How to Get Rid of HEP B

Hepatitis B, or HEP B for short, is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This most common of the liver infections is characterized by irritation and swelling of the liver. Ninety percent of adults who do contract HBV are able to rid themselves of the virus during the acute stage (the first six months) without too much difficulty. Younger patients and other adults, however, do not respond to acute treatment, resulting in a chronic condition that can potentially cause cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure and ultimately death. Treatments are available for those with chronic infections, and a safe hepatitis B vaccine is available for all age groups. New treatments are under development for those already infected as well.

Instructions

• 1

  Call your doctor as soon as you are aware that you have been exposed to the hepatitis B virus. A hepatitis B immune globulin injection within the first 24 hours after exposure may prevent the development of hepatitis B. The first in a series of three shots of the hepatitis B vaccine will also be administered at this time. Your healthcare provider will also carefully monitor your liver function during the acute phase in the rare case that you develop liver failure.

• 2

  Get plenty of rest to help your body recover from the infection.

• 3

  Get proper nutrition. A well-balanced diet will help your body recover from the infection. Focus on foods high in protein and fiber, as well as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

• 4

  Limit protein intake, as liver damage from hepatitis B inhibits the liver's ability to properly break down proteins.

• 5

  Drink adequate fluids. Make sure to have a minimum of eight glasses of water a day.

• 6

  Avoid alcohol and tobacco. These can worsen your condition and make recovery more difficult.

• 7

  Check with your health professional prior to taking any prescription medications, supplements or over-the-counter medications. Avoid acetaminophen such as Tylenol, which can cause liver damage. Take all of the prescribed medications as directed to alleviate any symptoms you are experiencing.

• 8

  Meet with your doctor at the end of the designated recovery period for Hepatitis B. Lab tests will be administered to confirm a full recovery.

• 9

  Continue to follow the steps outlined above if the condition develops to the chronic stage.

• 10

  Take antiviral medication. There are currently five different medications used to treat chronic HBV. Interferon injections supplement your body's natural interferon production to stimulate your body's immune response to HBV and help prevent the virus from replicating in your cells. Telbivudine, taken daily in pill form, prevents replication of HBV with fewer side effects, but may cause a drug-resistant form of the disease to develop. Entecavir is also taken once daily in pill form has been found to be more effective than Lamivudine, but symptoms may seriously worsen when the medication is stopped. Adefovir dipivoxil is also taken daily in pill form to prevent HBV from replicating in your cells. It is effective with patients who are resistant to lamivudine.