Today, millions of people around the world are at risk of developing serious chronic hepatitis B-related diseases.
And serious liver damage can occur even before symptoms appear. By understanding chronic hepatitis B, you can become
a better partner in helping your doctor manage your health.
Q. How do I
know if I have chronic hepatitis B?
A. Hepatitis
B is diagnosed with a simple blood test. If your blood tests are positive for
at least 6 months, then your infection is considered chronic.
Q. What are
the possible consequences of chronic hepatitis B?
A. Over
time, chronic hepatitis B can damage your liver—a vital organ that processes
nutrients from food and removes toxins from your body.
When you
have chronic hepatitis B, the hepatitis B virus multiplies inside your liver
and attacks your healthy liver cells. This can lead to serious liver damage
such as:
- Fibrosis (scarring of the
liver)
- Cirrhosis (severe scarring
of the liver)
- Liver cancer
This
damage can happen even before symptoms appear. However, not all
patients progress to serious liver damage. About 15% to 40% of people with
chronic hepatitis B develop serious liver disease including cirrhosis, liver
failure, or even liver cancer.
Q. What if I
don't have any symptoms? Do I still need to see my doctor?
A. Yes! You
may feel healthy if you have chronic hepatitis B. But even if you feel healthy
now, the virus may go on damaging your liver for years—or even decades—without
symptoms. By visiting your doctor regularly, your condition can be monitored to
find out how the virus has affected your liver.
A. Yes.
Chronic hepatitis B is a serious infection caused by the hepatitis B virus.
Leading a healthy lifestyle is important. But you also need to work closely
with your doctor to keep track of your condition. Your doctor may recommend other
ways to manage your condition.
A. The most
important thing you can do to help manage your chronic hepatitis B is to become
an active, informed partner in your care. By visiting your doctor regularly,
you can help to closely monitor and manage your condition.
- William Howoong Chun
Source: FaceCHB
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