What You Should Know About Hepatitis B – Diagnosis and Treatment

Treatment Options

Acute Hepatitis B infection usually does not require treatment while chronic Hepatitis B, once diagnosed is treated employing one or more of the below mentioned approaches.

• Medicines – Antiviral drugs like Interferon (a naturally occurring body protein) and nucleotide analogues (NAs) (man-made chemicals that mimic the normal building blocks for DNA) are most commonly used for treating chronic Hepatitis B. Interferon is given as an injection and has side effects (fatigue, muscle ache, loss of appetite, mood swings and depression), where as NAs are given in the pill form and have few side effects. However, it is important to keep in mind that these drugs are not a cure for Hepatitis B,  they boost the immune system, reduce the damage caused by the virus and help the liver heal itself.

• Liver Transplantation – This is an option for patients who suffer from greater liver damage like liver failure due to cirrhosis or unusually severe Hepatitis. The process depends on the availability of a matching donor liver.

• Lifestyle Changes – By making several changes in one’s lifestyle, it is possible to relieve some of the symptoms of Hepatitis B and thus prevent the infection from getting worse. These include  drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, avoiding alcohol and vigorous exercises, eating a nutritious diet and having a good support system in place. Family, friends, online and local support groups play an important role in helping one get over the shock of the diagnosis and undertaking treatment effectively.

Finally, blood tests should be done periodically to monitor the health of the patient and determine the success of the treatment process.

Read more:

What You Should Know About Hepatitis B: Part I, Diagnosis and Symptoms

What You Should Know About Hepatitis B: Part 2, Causes

What You Should Know About Hepatitis B: Part 4, Reducing the Risks