What are the symptoms of hepatitis B virus infection?
HBV usually refers to the hepatitis B virus. In general, after infection with the hepatitis B virus, symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, jaundice, discomfort in the liver area, nausea, and vomiting may occur. If discomfort symptoms appear, it is recommended to seek timely diagnosis and treatment at a regular hospital. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Fatigue
After infection with the hepatitis B virus, liver function may be impaired, leading to a decreased ability of the body to metabolize energy, which cannot provide sufficient energy for the body. At the same time, viral replication in the body may consume a large amount of nutrients. Under the dual effects, patients are prone to persistent fatigue, sore limbs, and increased fatigue after physical activity. In severe cases, it may even affect daily activities.
2. Loss of Appetite
The liver is an important digestive organ. After viral infection, damaged liver cells can lead to reduced bile secretion or impaired excretion, affecting the digestion and absorption of nutrients such as fats. This can then disrupt gastrointestinal function, causing a significant decrease in appetite, especially aversion to greasy foods. Some people may also experience symptoms such as bloating and indigestion.
3. Jaundice
When the virus causes extensive liver cell damage, the liver's ability to process bilirubin declines, leading to elevated bilirubin levels in the blood. This causes yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (sclera). In severe cases, urine may darken to a tea-like color and stool may become pale. These symptoms often indicate significant liver damage, which requires timely intervention.
4. Discomfort in the Liver Area
The liver is located in the upper right abdomen. After infection with the hepatitis B virus, inflammation and edema of the liver cells may stretch the liver capsule, or inflammation may irritate surrounding tissues, causing the patient to experience dull, distended, or aching pain in the upper right abdomen. The pain is generally not severe but may persist or occur intermittently, worsening after physical exertion.
5. Nausea and Vomiting
Liver inflammation caused by the virus can affect the secretion of digestive enzymes, leading to abnormal gastrointestinal motility. Meanwhile, the accumulation of metabolic waste products in the body may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, causing nausea. In severe cases, vomiting may occur, with vomitus mostly consisting of stomach contents. Frequent vomiting can lead to fluid and electrolyte imbalances.
In addition, some people infected with the hepatitis B virus may also experience symptoms such as low-grade fever and skin itching. Furthermore, if the above symptoms appear in daily life, timely medical consultation and examination are necessary. Once the condition is diagnosed, treatment should follow medical advice to avoid delaying recovery. Adequate rest is also important to avoid excessive fatigue and reduce the burden on the liver.