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Health Conditions
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Hepatitis B
What is it?
Hepatitis B is a specific type of hepatitis caused by the virus that has been designated as hepatitis B virus (abbreviated as HBV), which causes inflammation and damage to the liver. As the virus infects more liver cells, inflammation and destruction of liver cells can interfere with the functions of the liver.
| Normal Liver Functions That May Be Affected by Liver Damage |
| Breakdown of harmful substances to keep them from building up in the bloodstream |
| Production of bile to help digest food |
| Production of cholesterol and protein |
| Regulation of blood clotting |
| Storage and release of energy in the form of sugar |
Most individuals are able to fight off (or clear) infection with HBV and they recover in two to four months. Ordinarily individuals only get hepatitis B once and after the HBV infection has been cleared, the individual has lifelong immunity. Up to 10% of adults, 50% of children under the age of five, and 90% of infants who contract hepatitis B will not be able to eliminate the virus in six months. These individuals are considered to be chronic carriers of HBV.
It is estimated that chronic hepatitis B affects 1.25 million people in the United States and leads to 5,000 U.S. deaths per year. There are an estimated 350 million people infected with hepatitis B globally. Approximately 70% of all new cases occur among people between the ages of 15 to 39 years. Chronic hepatitis puts individuals at a greater risk of developing cirrhosis or liver cancer. Cirrhosis is a condition that gradually replaces active liver cells with inactive scar tissue. Slowly, liver function is lost and liver failure may result. However, individuals who are chronic carriers of HBV but who have no symptoms are much less likely to develop cirrhosis than individuals who have chronic symptoms of hepatitis B.
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Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.
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What is it?
