Patient's question:
Hepatitis B surface antigen positive, hepatitis B virus carrier, normal liver function, no symptoms or signs, can I drink beer?Doctor's answer:
Hepatitis B virus carriers, due to the presence of the hepatitis B virus in their bodies, should avoid alcohol as it is metabolized by the liver, producing toxic acetaldehyde that directly harms the liver. Moreover, it can damage the normal enzyme systems of liver cells, leading to further degeneration, fibrosis, or even suppuration of liver cells. Therefore, it is highly recommended for hepatitis B virus carriers to abstain from alcohol. Cases where hepatitis B virus carriers' conditions worsen due to drinking beer are not uncommon. Experiments have found that long-term hepatitis B virus carriers often have varying degrees of liver inflammation. Long-term beer consumption can lead to the accumulation and persistent presence of alcohol metabolites in the liver, further damaging an already compromised liver.