Welcome to Kaizen Gastro Care, your premier destination for comprehensive Hepatitis B treatment in Pune, Maharashtra. We understand the importance of your health and well-being and are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality medical care. With a team of experienced and professional gastroenterologists and hepatologists, state-of-the-art facilities, and a patient-centric approach, we strive to offer personalized treatment strategies to effectively manage and treat Hepatitis B.

If you or a loved one is seeking Hepatitis B treatment in Pune, Maharashtra, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our dedicated hepatologist Dr. Vikrant Kale is here to help you on your journey to better liver health. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step towards a healthier tomorrow

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that mostly affects the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis B can lead to both acute and chronic liver diseases, and it is a major global health concern.

Who is at risk?

Several groups of people are at a higher risk of contracting hepatitis B due to various aspects. The main risk aspects for hepatitis B infection include:

• Unvaccinated Individuals
• Infants and Children of Infected Mothers
• Sexual Partners of Infected Individuals
• People Who Inject Drugs
• Healthcare Workers
• People Requiring Blood Transfusions or Organ Transplants
• People with Chronic Liver Disease
• People with Weakened Immune Systems
• International Travelers
• Men who have Sex with Men (MSM)

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis B?

The signs of hepatitis B can vary depending on whether it is an acute or chronic infection. Here are the common signs and symptoms associated with hepatitis B:

Acute Hepatitis B Symptoms:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially upper right side
• Dark urine
• Clay-colored stools
• Jaundice
• Joint pain
• Low-grade fever
• Mild flu-like symptom.

Chronic Hepatitis B Symptoms:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Jaundice
• Swelling in the legs and belly due to fluid accumulation
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Persistent itching
• Cognitive changes (in advanced stages)
• Spider-like blood vessels on the skin

What are the causes of Hepatitis B?

• Sexual contact: You may get hepatitis B if you have unprotected sex with somebody who is infected. The virus can pass to you if the person’s blood, saliva, semen, or vaginal secretions penetrate your body.
• Sharing of needles: HBV smoothly spreads through needles and syringes contaminated with infected blood. Sharing IV drug paraphernalia puts you at increased risk of hepatitis B.
• Accidental needle sticks: Hepatitis B is a concern for healthcare workers and anyone else who arrives in contact with human blood.
• Mother-to-Child Transmission: Pregnant women infected with hepatitis B can pass the virus to their babies during childbirth. However, this risk can be significantly reduced with timely vaccination of the newborn and management of hepatitis B immune globulin.
• Blood Transfusions and Organ Transplants: In provinces with bad blood screening practices, the virus can be transmitted through infected blood transfusions or organ transplants.

How to diagnose hepatitis B at Kaizen Gastro Care?

If you suspect you have been exposed to the virus or are experiencing signs suggestive of hepatitis B, it’s vital to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and appropriate management. Here’s how hepatitis B is diagnosed:

• Medical History and Physical Examination: Kaizen Gastro Care expert liver specialist Dr. Vikrant Kale will start by taking a detailed medical history, including any potential risk aspects for hepatitis B, such as a history of unprotected sexual activity, injection drug use, or travel to regions with high hepatitis B majority. They will also inquire about any signs you may be experiencing.
• Blood tests: Blood tests can detect symptoms of the hepatitis B virus in your body and tell your provider whether it’s acute or chronic. A simple blood test can also determine if you’re immune to the disease.
• Liver ultrasound: A unique ultrasound called transient elastography can show the portion of liver damage.
• Liver biopsy: Your provider might remove a tiny sample of your liver for testing to check for liver damage. This is called a liver biopsy. During this test, your provider inserts a slim needle through your skin and into your liver and removes a tissue sample for laboratory examination.

Hepatitis B Treatment at Kaizen Gastro Care, Pune:

At Kaizen Gastro Care, we understand the value of timely and effective treatment for Hepatitis B. Our specialized Liver Specialist & hepatologist is dedicated to providing comprehensive care to patients suffering from this condition. The treatment for hepatitis B depends on whether the infection is acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) and the severity of the disease. Here’s an overview of the treatment options for hepatitis B treatment in Pune, Maharashtra:

Acute Hepatitis B:

• In most cases, acute hepatitis B resolves on its own without specific treatment. Rest, proper nutrition, and good hydration are essential to support the body’s natural healing process.
• Hospitalization may be essential for individuals with intense symptoms or complications, such as fulminant hepatitis.

Chronic Hepatitis B Treatment:

• Chronic hepatitis B needs ongoing management to prevent condition progression and decrease the risk of liver-related complications.
• Antiviral Medications: For people with chronic hepatitis B and evidence of active viral replication, antiviral medications may be prescribed. These medications can help suppress viral replication, lower the viral load, and slow down the progression of liver disease. Commonly used antiviral drugs for chronic hepatitis B include entecavir, tenofovir, lamivudine, adefovir, and telbivudine.
• Regular Monitoring: Individuals with chronic hepatitis B require regular monitoring of liver function tests, viral load, and other markers of liver health to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and disease progression.
• Liver Cancer Screening: People with chronic hepatitis B may be at an increased risk of developing liver cancer. Thus, regular screening for liver cancer with ultrasound and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) blood tests may be recommended.

Interferon Therapy:

In some cases, especially in people with certain characteristics and HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B, interferon therapy may be considered. Interferon is an immune-modulating drug given as an injection and can help control viral replication in some patients.

Liver Transplant:

In severe cases of chronic hepatitis B with developed liver cirrhosis and liver failure, a liver transplant may be considered as a last resort. However, the availability of liver transplants is limited, and rigorous criteria need to be met for eligibility.

Preventive Measures:

For people with chronic hepatitis B, preventative measures to protect others from infection are vital. This includes promoting hepatitis B vaccination for hygienic family members and close contacts.

Lifestyle and Dietary Changes:

Individuals with chronic hepatitis B should embrace a healthy lifestyle, including avoiding alcohol, maintaining a balanced diet, and exercising regularly. These measures can assist support liver health and decrease the risk of liver-related complications.

What are the possible complications of hepatitis B infection?

Hepatitis B infection can lead to various complications, especially in cases of chronic infection. The severity and possibility of complications can vary from person to person. Here are some potential complications of hepatitis B infection:

• Chronic Hepatitis: Chronic hepatitis B happens when the infection persists for an extended period, usually more than six months. Chronic hepatitis can cause ongoing liver inflammation, leading to advanced liver damage.
• Liver Cirrhosis: Chronic hepatitis B can lead to the growth of liver cirrhosis, which is characterized by extensive scarring of the liver tissue. Cirrhosis can injure liver function and affect blood flow through the liver, leading to various complications.
• Liver Failure: In extreme cases of chronic hepatitis B or acute liver failure, the liver may fail to function sufficiently. Liver failure is a life-threatening situation requiring prompt medical attention and often necessitating a liver transplant.
• Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma): Chronic hepatitis B infection improves the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, a form of liver cancer. Long-term inflammation and liver cell damage contribute to the growth of cancerous cells.
• Kidney Problems: In rare cases, chronic hepatitis B can lead to a condition called membranous glomerulonephritis, which affects the kidneys’ filtering function.
• Complications During Pregnancy: Pregnant women with hepatitis B can transmit the virus to their infants during childbirth. This can lead to chronic illness in the infant and an improved risk of developing liver-related difficulties later in life.

Why choose Kaizen Gastro Care?