Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B virus is the primary cause of liver disease in Asians. In the United States, chronic hepatitis B is the leading cause of liver cancer, and is the second-leading cause for liver transplantation.  While there is no cure for hepatitis B, there is a vaccine that prevents infection.  Unfortunately, many susceptible people are not receiving vaccination to prevent this serious disease.

The Silent Killer -- A significant portion of patients who are chronically infected with hepatitis B are unaware of their illness which will progress and cause major health problems such as liver failure and liver cancer.

Symptoms -- Many patients with chronic hepatitis B do not have symptoms and feel healthy. When symptoms do appear, it is often in the late stage of liver disease when treatment may be less effective.

Early diagnosis -- If untreated, it is estimated that hepatitis B will lead to cirrhoses or liver cancer in as many as 1 in 4 individuals.

Screening for hepatitis B -- Screening is done by performing a simple and inexpensive blood test, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBgAg).

What is hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B (HBV) is a blood-borne microorganism transmitted by exposure to the hepatitis B virus through infectious body fluids or blood.

Hepatitis B is one of the most frequently reported, vaccine-preventable diseases in the United States. It is estimated that 3,000 to 5,000 deaths will occur each year from a chronic HBV infection, and an estimated 800,000 to 1.4 million people have chronic hepatitis B.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B has a wide range of symptoms. It may be mild, without symptoms, or it may cause chronic hepatitis. In some cases, hepatitis B can lead to full-blown liver failure and death. The following are the most common symptoms of hepatitis B. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea

• Fatigue (feeling very tired)

• Vomiting

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

• Dark urine

• Clay colored or light colored stools

• Abdominal (belly) pain

• Occasionally, skin rashes, arthralgias (joint pain), and arthritis occur

• Enlarged liver

The symptoms of hepatitis B may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Most children, 4 years or younger, and newly infected immunosuppressed adults are asymptomatic, whereas 30 to 50 percent of people, 5 years and older, have initial signs and symptoms. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.