As you may know, chronic hepatitis B is caused by a virus that attacks your liver and causes an infection. This section will provide an explanation of what the virus does in your body, and how it affects your liver.
A virus with a mission
A virus is a tiny organism, even smaller than bacteria. Its goal in life is to take over healthy cells and multiply (make more viruses). This process is called "viral replication." The hepatitis B virus "infects" liver cells, using material within those cells to make copies of itself. The more the virus multiplies, the more cells will be infected. This is why your doctor monitors the amount of virus in your body ("viral load"). When levels of the virus in your body get too high, your liver is more likely to be in danger because more viruses may be infecting its cells.
Why a healthy liver is important
When your body attempts to fight the hepatitis B virus, it sends white blood cells (called "leukocytes") to the liver. This results in inflammation. Over time, the effects of this inflammation can damage the liver. If your liver fails to function, your body will fail too. In fact, we can only survive a few days if our liver shuts down. The liver has many important functions, which is why we need it working properly to live.
Your liver is the body's chemical factory: Your liver produces several different substances that your body needs. It produces bile, which is used to help digest your food. It also produces substances that clot your blood to help prevent excessive bleeding when you have a cut or injury. Lastly, it produces substances that help your body's defense, or "immune," system.
Your liver is a storage unit: Your liver also stores vitamins, sugar and iron to help give your body energy and nutrients. Any time your body is low on energy from food, the liver releases its reserves to help keep you going.
Your liver is the body's filter for harmful substances: Your liver acts as a filter to draw out harmful substances from your bloodstream, including waste products, alcohol, drugs and other toxins. Without its filtering capability, these materials build up in your bloodstream, making you very sick.
What happens when the liver is damaged
If untreated, chronic hepatitis B can lead to the following serious liver diseases:
Cirrhosis (cir-oh-sis): When the cells in your liver are damaged, they cannot function and may die. Scar tissue can develop, which can prevent blood from flowing freely through the liver. This slows down the liver’s ability to circulate blood and remove toxins. Cirrhosis often sets the stage for liver cancer.
Liver cancer: Chronic hepatitis B is the leading cause of liver cancer worldwide. According to the American Liver Foundation, an estimated 5,000 people die each year of chronic liver disease associated with hepatitis B infection. Cancer is when abnormal cells grow out of control, often forming tumors. Liver cancer may require surgery to remove the tumor or a liver transplant. The overall relative 5-year survival rate for liver cancer is about 7% according to the American Cancer Society.
Because of the serious threats that hepatitis B poses to your liver, it is extremely important that you work with your doctor to monitor your health. Doing this will give you the best chance to stay healthy and avoid serious damage to your liver.
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