Hepatitis B and its Complications If Left Untreated

Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is a global health concern, affecting millions of people each year. Hepatitis B can cause inflammation & chronic infection of the liver leading to high risk of death from cirrhosis and liver cancer. It causes one of the most serious liver diseases.

Hepatitis B virus is one among the five viruses leading to a medical condition called Viral Hepatitis (others are A, C, D, and E). Falling in the intermediate endemicity zone, India has around 40 million people suffering from this deadly infection (as per latest estimates). Hepatitis B can cause both acute as well as chronic disease. While the acute hepatitis B infection lasts up to 6 months with or without symptoms, chronic hepatitis B follows if the infected person tests positively even after six months.

Moreover, the risk of developing chronic hepatitis B is directly linked to the age of the patient. Being a highly contagious disease, it spreads from one person to another, be it through infected blood or other bodily fluids. It can also be sexually transmitted from an infected person to the partner. However, it doesn’t spread via sneezing, coughing, sharing utensils or hugging an infected person.

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that targets the liver, causing inflammation and potential damage. It can occur in acute or chronic forms:

Acute Hepatitis B

A short-term infection that can resolve without medical intervention in most cases.

Chronic Hepatitis B

A long-lasting infection that persists for more than six months, often requiring medical management.

Common Symptoms of Hepatitis B

The common symptoms of acute hepatitis B include:

• Fatigue
• Dark urine
• Loss of appetite
• Mild to high fever
• Abdominal pain
• Weakness
• Yellowing of the eyes and the skin
• Joint pain
• Nausea & Vomiting

In case you have any of the aforementioned symptoms and you don’t want to take the risk associated with them, it’s imperative to contact a hepatitis b doctor as early as possible and get your doubts cleared. Unfortunately, chronic hepatitis B is often asymptomatic till the late stages. Symptoms develop once the patient has extensive liver damage (advanced cirrhosis). The only way to diagnose it early is by screening patients with risk factors at the asymptomatic stage.

Risk Factors of Hepatitis B

There are several risk factors associated with hepatitis B infection since it’s a highly contagious disease. Following persons are considered at high risk for hepatitis B:

• Unprotected intercourse with the person who is suffering from hepatitis B infection
• Those with family history of hepatitis B
• History of blood transfusions before 1990’s

Additionally, there are several groups of people who are at a greater risk of catching the infection. These include:

• Healthcare personnel
• Sex workers
• Homosexual men
• Drug addicts

Complications of Untreated Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B brings with it numerous health complications which may prove to be deadly if not treated in time. Some of these health complications are:

Liver Cirrhosis

If you are suffering from hepatitis B, inflammation of the liver happens. If the inflammation prolongs, scarring of the liver follows. This leads to a condition called liver cirrhosis which severely impairs the functioning of the liver.

Read more about Liver Cirrhosis Treatment | Is Liver Cirrhosis Curable?

Liver Cancer

If you are suffering from liver cirrhosis, you may also suffer from liver cancer. Cirrhosis is actually the pre-cancerous stage.

Liver Failure

Untreated HBV can lead to liver failure, where the liver loses its ability to function effectively. Symptoms include confusion, swelling, and severe jaundice, requiring immediate medical attention.

Kidney and Vascular Issues

In some cases, chronic HBV infection affects the kidneys and vascular system, leading to complications like glomerulonephritis or vasculitis.

Hepatitis D Co-Infection

People with Hepatitis B may develop a co-infection with Hepatitis D, which can accelerate liver damage.

Infectivity Risks

Without treatment, carriers of HBV can unknowingly transmit the virus to others through blood, unprotected sexual contact, or from mother to child during childbirth.

When to Seek Medical Help

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent these complications. Contact to Liver Specialists if you experience:

• Persistent fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Symptoms of jaundice
• Abdominal pain in the upper right side

Prevention and Treatment

• Vaccination: The Hepatitis B vaccine provides up to 95% protection.
• Antiviral Medications: These help suppress the virus and reduce liver damage.
• Liver Monitoring: Regular check-ups ensure early detection of complications.