Hepatitis B
- Home
- Pediatric Liver Disease
- Hepatitis B
Overview
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is present in blood and bodily fluids and can infect the liver. When the body’s immune system responds to HBV, it can cause damage to liver cells, leading to liver disease.
Acute Hepatitis B
Acute hepatitis B mostly affects adults and is less common in children. Some people may have no symptoms, while others become very ill.
Symptoms may include:
- Fatigue and tiredness
- General aches and pains
- Fever
- Feeling generally unwell
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
- Dark urine and pale or gray stools
The most common cause, as it significantly reduces the liver’s ability to function.
Sudden loss of liver function due to factors like viral hepatitis, drug overdose, or toxins.
High blood pressure in the liver can lead to the diversion of blood around the liver, allowing toxins to bypass detoxification.
Bleeding in the intestines can increase the amount of toxins that the liver must process.
Infections, especially bacterial infections in people with liver disease, can trigger or worsen HE.
Imbalances in sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes may also contribute to HE development.
Chronic Hepatitis B
Chronic hepatitis B occurs when the virus remains in the body for more than six months. It is more common in children but can affect adults as well. Infection acquired at a younger age is more likely to become chronic.
Symptoms:
Most children with chronic hepatitis B have no symptoms. Some may experience symptoms during flare-ups of the infection.
How Can Your Child Get Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B spreads when blood or bodily fluids from an infected person enter another person’s body. It can be transmitted even if the infected person shows no symptoms.
Hepatitis B cannot be spread through casual contact such as sharing utensils, cups, hand-holding, or cuddling.
Mother-to-Child Transmission
Mother-to-child transmission during birth is the most common way children contract hepatitis B. Pregnant women in the US are routinely tested for hepatitis B. If a mother tests positive, she may receive antiviral medication during pregnancy to reduce transmission risk. Newborns of infected mothers are considered high-risk and should receive an accelerated hepatitis B vaccination schedule soon after birth.
Person-to-Person Transmission
Hepatitis B can be transmitted through:
- Contact with open wounds or bites
- Sharing personal items like toothbrushes or razors
- Sharing needles or drug-use equipment
- Sexual contact
- Receiving contaminated blood or blood products during medical procedures
Treatment
Treatment aims to control the hepatitis B virus by reducing viral load in the blood and boosting the immune system’s response. This helps prevent liver damage and lowers the risk of spreading the infection.
Who Should Be Notified About Your Child’s Hepatitis B Infection?
Notify any healthcare professionals involved in your child’s care, including dentists. Notifying family, friends, or peers is a personal choice.
Why Choose Liver Transplantation Portal?
Liver Transplantation Portal is here to support you and your family through hepatitis B management and provide access to top specialists for care and treatment.