Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver. It can cause serious health problems, including liver damage, cirrhosis, and cancer. Hepatitis B is spread through contact with blood or other bodily fluids from an infected person.
Hepatitis B is usually prevented through vaccination. However, if you are diagnosed with it, the doctor’s treatment recommendation will vary depending on the type of hepatitis B infection you have. Hepatitis B is either acute or chronic. Acute hepatitis B can go away on its own in four to eight weeks, and treatment may not be necessary. However, if you do not recover, it means you have chronic hepatitis B, which lasts longer and requires treatment to reduce the damage the infection does to the liver.
Let’s talk about what treatment options may be available to you if you have been diagnosed with hepatitis B.
How is Hepatitis B Treated?
There are three treatment options for patients with chronic hepatitis B:
- Antiviral therapy: This is a type of medication that can help to fight the virus and reduce the amount of damage it causes to the liver. The most common is interferon alfa and lamivudine. Interferon alfa is a protein that helps the body fight viral infections, while lamivudine is a nucleoside analog that inhibits the replication of HBV. Both drugs have been shown to be effective in reducing the level of HBV in the blood and improving liver function. However, they can cause side effects such as fatigue, flu-like symptoms, and depression. In addition, interferon alfa must be injected, while lamivudine is taken orally.
- Interferon therapy: This is a type of medication that helps to boost your immune system, so it can better fight off the virus. There are several types of interferon therapies that can be used to treat chronic hepatitis B. These include pegylated interferon, which is a long-acting form of the drug; recombinant interferon, which is a synthetic form of the drug; and natural interferon, which is produced by the body in response to an infection. Each type of therapy has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to discuss with your doctor which one would be best for you.
- Liver transplant: This is an option for people who have severe liver damage from hepatitis B and are not responding well to other treatments.
When Does Hepatitis B Treatment Start?
It is recommended that people with chronic hepatitis B begin treatment as soon as possible after diagnosis in order to reduce the risk of liver damage and other complications. Chronic hepatitis B treatment can last for years to slow the progression of the condition, and the duration varies from patient to patient.
If you are fairly healthy and are diagnosed with hepatitis B early, the chances of treatment success are much higher than being diagnosed when the condition has progressed significantly or if you have a compromised immune system.
Hepatitis B Treatment in Austin, TX
The board-certified and fellowship-trained gastroenterologists at Austin Gastroenterology are highly experienced in the treatment of liver disorders and diseases. If you have been diagnosed with a liver disorder or are exhibiting symptoms of hepatitis B, schedule an appointment with one of our GI doctors today. The liver plays an important role in metabolization, and our physicians strive to help you manage your condition and reduce damage to your liver. To schedule an appointment with a GI doctor, call our location nearest you or use our convenient online appointment request form.
