disposable needles, catheters, etc. into mass practice.

Individual prevention measures include the use of certain personal hygiene items (razors, toothbrushes), prevention of skin injuries, safe sex, and abstinence from drugs. Vaccination is indicated for persons in an occupational risk group.

Immunity after vaccination against hepatitis B lasts about 15 years.

Source: https://www.KrasotaiMedicina.ru/diseases/infectious/hepatitis-B