What symptoms do hepatitis B virus carriers experience when they fall ill?

Dec 26, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Gao Jun

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, "hepatitis B virus" refers to the hepatitis B virus (HBV). When carriers of the hepatitis B virus develop symptoms, they may experience loss of appetite, fatigue, yellow urine, liver area pain, jaundice, and other symptoms. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. After confirming the cause, patients may follow their doctor's instructions to use medications such as entecavir dispersible tablets, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets, lamivudine tablets, and others for treatment.

Generally speaking, the term "hepatitis B virus" refers to the hepatitis B virus (HBV). When carriers of the hepatitis B virus develop symptoms, they may experience poor appetite, fatigue, yellow urine, pain in the liver area, jaundice, and other related symptoms. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and undergo symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. The specific symptoms are analyzed as follows:

1. Poor Appetite

Impaired liver function in carriers of the hepatitis B virus leads to insufficient bile secretion, which affects the digestive system's ability to break down and digest food, thus causing a loss of appetite.

2. Fatigue

Carriers of the hepatitis B virus experience impaired liver metabolism, which affects the gastrointestinal tract's ability to absorb nutrients from food. This results in insufficient energy in the body, leading to symptoms such as general weakness and easy fatigue.

3. Yellow Urine

Carriers of the hepatitis B virus have impaired liver function, which weakens the body's ability to break down bilirubin. Accumulation of bilirubin in the body causes urine to turn yellow when excreted through urination.

4. Pain in the Liver Area

Hepatitis B virus can cause liver inflammation or liver enlargement, which stimulates nerves on the liver capsule, resulting in a sensation of pain.

5. Jaundice

The hepatitis B virus affects the metabolism of bilirubin, leading to an increase in unconjugated bilirubin in the blood. This bilirubin deposits in the skin and sclera, causing the patient's skin and whites of the eyes to appear yellow.

Patients can follow medical advice to use medications such as entecavir dispersible tablets, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets, lamivudine tablets, and other prescribed treatments. During the treatment period, maintaining a positive and optimistic mindset while avoiding excessive anxiety and depression is beneficial for recovery.

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What does it mean to be a hepatitis B virus carrier?

HBV carriers refer to individuals who have the hepatitis B virus present in their bodies but currently do not exhibit related symptoms. The virus typically exists during infancy or periods of weakened immunity and can persist long-term. However, when liver function tests are performed, the results usually appear normal, and there is generally little impact on health. Therefore, observation is recommended initially without special treatment, and medical treatment should be guided by a doctor if symptoms arise.

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Is the hepatitis B virus carrier negative or positive?

HBV carriers refer to individuals who have been infected with the hepatitis B virus but have not developed the disease. They may test positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb), while tests for hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb), hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), and hepatitis B e antibody (HBeAb) may be either negative or positive.

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Do hepatitis B virus carriers with normal liver function need treatment?

Under normal circumstances, "hepatitis B virus" refers to the hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B virus carriers with normal liver function generally do not require treatment. However, even if the liver function of hepatitis B virus carriers is normal, regular follow-up examinations at the hospital are still necessary. The purpose of follow-up is to detect signs of liver damage in a timely manner, so that appropriate treatment measures can be taken promptly.

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How often should hepatitis B virus carriers undergo check-ups?

HBV carriers refer to individuals who have been positive for hepatitis B surface antigen for more than six months, show no obvious symptoms or signs of hepatitis, and maintain normal liver function. If liver function remains normal, examinations are typically conducted every 6 to 12 months; however, if liver function is abnormal, examinations are recommended every 3 to 6 months. The core purpose of regular check-ups is to promptly detect any changes in the condition and avoid delays in treatment due to the absence of symptoms.