Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Hepatitis B Virus. Can It Be Treated?

in have diagnosed that i have been suffering for hapatitis b virus..but my doctor said that my liver is healthy and doesnt have any damage..he said that im a healthy carrier..can i ask if this virus can be treated and can i win=ll become get well soon..because im studying now and i am worry oif i couldnt find any job in my futre if it is cannot be treated.
Mon, 29 Oct 2012
Report Abuse
General Surgeon 's  Response
Hello,

I have gone through your problem.

You have been diagnosed as having Hepatitis B virus in your body. This condition is known as HBSAg +ve.
First you need to know something about your condition. Many people may get affected by this virus. Usually the mode of transmission is by using infected needles, blood transfusion and may also be transmitted sexually. In many patients the virus persists in the body for less than 6 months. If the virus persists for more than 6 months then we call that person as Carrier.

Healthy Carriers are patients in whom the virus persists but will not affect the liver. So the chances of these patients landing up with Cirrhosis of liver is almost nil. In some Carriers the virus slowly attacks the liver and this is known as Chronic active hepatitis. This can cause Cirrhosis of liver. Overall if you see, out of the patients affected with this virus only 2-3% may have this Chronic active hepatitis and may land up with Liver Cirrhosis.

As you have been detected to be HBSAg +ve, you need to be further evaluated with some more blood tests to check the viral DNA load. If its in early stage the chances for a complete cure might be there with Interferon injections. But they are very expensive.

My advice is you need to consult a Gastroenterologist or Hepatologist so that he can further evaluate you and can suggest you regarding the use of Interferons.

Good luck to you.
I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer

Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Enrique Molina's  Response
If your doctor said you don't need treatment, it is because you probably have a "chronic inactive hepatitis B" infection. This means that your liver enzymes are normal (your liver is not inflamed), your hepatitis B viral load is very low.

You will need regular check up (laboratories every 6 months or so), and if an abnormality is noted (increased liver enzymes, increased viral load), then a liver biopsy may be required and you may need treatment (which is usually lifelong).

You also need liver cancer screening at least once a year (hepatocellular carcinoma), with either an ultrasound of the liver, a CT scan or an MRI.

Make sure your family members and partner have been checked for this infection, and immunized if they are no currently infected.

Hope that helped,
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Liver


Loading Online Doctors....
Hepatitis B Virus. Can It Be Treated?

Hello, I have gone through your problem. You have been diagnosed as having Hepatitis B virus in your body. This condition is known as HBSAg +ve. First you need to know something about your condition. Many people may get affected by this virus. Usually the mode of transmission is by using infected needles, blood transfusion and may also be transmitted sexually. In many patients the virus persists in the body for less than 6 months. If the virus persists for more than 6 months then we call that person as Carrier. Healthy Carriers are patients in whom the virus persists but will not affect the liver. So the chances of these patients landing up with Cirrhosis of liver is almost nil. In some Carriers the virus slowly attacks the liver and this is known as Chronic active hepatitis. This can cause Cirrhosis of liver. Overall if you see, out of the patients affected with this virus only 2-3% may have this Chronic active hepatitis and may land up with Liver Cirrhosis. As you have been detected to be HBSAg +ve, you need to be further evaluated with some more blood tests to check the viral DNA load. If its in early stage the chances for a complete cure might be there with Interferon injections. But they are very expensive. My advice is you need to consult a Gastroenterologist or Hepatologist so that he can further evaluate you and can suggest you regarding the use of Interferons. Good luck to you.