Hepatitis B is a serious clinical disease characterized by the inflammation of the liver caused by the Hepatitis Virus Type B. This disease may result in chronic hepatitis and may lead to fatal complications like liver failure, liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Vaccination is the most effective means to prevent Hepatitis B infection. The following treatment options may be available for Hepatitis B for those who qualify. A Q and A with your physician is the way to become fully educated about the disease to set reasonable expectations for the outcome.   The following may be some treatment options.

Alert: Post Exposure Treatment – If one suspects that he or she has been exposed to Hepatitis B virus, he or she should get an immediate appointment with the doctor and should be injected with Hepatitis B immune globulin within the first 24 hours to prevent hepatitis B infection.

Treatment for Acute Hepatitis B Infection – Acute Hepatitis B may be detected by the doctor during an HBSAg blood test. A positive result confirms the presence of the virus and the body is immunologically at war with the virus. The doctor may relieve the different signs and symptoms that discomforts the individual, and may give immune boosting supplementations to help the body rid off the virus. The majority of acute cases turn negative in a serologic test after 6 months, only roughly 10% become chronic.

Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B infection – Once the HBSAg turns positive after 6 months from acute infection, these individuals are then considered a Chronic Hepatitis B case. Individuals may be given antiviral medications to help delay the progression of the disease. Severely damaged livers may make an individual a candidate for liver transplant.

OUTCOME

Individuals with Hepatitis B infection may either be Acute or Chronic. Acute disease may resolve in 90% of the time, while the chronic disease may result to lifetime carriers of the disease and complicate after up to 20 to 30 years into liver cancer, cirrhosis and failure.

It is important to recognize that medications and medical procedures are associated with benefits and risks that should be discussed with your physician. It is important to recognize that all information contained on this website cannot be considered to be specific medical diagnosis, medical treatment, or medical advice. As always, you should consult with a physician regarding any medical condition. Your Health Access disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.