Patients with hepatitis B are certainly worried about their illness. Hearing a verdict that you suffer from chronic hepatitis B can be scary. But with the right actions, you can still live a normal life.
Generally the body's immunity is able to completely eradicate the hepatitis B virus which can cause inflammation in the liver. However, some people's bodies are unable to do it, so the virus survives and develops into chronic hepatitis B.
If not handled properly, chronic hepatitis B can cause long-term health problems, including liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer, to death.
Although no drugs have been found to completely eradicate hepatitis B virus, there are now antiviral drugs such as peginterferon alfa-2a, lamivudine, adefovir, telbivudine, and entecavir, which can suppress viral activity thereby preventing the development of complications in the liver and transmission to others.
Overcoming Disorders that Accompany Hepatitis
It is undeniable, suffering from chronic diseases can cause bodily disorders while affecting mental conditions. Some things that may be felt by people with chronic hepatitis B, such as:
- Often feel tired. Try not to do too much activity in one day. When you feel tired, taking time to rest or take a nap can restore your stamina.
- Nausea can ruin your appetite. Eat and drink as much as you can. If necessary, ask your doctor for medicines that can help reduce the nausea. Vitamin intake or nutritional supplements should be consulted first with a doctor.
- Stressed by stress. In addition to attacking the body, chronic hepatitis B can also cause emotional disturbances. Patients can get support from people around, for example, family or spouse. In addition, sufferers can also join the Hepatitis Concern Community.
However, one third of chronic hepatitis B sufferers have no symptoms at all. No wonder so many feel healthy, even though the infected liver has been gnawed by the virus. About 15-25 percent of people with chronic hepatitis B will die of cirrhosis or liver cancer.
For pregnant women who suffer from chronic hepatitis B, should be checked regularly. Because the hepatitis B virus can be transmitted from the mother to the baby during delivery. Treatment can be started by using drugs that are safe for pregnant women. At delivery, the baby should be given hepatitis B vaccination immediately, if necessary accompanied by hepatitis B antibodies within 12 hours after birth.
Passion for Striving for a Healthy Life
Chronic hepatitis B can not be fully controlled by the sufferer, but the thing to remember is that the patient is still in control of various factors that can determine the level of health. The following are some things that can be done.
- Avoid cigarettes and alcohol because it can be harmful to the liver infected with the hepatitis B virus.
- Eat nutritious foods to help eliminate toxins in the body. For example fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meat as a source of protein. Avoid ready meals or processed packages.
- Drink lots of water and fresh juice.
- Avoid foods from raw oysters because they can contain germs that are harmful to the liver.
- Exercise regularly and get enough rest to strengthen the immune system needed to fight the virus.
- In taking drugs or monitoring the health conditions of chronic hepatitis B sufferers, still have to go through consultation with a doctor.
Preventing the Spread of Hepatitis B Virus
Most people with chronic hepatitis B have a long life expectancy. The thing to remember, sufferers must be careful because it can transmit the virus to others through blood and other bodily fluids. The virus does not spread through casual contact such as holding hands, sharing utensils or drinking, breastfeeding, kissing, hugging, coughing, or sneezing. To prevent transmission of the hepatitis B virus, it is recommended to:
- Vaccinate yourself and family.
- Practicing safe sexual relations.
- Do not share syringes, toothbrushes, towels, nail clippers and razors with others.
- Take care when tattooed or pierced.
- Clean all objects exposed to blood using a solution of bleach and water in a ratio of 1: 9.
- Clean or discard objects that are affected by hepatitis B sufferers' blood.
- Don't donate blood, organs, sperm or cells
The effectiveness of drugs to suppress the hepatitis B virus will only reach certain levels. The only way to find out if your treatment is effective or not, is by routine health checks and monitoring of the condition of the liver through ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or biopsy.
Consultation with a specialist in internal medicine or hepatologist should be done about one to two times a year, or depending on your health condition.
Suffering from chronic hepatitis B is not the end of everything, you still have the possibility to move and have a normal life with proper care and treatment, and lead a healthy lifestyle.
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