Viral hepatitis, Botkin's disease

Hepatitis is an infectious disease that affects the liver. Among the different types of hepatitis are hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. In this article we will look at hepatitis B, which is also known as Botkin's disease.

The causative agent of hepatitis B has not been isolated, but due to its properties it is classified as a filterable virus. The virus is very resistant to external influences. At room temperature, the virus remains active for a year, in the cold - up to 44 years, when exposed to direct sunlight it dies after 1-2 hours, when boiled - after 30-40 minutes. The virus circulates in the blood of patients and virus carriers and is released into the environment with their feces. It is believed that there are two types of viruses - one causes infectious hepatitis (Botkin's disease or infectious jaundice), and the other causes serum hepatitis.

Infectious hepatitis is transmitted through fecal-contaminated water, food, and dirty hands and household items. The role of flies in the mechanical transmission of the virus cannot be ruled out. Infection with serum hepatitis can occur when using insufficiently sterilized medical instruments.

The incubation period of hepatitis B lasts from 3 to 6 weeks, sometimes up to 1 year. During this period, the virus remains in the human body without causing any manifestations of the disease.

The disease begins with the appearance of weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, a feeling of bitterness in the mouth, belching, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The stool may be liquid. Sometimes the first sign of hepatitis is a cough, runny nose, headache, and often muscle and joint pain. The temperature rises (sometimes up to 39-40°). Darkening of the urine is observed (the color resembles beer or strongly brewed tea). The stool loses its normal color, becoming gray-white (resembles putty). Subsequently, the skin and sclera of the eyes turn yellow with an orange tint. A mild course of hepatitis without jaundice, with a slight deterioration in general condition, is possible. Such forms pose a significant danger: late contact with a doctor and untimely hospitalization can lead to the development of severe complications, including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

The diagnosis of hepatitis B is established on the basis of clinical manifestations, laboratory and instrumental studies. Key diagnostic methods are the determination of hepatitis B virus markers in the blood, including anti-HBs, anti-HBc, HBsAg and others.

Treatment of hepatitis B includes the use of antiviral drugs, including interferon injections and nucleoside drugs. In addition, the patient is prescribed symptomatic therapy to improve the general condition and reduce the symptoms of the disease.

Prevention of hepatitis B includes vaccination, personal hygiene, avoiding contact with blood and other body fluids of infected people, and using sterile medical equipment.

Overall, hepatitis B is a serious disease that can lead to severe complications. However, with prompt medical attention and proper treatment, most patients make a full recovery.