Introduction
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver, causing both short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) liver disease. A major challenge with Hepatitis B is that many infected individuals may not experience noticeable symptoms for years.
Without appropriate monitoring and treatment when required, chronic Hepatitis B can increase the risk of liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. If you are searching for Hepatitis B treatment in Odisha, consulting a specialist like Dr. Shakti Prasad Choudhury can help you understand your test results and receive appropriate medical guidance.
What Is Hepatitis B & How Does It Spread?
Hepatitis B is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). It spreads through contact with infected blood and certain body fluids, such as:
- Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person.
- Sharing contaminated needles or syringes.
- Transmission from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth.
- Use of inadequately sterilised equipment or sharing personal razor items.
Note: Hepatitis B does not spread through ordinary daily contact like sharing food, hugging, handshakes, coughing or sneezing.
Common Symptoms
Many individuals remain symptom-free early on. When symptoms occur, they may include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark-coloured urine, yellowing of eyes/skin (jaundice), and joint pain.
How Is Hepatitis B Diagnosed?
- HBsAg Test: Identifies current HBV infection.
- Anti-HBc & Anti-HBs Tests: Establish previous exposure and immunity levels.
- HBV DNA Test: Measures viral load and replication activity.
- Liver Function Test & FibroScan: Evaluates enzyme status and liver tissue stiffness.
Treatment Options and Management
Acute cases generally focus on monitoring, hydration, and rest. Chronic Hepatitis B may require long-term antiviral therapy (such as tenofovir or entecavir) to suppress viral replication and prevent complications. Regular monitoring by a gastroenterologist is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is Hepatitis B completely curable?
Acute cases often recover naturally, while chronic cases are effectively controlled with antiviral treatment.
Q2. Where can I get Hepatitis B treatment in Odisha?
You can consult Dr. Shakti Prasad Choudhury for professional testing, evaluation, and long-term monitoring.