What diseases can be caused by the hepatitis B virus?
Disease description:
I have been diagnosed with hepatitis B virus in my body, and I am very worried that it may lead to other diseases. I would like to ask the doctor, what diseases can hepatitis B virus cause?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can lead to a range of liver-related diseases, including:
1. Acute hepatitis B: Symptoms that appear upon initial infection, such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and dark urine. Most adults recover spontaneously, but children and individuals with weakened immune systems may develop chronic infection.
2. Chronic hepatitis B: If the virus persists for more than six months following acute infection, it progresses to chronic infection. This can lead to long-term liver inflammation, increasing the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.
3. Cirrhosis: Long-term HBV infection can cause scarring of liver tissue, leading to cirrhosis. This can impair normal liver function and may result in complications such as ascites, gastrointestinal bleeding, and hepatic encephalopathy.
4. Liver cancer: Chronic hepatitis B is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (the most common type of liver cancer) worldwide.
If you have any concerns, it is recommended to seek medical advice promptly.
