Hepatitis B is caused by a virus and may cause acute and chronic liver disease. Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver which causes swelling that results when tissues of the body become injured or infected. This inflammation can cause your liver to function improperly.
Most people are able to fight the infection themselves, but about 5-10% of these people will become carriers of the virus. Another 5-10% will develop chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and possibly, liver cancer.
Hepatitis B is diagnosed through blood tests and a liver biopsy may be indicated, as well.
Diagnosis and treatment of Hepatitis B can be done at the Poughkeepsie, Fishkill, Kingston or New Windsor offices of Premier Medical Group.