Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs
Everything you need to know about hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is an infection of the hepatitis B virus ( HBV) in the liver. Without care it can be acute and overcome. Some types can be chronic, however, and this can lead to cirrhosis and hepatic cancer.
HBV is a significant global health concern. In reality, about 887,000 deaths worldwide were caused by liver disease associated with HBV in 2015.
As of 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC) reports that there are 862,000 people living with a chronic HBV infection in the US.
HBV is a short-term illness for most adults and does not cause permanent harm. Nonetheless, 2–6 percent of HBV adults tend to develop a chronic infection that can eventually lead to liver cancer.
About 90 percent of babies will develop a chronic infection with the virus.
Read more about HBV in this post, including the transmission, early symptoms and treatment.
What is hepatitis B?

HBV can cause liver infection and inflammation. A person can have HBV and be able to spread the virus to others without realizing they do.
Some people have no symptoms. Others have just the initial infection that clears afterwards. For others, the condition becomes chronic. In chronic cases, without detection, the virus tends to attack the liver over time , resulting in permanent damage to the liver.
In 2017 the CDC confirmed an HBV infection to 3,407 individuals. Nevertheless, the number of acute HBV infections may have been nearer to 22,100, accounting for people who may not report getting the infection.
Symptoms
Most infection with HBV occurs during infancy or infancy. This is because, during childbirth, a mother will transfer HBV to her child. But in infancy, physicians rarely treat HBV, because it causes few noticeable signs.
In children under 5 years of age or in adults with a suppressed immune system, symptoms of a new HBV infection may not be apparent. Roughly 30–50 percent of those aged 5 years and over will show initial signs and symptoms.
Acute symptoms begin about 60–150 days after virus exposure, which can last from several weeks to six months.
A person with a chronic HBV infection may experience ongoing episodes of abdominal pain, persistent tiredness, and painful joints.
Early symptoms
If HBV does cause symptoms early on, they may include:
- fever
- joint pain
- fatigue
- nausea
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- abdominal pain
- dark urine
- clay colored stools
- jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
Transmission
HBV is transmissible when blood, semen, or other body fluid from a person with the virus comes into an individual’s body that does not have it.
More specifically, infection can occur:
- when a woman with HBV gives birth
- during sexual activity
- as a result of sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection devices
- as a result of practicing unsafe tattoo techniques
- by sharing personal hygiene items, such as razors and toothbrushes
Health staff may be at risk due to improper medical procedures, such as reusing medical supplies, not using personal security or disposing of sharps improperly.
HBV cannot spread through:
- food or water
- shared eating utensils
- breastfeeding
- hugging
- kissing
- holding hands
- coughing
- sneezing
- insect bites
The virus can live outside the body for a minimum of 7 days. At this time it can also cause infection if it enters a person’s body that has not been vaccinated against it.
Is it curable?
There is currently no cure for HBV but it can avoid initial infection if the vaccine is administered.
Antiviral drugs can cure chronic infections. When chronic HBV begins causing irreversible liver damage, having a hepatic transplant may help improve survival in the long term.
Receiving an effective vaccine and taking antiviral drugs, however, ensures that as a result of chronic HBV, less people may end up having a hepatic transplant.
Treatment
There is no treatment, cure or medication unique to an acute HBV infection. The symptoms rely on supportive treatment.
Treatment for suspected exposure
Anyone that has had suspected HBV exposure could be subject to a “prophylaxis” procedure for post-exposure.
This consists of immunoglobin HBV and immunoglobin hepatitis B (HBIG). After the exposure and before an acute infection occurs, health care professionals send the prophylaxis.
This procedure won’t cure an already existing infection. This does reduce the risk of acute infection, however.
Treatment for chronic HBV infection
Antiviral drugs are available to treat chronic HBV infection.
The cure for chronic HBV is not this. Nevertheless, it will avoid the virus from replicating and prevent advanced liver disease from progressing.
