About this topic
Hepatitis B is a disease that harms the liver. It is caused by a virus and can either be acute or chronic. The liver becomes damaged and does not work well. The virus is spread from person to person through contact with blood. Two of the ways this may happen are having unprotected sex or sharing needles. Also, children born to a mother with hepatitis B may get hepatitis B. There are many other ways you may get hepatitis B. It is important to know you cannot get hepatitis B from hugging, kissing, or sharing food. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take all of your drugs exactly as the doctor has ordered. You may want to use an alarm or talking pillbox to help you remember to take each dose on time.
- Never stop taking your drugs or change the dosage without asking your doctor first.
- Heat may be used to help with belly pain. If your doctor tells you to use heat, put a heating pad on your belly for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Never go to sleep with a heating pad on as this can cause burns.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day.
- Do not drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Avoid taking drugs and substances that can cause more harm to your liver. Ask your doctor before taking any drugs, vitamins, or supplements.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your condition needs close monitoring. Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent infection
- Slow or stop the virus from damaging your liver
- Protect you from other kinds of hepatitis
Many of the drugs may cause side effects. Talk to your doctor if you are having problems taking any of your drugs. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
Eating a healthy diet is important during this time. This means: ‚
- Eat whole grain foods and foods high in fiber.
- Choose many different fruits and vegetables. Fresh or frozen is best.
- Cut back on solid fats like butter or margarine. Eat less fatty or processed foods.
- Eat more low-fat or lean meats like chicken, fish, or turkey. Eat less red meat.
- Avoid caffeine.
- Avoid taking iron supplements.
- If you need help, ask to see a dietitian.
What problems could happen?
- Liver damage
- Liver failure
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Ask your doctor about hepatitis B vaccine for you, your children, and your sex partner.
- Do not share anything that might have blood on it. This includes razors, clippers, toothbrush, needles, etc.
- Wear gloves if you need to handle an infected persons blood.
- Use a condom each time you have sex. Limit your number of sexual partners.
- Make sure your tattoo artist uses sterile tools.
- Do not donate blood if you have hepatitis B. Remove your donor status from your state identification card.
- Handle used needles and cutting tools with care.
- Place used needles in properly labeled containers.
- Cover cuts and wounds with a clean dressing.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
- Throwing up, upset stomach, or loose stools that last
- Bloody or black stools
- Very dark yellow urine, yellow color of skin and eyes
- Swelling in your belly, legs, ankles, or feet
- Itching
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet or drugs.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have problems with throwing up, upset stomach, or loose stools or my skin or eyes are yellow.
Where can I learn more?
Infectious Diseases Epidemiology and Surveillance ‚
http://ideas.health.vic.gov.au/diseases/hepatitis-b.asp ‚
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hepb_ez/ ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/345/viewAbstract ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