Hepatitis B can cause mild or serious health problems. Some people recover fully. Others develop long-term liver damage or even cancer. Knowing the complications of hepatitis B helps with early treatment and prevents serious illness.
Chronic Hepatitis B Is the Main Long-Term Problem
The most common problem is chronic hepatitis B. This happens when the virus stays in the body for more than six months. Most healthy adults get rid of the virus on their own. But about 90% of babies and half of young children develop chronic infection.
Chronic hepatitis B can stay quiet for years. But over time, it can cause liver inflammation and scarring. This leads to cirrhosis and liver cancer if left untreated.
Cirrhosis Damages the Liver Over Time
Cirrhosis happens when the liver gets scarred from long-term damage. About 20–30% of people with chronic hepatitis B get cirrhosis.
Common signs include:
- Feeling tired or weak
- Swelling in the belly or legs
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Yellow skin (jaundice)
- Confusion or memory problems
- Big veins on the belly
- Red spots on the skin
In late stages, liver failure can happen. This is called decompensated cirrhosis. It may need a liver transplant to save the person’s life.
Hepatitis B Increases the Risk of Liver Cancer
Hepatitis B is a top cause of liver cancer, called hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). People with hepatitis B can get liver cancer even without cirrhosis.
Risk is higher for:
- People with long-term infection
- Men over 40 or women over 50
- People from Asia or Africa
- Those with a family history of liver cancer
- People who also have hepatitis C or HIV
- Heavy alcohol drinkers
- People with high virus levels
Liver cancer is hard to notice early. Doctors recommend screening with ultrasound and AFP blood tests every six months.
Liver Failure Can Be Sudden or Slow
Hepatitis B can cause liver failure in two ways. Some people get very sick quickly. This is called acute liver failure. It is rare but very serious.
Signs include:
- Yellow skin
- Bleeding
- Confusion or coma
- Swelling in the belly
Others get chronic liver failure slowly. This often happens after years of cirrhosis. In both cases, liver transplant is often the only treatment.
Other Body Parts Can Be Affected Too
Hepatitis B can also hurt other parts of the body. The immune system attacks organs by mistake. Problems may include:
- Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN): inflamed blood vessels causing pain and fever
- Glomerulonephritis: kidney problems
- Cryoglobulinemia: blood vessel issues causing rash and joint pain
- Nerve problems, like numbness or weakness
- Painful joints, like arthritis
These problems can get better with treatment. Sometimes extra medicine is needed.
Reactivation Can Happen During Medical Treatment
Sometimes hepatitis B comes back after it was quiet. This happens when people take strong medicines like chemotherapy or steroids.
People with HIV can also have flare-ups. Doctors can stop this by giving medicine before treatment and checking virus levels often.
Babies Can Get Hepatitis B from Their Mothers
Mothers can pass hepatitis B to their babies during birth. Without treatment, 90% of these babies get chronic hepatitis B. This leads to liver problems later in life.
Good news—vaccines and special medicine (HBIG) within 12 hours of birth lower the risk by over 90%.
Living with Hepatitis B Affects Mental Health
Hepatitis B does not just harm the body. People with chronic hepatitis B may feel sad, stressed, or ashamed. They may avoid telling others because of fear or stigma.
Support from doctors, education, and counseling can help people feel better and live healthier lives.
In Summary
Hepatitis B can cause many problems, from liver scarring to cancer. It can also hurt the kidneys, nerves, and mental health. But with testing, good care, and treatment, most of these problems can be prevented or managed well
