What problems can viral hepatitis B cause?
Ask your caregiver for more information about the following: • Liver cirrhosis: Liver cirrhosis is scarring of your liver caused by infection and inflammation. You have an increased risk for cirrhosis if you drink alcohol or smoke. You also have increased risk if you have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C; or hepatitis D. • Liver failure: Liver failure occurs when your liver can no longer function as it should. Your risk for liver failure increases if you have cirrhosis. • Liver cancer: Chronic HBV may lead to liver cancer. The risk for liver cancer increases if you are male and if you have other family members with liver cancer. Your risk also increases if you have liver cirrhosis or if you are also infected with hepatitis C. • Kidney problems: HBV can lead to inflammation and problems with your kidney function. Your kidneys are organs that remove waste from your body as urine.
