How is Hepatitis B diagnosed?
Diagnosis of hepatitis B is by blood tests to determine the presence of the virus in the body and the viral load by detecting the presence of the antigen of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) and quantitative viral markers (HBV DNA or quantitative antibody levels).
What are the symptoms of hepatitis B with time?
The initial symptoms may be minimal and they may be absent. They can be observed in cases of fatigue, anorexia, nausea and vomiting, black urine, pale feces and mild jaundice (yellowish skin or eyes).
Is this possible to make us with chronic Hepatitis B?
Yes. The infection is self-limiting in the majority of the adults, however, approximately 5-10 percent adults are infected with chronic hepatitis B that may cause permanent inflammation of the liver, fibrosis or liver cirrhosis in case there is no curing of the infection.
Which are the hepatitis b drugs to medicine?
The tenofivir and entecavir are the antiviral drugs that are usually used to contain the viral replications with the aim of preserving the liver functioning as well as decreasing the likelihood of liver damage as the period continues.
Is it a vaccine that has been created against Hepatitis B?
Yes. An effective and a safe vaccine against the Hepatitis B infection is available. It is even suggested to all non-vaccinated infants, children belonging to the risk category, and even to the healthcare workers.
How often is the adult ad schedule of Hepatitis B?
Normal adult schedule of vaccination is the three doses that are to be administered at 0, 1 and 6 months. The results of this series are long term immunity by a very high percentage of the recipients.
What is the duration of protection of Hepatitis B on the vaccine?
At the end of the series, it may be 20 years and more. Healthy adults also have a sufficient amount of antibodies without the need to have a booster but in the future, high risk individuals can undergo retesting.
What are some of the side effects of the Hepatitis B?
The side effect is mostly mild and temporal in nature such as local soreness on the inoculation site, low grade fever or even post-vaccination fatigue, one or two days after.
Who is going to find such a guru on the subject of Hepatitis B in Houston?
GastroDoxs in Houston is a center that provides a liver disease, individual treatment plans, modernized medications and a follow-up services comprehensive which is board certified in gastroenterology.
Does lifestyle modification have a role to play in the management of Hepatitis B?
Yes. Middle-range nutrition, alcohol and other hepatotoxic substances abstinence, physical activities, and medical consultation support the health of the liver and increase the response rate of the treatment.
Medically Reviewed by
Dr. Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG
| Updated 03-17-2026