The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. This virus can be sexually transmitted and complications from this virus are responsible for 1 to 2 millions deaths annually. HBV can cause both a chronic and acute form of liver inflammation. The initial phase of the infection will last 1 to 2 weeks and the people who recover from the infection will develop an immunity to the virus. While the majority of people recover, some will develop chronic liver disease which can be fatal. Only 50 percent of acute infections produce symptoms and while the virus doesn't affect the reproductive organs, women who are infected during pregnancy have an 80 percent chance of infecting the baby.
Jaundice
Jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes. When the liver it not working properly, the body will have increased levels of bilirubin in the blood. Since Hepatitis B effects the liver, many people who experience symptoms will have a yellowish discoloring to their skin and/or eyes.
Fever
A fever is a body temperature higher than 98.6 degree Fahrenheit. It is the body's way of saying that something is wrong. Since Hepatitis B is a virus, a fever may be apparent while the body is trying to fight off the infection. This symptom will subside as the body heals and can be controlled by using over the counter medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen.
Upper Abdominal Pain
The Hepatitis B virus can cause pain in the upper abdominal area. This may consist of a dull pain that seems to linger or it can be a short stabbing pain. This symptom can be irritating and uncomfortable, but can be controlled by using an over the counter pain reliever, like Tylenol, until the symptom goes away. As the body heals this symptom will disappear.
Nausea
Nausea is commonly known as an upset stomach. Someone experiencing nausea will feel like they could vomit without actually vomiting. An upset stomach could limit the amount of food one is able to consume. Someone with Hepatitis B can experience the feeling of nausea until the infection subsides.
Edema
Edema is an accumulation of fluid under the skin. This extra water retention can cause severe swelling. This symptom can be apparent in late stages of the Hepatitis B virus and normally causes the legs of these patients to swell.
Ascites
Ascites is an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. This symptom is common in late stages of the Hepatitis B virus and can be contributed to chronic liver disease. This symptom can be treated by the direct removal of the fluid with a needle.
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