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Hepatitis B
Urgent
Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by hepatitis B virus. It can be short-term or become chronic and cause ongoing liver inflammation. Some people have few or no symptoms, while others develop fatigue, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, jaundice, or loss of appetite. Chronic hepatitis B can cause liver scarring, cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.
Body System
Digestive System
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek prompt medical assessment for worsening jaundice, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, unusual bleeding or bruising, abdominal swelling, confusion, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Emergency care is needed for vomiting blood, black stools, severe confusion, loss of consciousness, or signs of acute liver failure.
Symptoms
3
Causes
0
Treatments
7
Diet
3
Overview
Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by hepatitis B virus. It can be short-term or become chronic and cause ongoing liver inflammation. Some people have few or no symptoms, while others develop fatigue, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, jaundice, or loss of appetite. Chronic hepatitis B can cause liver scarring, cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.
Symptoms 3
Blood In Stool
Fatigue
Fever
Causes
Hepatitis B is caused by infection with hepatitis B virus. The virus is transmitted through infected blood and certain body fluids, including through sexual contact, sharing contaminated needles or other injection equipment, and from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. Infection can also occur through exposure to contaminated medical or personal equipment when appropriate infection-control measures are not followed.
Risk Factors
Risk factors include being born to a person with hepatitis B, unprotected sex with an infected person, sharing needles or injection equipment, occupational exposure to infected blood, and living in or frequently traveling to areas where hepatitis B is common. People receiving certain types of medical treatment or dialysis may also have increased exposure risk. Household exposure to infected blood or contaminated personal items can also transmit the virus.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Hepatitis B is diagnosed with blood tests that detect hepatitis B surface antigen, antibodies, and other markers of infection. Additional blood tests can assess liver inflammation and function. Testing can help determine whether an infection is acute, chronic, or resolved and whether a person has immunity. Imaging or other liver assessments may be recommended when chronic infection has caused or may have caused liver damage.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Hepatitis B can be prevented effectively through vaccination
Avoiding contact with infected blood and body fluids, not sharing needles or injection equipment, practicing safer sex, and using sterile medical and tattoo equipment reduce transmission risk
Pregnant people should be tested so that appropriate measures can be taken to protect newborns when the mother has hepatitis B
People with known infection should receive appropriate medical monitoring
Prevention Guidance
Hepatitis B can be prevented effectively through vaccination. Avoiding contact with infected blood and body fluids, not sharing needles or injection equipment, practicing safer sex, and using sterile medical and tattoo equipment reduce transmission risk. Pregnant people should be tested so that appropriate measures can be taken to protect newborns when the mother has hepatitis B. People with known infection should receive appropriate medical monitoring.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 7
Medical management of hepatitis B.
Ayurvedic liver support.
Homeopathic supportive care.
Supportive acupressure therapy.
Yoga for liver wellness.
Natural liver support.
Traditional supportive care.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Fresh fruits
Provide antioxidants and vitamins
Vegetables
Support liver function
Lean proteins
Help maintain body strength
Foods to Avoid
Alcohol
Can worsen liver damage
Highly processed foods
May burden the liver
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and may become chronic.
It spreads through infected blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child during birth.
Fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea, and dark urine may occur.
Acute infections may resolve naturally, while chronic cases require long-term monitoring and treatment.
Yes, vaccination is highly effective in preventing Hepatitis B infection.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.