[Health Tip] The 'Silent Invader' Hepatitis B... Thorough Prevention Is Crucial

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] The liver performs various functions in our body, including energy management, toxin breakdown, bile production, and immune enhancement. However, one of the major liver diseases, Hepatitis B, rarely shows clear symptoms and progresses quietly like a parasite, earning it the nickname "silent invader." Professor Lee Yoon-bin of the Department of Gastroenterology at Seoul National University Hospital advised, "If infected with the Hepatitis B virus, it can lead to fulminant liver failure or liver cancer," adding, "It is advisable to prevent Hepatitis B in advance and to be aware of its symptoms and treatment methods.

Hepatitis B is caused by infection with the Hepatitis B virus. It is divided into two types: acute hepatitis and chronic hepatitis. If the infection lasts less than six months, it is considered acute; if it persists for more than six months and causes chronic inflammation, it is classified as chronic. Before the commercialization of the Hepatitis B vaccine, about 8-10%, or roughly 1 in 10 people in Korea, had chronic Hepatitis B. However, since the start of Hepatitis B vaccination in 1983, the introduction of newborn vaccination in 1991, and the expansion of the national immunization program in 1995, the prevalence rate has been maintained at about 3% of the total population since 2008.

The Hepatitis B virus is usually transmitted through blood. If there is a family member with Hepatitis B, transmission can occur through shared use of items exposed to blood such as toothbrushes, nail clippers, and razors. This is why it is crucial to confirm the presence of Hepatitis B virus antibodies and exposure status in advance.

Chronic Hepatitis B rarely shows clear symptoms and progresses silently. It may cause liver inflammation for decades without any symptoms, which is why it cannot be diagnosed based on symptoms alone without testing. However, it can lead to chronic hepatitis, and over time, it may cause cirrhosis?commonly known as liver fibrosis?and even liver cancer. Diagnosis is actually made through blood tests that check for the presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen.

Currently, there is no treatment that can completely eliminate the Hepatitis B virus infection. The current approach is to use medications that suppress the replication of the virus causing chronic Hepatitis B to minimize inflammation. Generally, chronic Hepatitis B patients without prior treatment experience start therapy with oral antiviral drugs such as entecavir, tenofovir, or besifovir. Notably, chronic Hepatitis B can sometimes progress directly to liver cancer without passing through cirrhosis, so thorough management to prevent liver cancer is essential.

If liver enzyme levels rise or active Hepatitis B is confirmed, it is advisable to start antiviral treatment promptly. Alcohol consumption accelerates liver disease progression significantly, so strict abstinence is essential. Smoking also greatly increases the risk of liver cancer compared to non-smokers, so quitting smoking is necessary. Additionally, some chronic Hepatitis B patients have metabolic diseases such as diabetes, which increases the risk of liver cancer, so strict medication management is required if diabetes is present. If there is hyperlipidemia or fatty liver, appropriate weight management is also necessary.

Professor Lee Yoon-bin, Department of Gastroenterology, Seoul National University Hospital

Professor Lee Yoon-bin of the Department of Gastroenterology at Seoul National University Hospital stated, “Most importantly, liver cancer cannot be 100% prevented," and advised, "Chronic Hepatitis B patients need thorough management and should regularly undergo liver cancer surveillance tests every six months, including serum alpha-fetoprotein tests, which are liver cancer markers, and liver ultrasound examinations.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.