An individual with a chronic HBV infection can rapidly and without warning develop cirrhosis or hepatic cancer. When a person lacks access to appropriate care or services, within months of diagnosis, liver cancer may become lethal.
Persons with a persistent HBV infection need ongoing medical examination and hepatic ultrasound every 6–12 months. This monitoring can help doctors determine whether liver damage is on the rise or whether the condition is getting worse.
Causes
HBV is caused by the hepatitis B virus, which infects the body.
The virus is present in both blood and body fluids. HBV is transmitted by semen, vaginal fluids, and blood. This can also move during childbirth from a mom to a newborn child. They also raise the risk of sharing needles and having sex without contraceptives.
Persons may also contract HBV while visiting a part of the world where infection is more prevalent.
An individual that spread the virus without being conscious, as there may be no symptoms to it.
Diagnosis
Screening for people at higher risk of an HBV infection or complications due to an undiagnosed HBV infection is given. When a person has HBV, the doctor can evaluate for damage to their liver.
Hepatitis B test
A blood test can help a doctor diagnose acute and chronic HBV infection.
If the test confirms the presence of HBV, the doctor may request follow-up blood tests to confirm:
- whether HBV infection is in its acute or chronic stage
- the person’s risk of liver damage
- whether or not treatment is necessary
For people with chronic HBV a doctor may prescribe routine testing. It can change over time, once the condition reaches a chronic stage.
Hepatitis B vs. hepatitis C
There are several different forms of hepatitis here. HBV and the hepatitis C (HCV) virus also have acute and chronic forms.
Whether they move from person to person is the principal distinction between HBV and HCV. It is rare since HCV is transmissible via sexual activity. HCV typically spreads when blood carrying the virus comes into contact with blood not carrying it.
Hepatitis B during pregnancy
When a woman with HBV gets pregnant, they will pass the virus on to their infant. Women will tell the health care worker who delivers their baby that they have HBV.
The infant should be given 12–24 hours of birth with an HBV vaccine and HBIG. It greatly decreases their risk of developing HBV.
The HBV vaccine is safe to take during pregnancy.
Risk factors
People with a high risk of HBV include:
- the infants of mothers with HBV
- the sexual partners of people with HBV
- people who engage in sexual intercourse without contraception and those who have multiple sexual partners
- men who have sex with men
- people who inject illicit drugs
- those who share a household with a person who has a chronic HBV infection
- healthcare and public safety workers who are at risk of occupational exposure to blood or contaminated bodily fluids
- people receiving hemodialysis, which is a type of kidney treatment
- people taking medications that suppress the immune system, such as chemotherapy for cancer
- people with HIV
- those who come from a region with a high incidence of HBV
- all women during pregnancy
Prevention
People can prevent HBV infection by:
- wearing appropriate protective equipment when working in healthcare settings or dealing with medical emergencies
- not sharing needles
- following safe sexual practices
- cleaning any blood spills or dried blood with gloved hands using a 1:10 dilution of one part household bleach to 10 parts water
Vaccine
A vaccine against HBV has been available since 1982.
People who should receive this vaccine include:
- all infants, children, and adolescents without a previous vaccination
- all healthcare workers
- those who may have had exposure to blood and blood products through work or treatment
- people undergoing dialysis and the recipients of solid organ transplants
- residents and staff of correctional facilities, halfway houses, and community residences
- those who inject drugs
- people who share a household or engage in sexual intercourse with someone who has a chronic HBV infection
- those with multiple sexual partners
- people who travel to countries where HBV is common
Schedule
The HBV vaccine comes in three doses. A person at any age can be given the first injection, but babies should be given the first injection soon after birth. The second shot should take place at least 1 month after the first one.
Adults can take the third dose at least 8 weeks after the second and 16 weeks after the first dose. Kids will not be given the third dose until they reach 24 weeks.
How long does it last?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in over 95 percent of the babies, teenagers, and adolescents who receive it, “the full vaccine series induces protective antibody levels.”
