Como es la hepatitis b?

You may have heard about Hepatitis B, but what is it really? Is it a new dance move that you’re missing out on? A type of food from Brazil maybe? Or is it some sort of computer virus like the ‘Love Bug’ that terrorized computers in 2000? If you answered yes to any of those questions, then congratulations! You are utterly and completely wrong.
In reality, Hepatitis B is yet another pesky member of the viral family messing with human health.

What exactly is Hepatitis B?

It’s a highly infectious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) which damages liver cells and causes inflammation. Here’s how it happens: once HBV enters your bloodstream through bodily fluids like blood or saliva for example, it makes its way to your liver where it gets busy infecting hepatocytes -a type of cell found in our livers- causing them great harm.

How does one get infected with Hepatitis B?

Well…ummm….so better brace yourselves cuz this next part’s kinda scary! You can catch HBV if you do things that involve direct contact with someone else’s blood or other bodily secretions(here secretions means body fluids). Shocked?! Yes peeps we’re talking sexual intercourse(although not as common thanks to more awareness), intravenous drug use(sharing needles ahem!), unsterilized medical equipment(syringes etc.) as well as being born from an infected mother(also known as “perinatal transmission”). When there are no risk factors present whatsoever…we call such cases “cryptogenic”(sounds cool doesn’t when actually meaning unknown).

So who is most at risk for contracting this ailment?

Some populations have higher rates than others based on their risky behaviors- including people who inject drugs,recent immigrants or adoptees from countries where hepatitis B is common, men who have sex with men and healthcare workers are usually more vulnerable too.

What about the Mode of Transmission? Is Hepatitis B contagious?

The answer to this one unfortunately is a big O’L ÉLANO. Yes people, HBV IS very much contagious! Sharing needles and having unprotected sex with an infected person might easily lead to catching this virus as it can spread through any bodily fluids even tears or open wounds. It would definitely not be wise for you to share your toothbrushes/razors/belters etc.

Signs/Symptoms

Okay we’ve been all over the “how” now let’s talk about what actually happens when someone gets infected by hep b(you know..the juicy bit).This virus does its business in your liver- Where enzymes released first during infection cause inflammation that then leads to damage which eventually turns into scarring (cirrhosis), possibly cancerous tumors -all great perks for anyone!. Anyways…Let’s get straight down to business regarding the symptoms…

Some Symptoms may include following:

1 nausea/vomiting
2 body ache & joint pain
3 loss of appetite
4 yellow-colored skin and dark-colored urine(if severe)
5 stomach pain/tenderness

Diagnosis

Detecting hep b isn’t rocket science….unlike some portrayal shown out there (looking at you sci-fi flicks!). A simple blood test can identify it early on.Different tests screen variability In antibodies like IgM core antigen..using ELISA or radio immunosorbent assays(RIA).

Treatment/Possible cures?

Since our body fights infections brought on through pathogens(bacterias,fungi,viruses) by using its immune system rather than antibiotics/mutant X-genes(claws unsheathed!)etc…. And so far no medicine has succeeded in ridding us v humans completely from HBV yet. However for people with acute hep b infections(usually going away on its own unless there are underlying chronic conditions),providing plenty of rest, fluids and any necessary anti-vomiting/anxiety meds can be a help BUT if one has developed chronic Hep B, then it’s important to get treatment which usually involves antiviral medication(Hepatitis B Immune Globulin) that can limit the progression of tissue damage.

Can vaccines protect us against Hepatitis B?

YES! Vaccination is prevention against HBV. There was once a time where this was not common knowledge -in fact at present many places still lack provisions for safe vaccinations- but now more than ever before measures have been taken to spread awareness about available vaccines that serve as an effective mode of protection even in infants(from mother’s milk!).

Let’s discuss Stages

You wouldn’t believe how useful breaking down stages/status into their varied strategies(Sorry comp-sci folks!) would actually be in dealing with hep b.
The phases experienced during this ailment involve:

Acute:

short lived relatively speaking last somewhere between four and six months(combined with healthy eating). Symptoms commonly seen here include fatigue feeling ill abdominal discomfort mild liver enlargement yellowish eyes/skin

Convalescent phase:

recovery period after coming out from under symptoms associated alongside healing response weakens infection cells gradually optimizing immune responses

Chronic:

Infections spreading beyond six-month mark; thought as long-term chronic hepatitis hepatocytes die off supplanted by fibroblasts scarring occurs upon liverworsening not too seldom free-radical damages may turn carcinogenic tumors so it’s really important to seek medical care essentially therapy now required either Oral anti-virals or injectables(coupled w/vaccines)

Cirrhosis phase & risk tissues becoming fully compromised instances requiring physicians including bleeding esophageal varices ascites encephalopathy.

Did we mention Prevention?

As far as infection goes, prevention really is KEY here! And how can one do this you ask? Vaccinations are a must for every age group infact adding to the list of those recommended….anyone from birth to 60 years AND beyond(might as well stay ahead in the game yeah!). When in any life style that may involve risk factors mentioned earlier like drug usage or unprotected sex etc.(you know which ones) — using latex barriers(contraceptives,yes!), avoiding shared injection equipment even dental only much diluted hydrogen Peroxide(clean tools). Sterilization through proper hygiene is key when it comes to instruments.

Ok kiddos so there you go…now if ever someone asks you about hepatitis b; instead of being confused and running away at lightning speeds, just throw your head back laugh loudly(because articles always recommend different emotions!) then take a breath and enlighten them yourself!!

Random Posts