Final answer:
Hepatitis B is a severe viral liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus that can result in liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and potentially death. While often asymptomatic, it can become chronic and exhibit symptoms such as jaundice and abdominal pain.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hepatitis B is another viral liver disease that can cause severe liver damage, liver cancer, and death. This disease is the result of an infection by the hepatitis B virus which can lead to inflammation of the liver. The infection is often asymptomatic, making it problematic as individuals may not be aware they are infected. For some individuals, the virus can be rapidly eliminated by the immune system, yet in others, it may persist leading to chronic liver disease. The condition can develop into cirrhosis, which involves the replacement of healthy liver tissue with fibrous scar tissue, ultimately causing a loss of liver function.
Infected individuals may experience a range of symptoms including malaise, loss of appetite, dark urine, abdominal pain, vomiting, and jaundice. The severe consequences of chronic infection include an increased risk of liver cancer, sometimes occurring many years after the initial infection. Proper diagnosis and management are crucial for those with hepatitis B to reduce the risk of long-term liver complications.