Sharing a toothbrush can spread Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a life-threatening viral infection that infects the liver causing acute and chronic liver diseases. It is caused by Hepatitis B virus, a double-stranded DNA virus which replicates by reverse transcriptase. Hepatitis B is the most prevalent among all other types of Hepatitis. Causes: Hepatitis B is caused by the Hepatitis B virus which can spread through contact of blood and bodily fluids of an infected person. •Sharing of personal items such as razors, toothbrush and medical needles from an infected personrn•Piercing or tattooing from infected needlesrn•Having sex with an infected person Symptoms Hepatitis B doesn’t show any prominent symptoms, rather than commonly seen ones such as: •Fever and headachern•Tired feelingrn•Unwillingness to eatrn•Dark stools and urinern•Stomach painrn•Ultimately jaundice when all other symptoms fade away. Diagnosis Since Hepatitis B is an infectious disease, the first doctor a patient will consult is the General Physician. But it is important to know that a hepatologist specialist will help to diagnose the severity and treat your Hepatitis. For Hepatitis B, it is confusing because it is an infectious disease affecting liver which is a part of the gastro-intestinal tract. A gastroenterologist or a GI doctor, is a specialist in GI functions and disorders of GI tract which includes the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, intestines, and the liver. A GI doctor fits wells as it covers a broad spectrum of functions and diseases. The key is to find a GI doctor who has an experience of treating patients with liver diseases specifically HBV. That’s why a hepatologist who specializes in treating particular diseases related to the liver is preferred. Hepatology is sub-specialty of gastroenterology, making it an obvious choice for the HBV treatment. Since HBV is an infectious disease, an infectious disease specialist is a choice of doctor. What’s this supposed to mean? But specifically for Hepatitis B, a hepatologist or a GI doctor is recommended as HBV is an infection affecting the liver. Also if the patient is a child, it is necessary to see a pediatric liver specialist. A patient’s age is crucial while selecting a specialist doctor. Testing A simple blood test is carried out on the patient if Hepatitis B is suspected. The blood test will determine if you had it or have it now. Also if you had a vaccine for HBV, a doctor can tell. If liver damage is because of HBV, a liver biopsy is carried out by taking a small sample of the liver. Treatment With few simple preventive measures such as proper diet, fluid intake and plenty of rest; acute HBV will subside and fade away on its own. While on the other hand, chronic Hepatitis B patients need treatment for the rest of their lives. Anti-viral medications will help fight the infection and slow down the damage to the liver. Interferon injections are a synthetic version of substance which is produced by our own body as a defense mechanism. rnLastly, a liver transplant is carried out for the people with extreme liver damage. The liver transplant is suggested when the patient’s liver is inoperative and a deceased healthy liver or a donor is looked for. Preventive measures • Practice safe sex. Always have protection. However, it is important to know that having a condom reduces the risk but doesn’t eliminate it. • Never share personal items such as razors, toothbrush, etc. with anyone. It may carry the infected virus. • If you are frequent with needles such as if you are diabetic or visit blood transfusion centres, always ask for new and packaged needle.rnManagementrn• Take care of yourself. Indulge in proper diet and nutritious food. Exercise and take care of your mental health too. • Talk and meet friends and family. HBV doesn’t transmit through casual contact. They can be an excellent support system for you. • Learn more about the disease and aftercare tips such as alcohol consumption, food intake, etc. To know more about your specific condition, please visit an Hepatologist in a trusted hospital close to you.