Symptoms & Causes of Hepatitis B

There are several different diseases that can be transmitted from one person to another through the exchange of bodily fluids. Most of these diseases carry, not only inconvenient symptoms, but also the potential to turn into something very serious if left untreated. Hepatitis is one of these diseases. In most cases it is nothing serious, but sometimes it persists and can turn life threatening.

Causes

The Hepatitis B virus is transmitted from an infected person to an uninfected person through the exchange of bodily fluids. A person may get Hepatitis B if she has unprotected sex with an infected person. Sharing needles with an infected person for the purpose of using intravenous drugs is another way the disease may be spread. Personal items that are exposed to bodily fluids, such as a toothbrush, may also cause infection if shared with an infected person. A mother may transmit the disease to her child during childbirth. Exposure to open wounds on an infected person may spread the disease. Finally, unsanitary tattoo or piercing equipment can spread Hepatitis B as well.

Effects

Some people, usually young children under the age of 5, do not show signs of having Hepatitis B. The majority, however, do display symptoms of the disease. The symptoms of Hepatitis B, in many ways, are similar to those of the flu. An infected person may suffer from a fever, fatigue, headache and loss of appetite. Nausea and vomiting, along with abdominal pain may also be experienced. A person suffering from Hepatitis B may also experience dark urine and diarrhea or constipation. Muscle aches, a rash and joint pain are also possible. Finally, jaundice, which shows up as a yellowing of the skin and whites of eyes, is also a symptom of the disease.

Time Frame

A person who is exposed to Hepatitis B may experience symptoms as soon as three months after exposure or it may take as long as six months for symptoms to show up. Once symptoms start to appear, they may last anywhere from weeks to six months. In the time line of symptoms, jaundice usually shows up around the time that the other symptoms begin to clear up. While most adults who become infected with the disease do not require treatment as the disease usually clears up on its own, some, usually with suppressed immune systems for one reason or another, experience a reactivation of the disease.

Potential

If chronic Hepatitis B or a Hepatitis B infection that doesn't clear up on its own is left untreated then more long-term health issues can develop. Damage to the liver, failure of the liver, liver cancer, even death can occur if chronic Hepatitis B is left untreated. It is approximated that between 2,000 and 4,000 people lose their lives to liver disease stemming from a Hepatitis B infection.

Prevention/Solution

To avoid having to suffer through the symptoms of Hepatitis B, one should always practice safe sex. Making sure that any piercing or tattoo needles are brand new and stored in sterile packaging can also help prevent a Hepatitis B infection. Needles should never be shared, and health care professionals should be cautious when working around needles, especially if they know a patient is infected. Personal items that are exposed to bodily fluids should not be shared. Latex gloves should always be warn when dressing an open wound.