What Is Hepatitis B? Hepatitis B is a virus that affects the liver. It can cause short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) liver problems. Hepatitis B is caused by a virus called HBV. The virus spreads through blood and body fluids. You can get it by sharing needles or through close contact with someone who is infected. Sometimes, a person does not show any signs when first infected.

In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 2 individuals with hepatitis B do not know they are infected. However, the virus may still harm the liver. Finding symptoms early can lead to better care and stop more damage.

Early Signs of Hepatitis B

At first, many patients do not notice any symptoms. When symptoms do start, they can feel like a mild cold or flu. Early symptoms may include:

Fever and Tiredness: A small fever and feeling very tired can happen. Your body is fighting the virus.
Loss of Appetite: You might not feel like eating. This can make you feel weak.
Nausea and Vomiting: Some people feel sick to their stomach. Vomiting can follow.
Muscle or Joint Pain: You might feel aches in your muscles or joints. This pain can be similar to what you feel with other common illnesses.

These early signs usually come a few weeks after you are exposed to the virus. Because they are mild, many people do not realize that they have hepatitis B.

More Noticeable Symptoms

As the infection gets worse, symptoms can become more clear. In the acute stage of hepatitis B, you might notice the following:

Jaundice: Your skin and the white part of your eyes may turn yellow. This happens when your liver cannot process a substance called bilirubin.
Dark Urine: Your urine might look darker than normal. This is another sign that your liver is not working well.
Light-Colored Stools: Your stools might become pale or clay-colored. This is caused by a lack of bile, a fluid made by the liver.
Abdominal Pain: You may feel pain in your upper right side, where the liver is located. The pain might be mild or more serious.
General Weakness: Feeling weak and not well is a common sign. This can affect your daily activities.

These signs mean that the liver is being affected by the virus. If you have these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor.

Symptoms of Chronic Hepatitis B

Sometimes, hepatitis B stays in the body for more than six months. This is called chronic hepatitis B. Many people with chronic hepatitis B do not have any symptoms for a long time. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

Ongoing Tiredness: Feeling very tired all the time can be a sign. This tiredness does not go away with rest.
Constant Abdominal Pain: The pain in the liver area may continue for a long time.
Swelling: You might notice swelling in your belly or legs. This happens when your body holds on to extra fluid.
Itchy Skin: Your skin might feel very itchy for no clear reason.
Unplanned Weight Loss: You may lose weight without trying. This can happen because your body is not getting enough nutrients.
Confusion: In serious cases, you may feel confused. This means the toxins in your body are affecting your brain.

These chronic symptoms show that the virus is harming the liver over time. They also increase the likelihood of serious problems like liver damage or liver cancer.

Warning Signs That Need Quick Care

Some symptoms are serious and need fast attention. Watch for these warning signs:

Worsening Jaundice: If the yellow color of your skin and eyes gets worse, it can mean the liver is in serious trouble.
Severe Abdominal Pain: If the pain in your upper right side becomes very strong, it is important to get help.
Sudden Confusion: If you or someone you know suddenly becomes confused, it may be a sign of severe liver problems.
Easy Bruising or Bleeding: If you bruise easily or bleed more than usual, it can mean your liver is not making enough clotting factors.

If you notice any of these signs, you should see a doctor right away.

How Is Hepatitis B Diagnosed?

If a doctor thinks you may have hepatitis B, they will order blood tests. These tests can show if you have the virus and how well your liver is working. Early diagnosis helps in managing the infection and preventing more liver damage.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on whether the infection is acute or chronic. For many individuals with acute hepatitis B, the body can fight off the virus without strong medicines. It is important to rest and avoid things that can hurt the liver, such as alcohol and certain drugs.

If you have chronic hepatitis B, you might need medicines to lower the amount of virus in your body. These medicines help protect the liver from further damage. Regular check-ups and blood tests help your doctor see how well the treatment is working.

Preventing Hepatitis B

In general, the best way to prevent hepatitis B is by getting vaccinated. The vaccine is safe and effective. It is given in a series of shots over several months. Vaccination is recommended for everyone, especially those at higher risk of exposure.

Other steps to prevent the virus include:

Do not share needles or sharp objects.
Use condoms during sex.
Do not share personal items like razors or toothbrushes that might have blood on them.

These actions help reduce the chance of spreading or catching the virus.

Living With Hepatitis B

If you have hepatitis B, you can take steps to protect your liver. Follow your doctor’s advice on diet, exercise, and medication. Avoid alcohol and drugs that can harm the liver. A healthy lifestyle supports liver health and overall well-being.

It is important to have regular check-ups. These appointments help your doctor monitor your liver and adjust treatment if needed.

Takeaway

Hepatitis B can start with mild symptoms like fever and tiredness. Later, you might notice jaundice, dark urine, and abdominal pain. Chronic hepatitis B may lead to ongoing tiredness, swelling, and other health issues. Early diagnosis with blood tests is important for proper care.

Preventing hepatitis B is possible with vaccination and safe practices. If you notice any symptoms or think you might have been exposed to the virus, see a doctor as soon as possible. Taking care of your liver is important for a healthy life.