Hepatitis B Diagnosed and Treated by Top Doctors at Mercy in Baltimore

Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the liver causing the liver to become inflamed. Most people get hepatitis B for a short period of time, which is called acute hepatitis B. Sometimes the virus causes a long-term infection called chronic hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B is spread through contact with the blood and bodily fluids of an infected person. A hepatitis B vaccine, given in a series of three shots, prevents hepatitis B infection. 

In some cases of hepatitis B, symptoms do not appear. Sometimes people with chronic hepatitis B are not aware they have the hepatitis B virus until they are diagnosed with a severe liver disease, such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.

In other cases, symptoms of hepatitis B appear a few months after becoming infected. Symptoms of both acute hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis B include:

• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Stomach pain
• Sore muscles
• Jaundice
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Fatigue

To detect hepatitis B, a simple blood test is performed.

Most cases of hepatitis B dissipate without any intervention. Treatment for hepatitis B depends on whether the infection is causing liver damage. Currently, there are effective medications for hepatitis B. Most people with chronic hepatitis B live active, normal lives by taking good care of themselves and getting regular checkups including liver cancer surveillance. Sometimes chronic hepatitis B can lead to severe liver damage. In some cases, a liver transplant may be required.