What Are the Treatments for Acute Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a viral condition that causes inflammation and death of liver cells. The virus is primarily transferred through blood and other body fluids. Active cases of hepatitis B may not exhibit any signs or symptoms of the disease. This makes management more difficult because the disease process is advanced before treatment begins. There are several medications and therapeutic measures to take when managing a case of active hepatitis B.
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Interferon Therapy
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Early treatment with interferon injections may induce remission of the hepatitis B. According to the Mayo Clinic, the interferon stimulates the body's immune system and prevents the hepatitis B virus from replicating. The medication is administered as a subcutaneous injection. Side effects of interferon are severe and include fever, nausea and fatigue.
Antiviral Medications
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There are several antiviral medications available to also help the hepatitis B virus from replicating in the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, antiviral medications commonly used are Tyzeka, Baraclude, Epivir-HBV and Hepsera. These medications are taken in pill form. The antiviral medications are effective in reducing the symptoms of the virus. If the medication is stopped, an individual may experience a return of the symptoms, normally worse than before taking the pills.
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Nutrition
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Adequate nutrition should be properly maintained throughout an active hepatitis B infection. Protein in the diet should be avoided because it is metabolized by the liver. An individual is also encouraged to maintain adequate fluid intake, especially if frequent vomiting occurs.
Bed Rest
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Bed rest is normally recommended, even with other treatment, until any signs of active hepatitis B have ended. Activities should be restricted until liver enlargement has returned to normal.
Theraputic Treatment
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Symptoms of hepatitis B, such as vomiting and fatigue are treated therapeutically. Anti-nausea medications, antacid and belladonna are all examples of medications used to help ease the symptoms of an active case of hepatitis B.
Convalescence
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It can take three to four months to fully recover from an active hepatitis B viral infection. During this time, a gradual return to normal physical activity is encouraged. Once the jaundice stage of the infection has passed, the increased activity is permitted.
Psychosocial Treatment
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Isolation and separation from family and friends can cause depression in a person suffering with hepatitis B. Encouraging daily contact with a support system is key to decreasing psychosocial complications. Calm hobbies, telephone calls and access to the Internet are all ways to treat the emotional isolation issues that may arise with hepatitis B.
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