Immune memory caused by the HBV vaccine will last in healthy people for at least 30 years. That said, studies are ongoing on the duration of the safety provided by the vaccine.
Side effects
The HBV vaccine is well tolerated by many.
According to the CDC the fever and soreness at the injection site are the most common side effects of the HBV vaccine. In this area too, a person can experience swelling , redness and hard skin.
Very rarely, a severe form of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis may be caused by HBV vaccination.
Is it live?
No live virus is found on the HBV vaccine. It means women are safe to obtain during pregnancy and lactation.
Dangers
HBV infections can cause a range of life threatening complications, including:
- Cirrhosis. This causes scarring on the liver and inhibits liver functions. It can lead to liver failure.
- Liver failure. Also known as end stage liver disease, this can progress either rapidly or over a longer period. The liver cannot replace damaged cells or function.
- Liver cancer. Chronic HPV increases the risk of liver cancer.
While HBV is a major health issue around the world, the vaccine offers effective protection against the virus for most people.
Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs
Rhinophyma: Everything you should know
Rhinophyma is a skin condition that causes the nose to expand. Lumpy, thicker skin and fractured blood vessels are some of the other signs.
Males are far more likely than females to get the condition, which usually occurs between the ages of 50 and 70.
Researchers aren’t sure what causes it, but they do know that acne rosacea, which causes inflammatory pimple breakouts, is a precursor.
When acne rosacea advances to rhinophyma, the skin around the nose swells and the tip of the nose becomes larger. A diagnosis is made based on this distinctive appearance.
In the early stages, medicines are used, but in the latter stages, surgery is required. This is due to the possibility of damaged tissue obstructing the airways. The technique is safe and effective at smoothing or removing rough, thickened patches of skin.
Continue reading to find out more about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition.
Causes of rhinophyma
Rhinophyma is characterized by an increase in the number of sebaceous glands (oil glands) and underlying connective tissues in the face. According to studies from 2021, the actual cause is still unknown, and various causes could be involved. A variety of disorders affecting the immune system, nerves, and blood arteries are included.
Acne rosacea, a long-term skin condition more common in women, is the prelude to rhinophyma. Rhinophyma develops in a subset of acne rosacea people.
Rhinophyma is more common in men, with a male-to-female ratio ranging from 5:1 to 30:1, and it usually develops in people between the ages of 50 and 70. Scientists believe that male hormones raise the danger because of the higher prevalence in men.
Some people believe that drinking alcohol causes the condition, however studies show that this is not the case. However, both alcohol and caffeine enlarge blood vessels briefly, aggravating rhinophyma.
In its early beginnings
According to evidence, rhinophyma begins as “pre-rosacea,” with face flushing being the only symptom.
The condition progresses to vascular rosacea, which is characterized by enlarged blood vessels and redness. Acne rosacea causes later, resulting in inflammatory outbreaks.
Finally, acne rosacea progresses to late-stage rosacea, which includes rhinophyma.
Symptoms
The first symptom of rosacea is frequently excessive face flushing. If it evolves to rhinophyma, a person may experience the following symptoms:
- thickened skin on the nose and elsewhere on the face
- expansion of the tip of the nose
- a bumpy texture on areas of the face
- enlarged pores
- oily skin
The condition may restrict the airways at this moment. In addition, because the fluid from the sebaceous glands thickens and can contain bacteria, persistent infection is common.
The amount of sebaceous glands and connective tissue alterations grow with time, resulting in increasing deformity.
Furthermore, there is a relation to cancer. Basal cell carcinoma affects 3–10% of people with rhinophyma, despite the fact that the condition is initially benign.
Diagnosis
Rhinophyma is often diagnosed with a visual examination due to its distinctive look.
The presence of at least one primary feature and at least one secondary feature is used by doctors to make a diagnosis.
