Patient's question:
Last weekend, I went home to visit my parents and noticed that Dad had lost a lot of weight and his complexion wasn't good either. It was pale and worn, making him look much older. Mom said that recently Dad hasn't been hungry and always felt tired and weak. So, I took him to the hospital for a thorough check-up. The doctor said Dad had contracted hepatitis B. What should I do if someone has hepatitis B?Doctor's answer:
Hepatitis B, also known as chronic hepatitis B, is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) infecting the body. The hepatitis B virus is a hepatotropic virus that primarily resides within liver cells and damages them, leading to liver cell inflammation, necrosis, and fibrosis. Hepatitis B is classified into acute and chronic forms. Antiviral treatments include interferon and oral antiviral medications, such as lamivudine. Immunomodulatory drugs aim to reduce autoimmune responses. Thymosin, interleukins, and lymphokine-activated killer cells are used. Hepatoprotective drugs include Yi Gan Ling, Qiang Li Ning, and Gan Li Xin injections. Hepatitis B patients can use traditional Chinese medicine remedies as supplementary treatments alongside professional medical care, and should maintain a balanced diet in daily life to avoid foods.