The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Chronic Hepatitis B

HBV infection lasting longer than 6 months and long-term liver risks.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Internal Medicine department. Book Appointment →

What is Chronic Hepatitis B?

Chronic hepatitis B is defined as HBV infection in which HBsAg remains positive for more than 6 months. The natural course can vary among immune-tolerant, immune-active, inactive carrier and reactivation phases.

Some patients maintain normal liver function while others develop chronic hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, regular monitoring and timely treatment are crucial.

Entecavir- and tenofovir-based antivirals are widely used; pegylated interferon may be preferred in selected cases.

Symptoms

Often asymptomatic
Mild fatigue and tiredness
Mild right-upper-quadrant discomfort
Jaundice in the chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis stages
Abdominal swelling and leg edema (decompensated cirrhosis)
Encephalopathy (in advanced disease)
HCC findings

Risk Factors

Perinatal HBV exposure
Infection in early childhood
Immunosuppressed state
HCV and HDV co-infection
Alcohol use
Metabolic diseases
Family history of HBV

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When HBsAg positivity is detected
  • When ALT is elevated
  • Family history of HBV or liver cancer
  • When new findings develop in a patient with chronic hepatitis B
  • When pregnancy is planned (perinatal transmission risk)

Treatment Methods

01
Regular ALT, HBV DNA and ultrasound monitoring
02
Entecavir or tenofovir
03
Pegylated interferon in suitable cases
04
Liver ultrasound and AFP every 6 months
05
HCC screening in cirrhotic patients
06
HBV vaccination of unvaccinated relatives

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Flu (Influenza)

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Influenza is a seasonal contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses; it presents with high fever, muscle pain, and severe fatigue.

COVID-19

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

COVID-19 is a contagious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus with a wide clinical spectrum ranging from asymptomatic to severe pneumonia.

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Upper respiratory tract infections are diseases that include common cold, pharyngitis, sinusitis, and laryngitis, often of viral origin and self-limited.

Urinary Tract Infection

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Urinary tract infections are common bacterial infections most often caused by Escherichia coli, presenting with burning and frequent urination.

Hepatitis A (HAV)

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Hepatitis A is an acute, self-limited liver infection transmitted via the fecal-oral route causing acute hepatitis without chronicity; supportive care suffices in most cases, while vaccination prevents outbreaks and post-exposure prophylaxis within 2 weeks is effective.

Hepatitis B

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Hepatitis B is a contagious infection caused by HBV virus transmitted via blood, sexual intercourse, and mother-to-child, that can become chronic and progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Hepatitis C

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by HCV virus transmitted mainly by blood; the rate of chronicity is high, but cure is possible with new antiviral drugs.

HIV/AIDS Information

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

HIV is a virus that targets the immune system; if untreated, it progresses to AIDS. With modern antiretroviral therapy, HIV-positive individuals can lead healthy, long lives.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.