The following are the main characteristics:
- blushing
- persistent redness
- pustules, small pimples containing pus
- papules — small, solid pimples that are usually inflamed but do not produce pus
- broken or dilated blood vessels near the skin’s surface
Secondary features include:
- roughened patches of skin on the face
- swelling
- burning or stinging areas of the skin
- eye symptoms, such as watery eyes or swelling of the eyelids
- marked thickening of skin or excess tissue
- these symptoms elsewhere on the body
Treatment
There are nonsurgical and surgical options available.
Non-surgical options
Certain drugs appear to be beneficial, according to the findings. Topical metronidazole (Metrocream) is one option for reducing skin inflammation by preventing the production of reactive oxygen species.
Isotretinoin, a medicine that shrinks the sebaceous glands and reduces the amount of oil they produce, is another choice. If a person wants surgery, however, they must stop taking this drug.
Surgical intervention
Advanced rhinophyma necessitates surgical removal of the afflicted tissue. A report published in 2020 describes a five-step surgical procedure for rhinophyma that is both safe and effective:
- Dermabrasion: A motorized device resurfaces the skin to facilitate the next steps.
- Dermaplaning: This involves removing affected tissue without directly cutting it. It prepares the skin’s surface for the third step.
- Debulking: The surgeon uses curved scissors to cut away the thickened skin. They also take samples of any areas that may be malignant and send them to a lab for analysis.
- Electrocautery: This involves using heat to destroy the affected tissue.
- Laser use: This final step seals and micro-contours the wound.
Although little data suggests that rhinophyma can recur following surgery, few long-term studies have been conducted.
Conclusion
A person with rhinophyma may suffer significant face flushing in the early stages. Swollen blood vessels and acne-like blemishes occur as the condition worsens.
Later on, the nasal skin thickens and the tip of the nose expands. Doctors diagnose rhinophyma at this point. It appears to be harmless at first, but it has the potential to obstruct airways and raise the risk of skin cancer.
Surgical and drug-based treatments can help, although there is limited evidence that the condition will reoccur after surgery.
Sources
- https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/ocular-rosacea-facts
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7339328/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544373/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322166
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4426765/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5828925/
- https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/rosacea/what-is/symptoms
Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs
Marijuana: What are the common health benefits?
Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs
Alcohol and migraine: What you need to understand
Many people with migraine find that specific situations trigger their symptoms. Drinking alcohol is a trigger for some people with migraine. Although any type of alcohol can provoke a migraine, people who experience recurrent migraine attacks cite red wine as the most frequent reason.
Research suggests that people with migraine may also suffer comparable symptoms after a hangover. Reducing or eliminating alcohol may reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. It may also help reduce factors that tend to co-occur with drinking, such as dehydration and sleep deprivation.
Keep reading to understand more about the connection between migraine and headache.
Is alcohol capable of causing migraines?

Migraine is a form of neurological disorder. Although hereditary factors impact the chance of developing migraine, environmental triggers can cause episodes or increase their frequency.
Several studies show that alcohol, especially red wine, may cause migraine episodes.
In a 2018 research including 2,197 adults with migraine, 25% of the participants who had discontinued or always avoided drinking did so because alcohol induced migraine symptoms. More than a third of the subjects stated that alcohol had this impact, with roughly 78% indicating red wine as the most prevalent alcohol trigger.
A 2019 research questioned patients with migraine who consumed alcohol. Of the 1,547 individuals, 783 claimed that alcohol was a trigger, while 195 were not sure. People who experienced migraine with alcohol were more likely to suffer migraine with aura and to experience more migraine days and more frequent episodes. They were also more prone to drink vodka.
A predisposition for migraine may also play a role in hangovers, especially hangovers that induce migraine-like headaches. A 2014 study of 692 students, 95 of whom experienced migraine, indicated that individuals with migraine were more likely to suffer migraine-like symptoms during a hangover. However, these people were not more prone to other hangover symptoms.
Alcohol may also create other sorts of headaches. People who get a headache after drinking should not assume that it is a migraine, especially if they have symptoms associated with other forms of headaches. For example, a stress headache may induce pain in the neck or shoulders.
