Hepatitis B: a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. Transmission can occur through sexual contact, blood exposure , and perinatally (from mother to child). Infection may not be obvious through signs or symptoms, but may include nausea, jaundice, diarrhea, fatigue, dark urine, and light colored stool.
Acute hepatitis B: Most of the time goes away on its own. Treatment with medications is not needed during the early stages of infection. Home treatment usually will relieve symptoms and help prevent the spread of the virus.
Chronic hepatitis B: Depending on what their doctor recommends and the patient's condition, patients may take one of two medications to treat chronic hepatitis B infection: interferon alfa-2b or lamivudine.
Symptoms:
Acute hepatitis B
Fulminant hepatitis B
Chronic hepatitis B
joint aches
flat semi-itchy rash
jaundice
abdominal pain
nausea
vomiting
light colored stool
dark urine
liver failure
coagulopathy
bleeding disorder
jaundice
coma
general fatigue
weakness
cirrhosis
jaundice
encephalopathy
ascites
Extrahepatic Complications of hepatitis B (very uncommon):