Other alcohol-related headaches
Migraine creates a unique form of headache that incorporates neurological symptoms such as light sensitivity and aura. Other sorts of headaches, including severe headaches, can occur as a result of alcohol intake.
Hangover headache
A headache is a frequent hangover symptom. Alcohol can provoke symptoms in persons with a headache disease, but it can also directly induce headaches.
A 2015 study shows that the inactivity of alcohol dehydrogenase 2, an enzyme that helps break down alcohol, can contribute to hangover headaches. However, the research author also notes that no one factor causes all hangover headaches.
Tension headache
A 2016 study emphasizes that drinking may induce a tension headache, especially if a person simultaneously suffers migraine. The research revealed that 21 percent of persons with migraine indicate that alcohol is a tension headache trigger, compared with just 2 percent of people without migraine.
Cluster headache
Alcohol may provoke cluster headaches. These headaches induce very strong pain that generally predominantly affects the region behind one eye. More than half of individuals who get cluster headaches indicate that alcohol is a trigger.
Dehydration headache
Alcohol increases urine, which can contribute to dehydration. Moreover, persons who drink alcohol may not drink as much water, exacerbating the water loss. Dehydration can induce headaches. It may also provoke headaches connected to headache diseases, such as migraine.
What alcohol to consume to avoid migraine attacks
Most research point to red wine as a prevalent headache trigger, particularly in those with migraine. These individuals typically report wine, especially red wine, as a migraine trigger.
However, a 2012 research denies this relationship. This prospective research looked at migraine diaries extending up to 90 days. Wine, beer, and spirits did not enhance the risk of migraine with aura, while sparkling wine did.
People who have hangovers that induce a migraine may desire to avoid alcohol with high amounts of congeners. These are compounds that the alcohol production process creates. Some study shows that congeners have a role in hangovers, however variables like as inflammation also contribute.
Brandy, red wine, and rum have the largest quantities of congeners, whereas gin and vodka have fewer of these compounds. However, a 2019 study reported greater rates of vodka use among drinkers with recurrent migraine symptoms. The reaction to alcohol varies from person to person, and there is no drink that certainly will not trigger a migraine or other headache.
Other migraine-prevention options
Identifying and limiting or eliminating common migraine triggers such as alcohol, dehydration, and specific meals is the first step in preventing migraine. For a few weeks, a person should keep a migraine diary to detect trends in their headache patterns.
Stress-related migraines may be relieved with relaxation techniques, and migraine episodes may feel less severe when they occur.
Migraine prophylaxis drugs such as topiramate (Topamax), divalproex (Depakote), or propranolol may be useful for people who suffer frequent migraine attacks (Inderal). They can talk to a doctor about these therapy alternatives.
People who suffer from migraines while or after drinking may consider limiting or eliminating alcohol from their diet. If they find this too difficult, they may be suffering from an alcohol use disorder, which need therapy.
Conclusion
Migraine attacks can range from minor inconveniences to complete debilitation. The most severe migraine headaches can last up to three days and render you unable to work. In rare cases, a migraine attack can persist much longer.
Migraine is a complicated disorder, and migraine-like symptoms can be caused by a variety of neurological conditions. As a result, whether you’re drinking or not, it’s critical to consult a doctor if you’re experiencing migraine symptoms or chronic headaches. Migraine headaches can be treated with the appropriate combination of medicines and lifestyle changes.
People who are unable to stop drinking should consult a physician about alcohol use disorder treatment, which is a serious but treatable problem.
Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8280611/
- https://headachejournal.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/head.12621
- https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0101/p17.html
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/alcohol-and-migraine
- https://www.proquest.com/openview/dc644a5c531eaf1bd4ca19f1ea95890a/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=136155
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ene.13861
- https://academic.oup.com/alcalc/article/54/3/196/5420612?login=true
- https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/alcohol-and-migraine/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4821937/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5537780/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560787/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22671771/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4064176/