Is hepatitis B cirrhosis serious?
Feb 23, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Jiang Weimin
Introduction
The severity of hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis depends on the degree of liver function impairment, presence of ascites, and other complications. If it is early-stage cirrhosis (compensated phase), liver function damage is generally not severe. However, if it has progressed to the decompensated phase, the condition is more serious. Patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis are advised to consume more mushroom-based foods, such as shiitake mushrooms, white button mushrooms, and king oyster mushrooms, which may help alleviate the condition.
How severe hepatitis B-related cirrhosis is depends on the degree of liver function impairment, presence of ascites, and other complications. If it is early-stage cirrhosis—i.e., in the compensated phase—the liver function damage is generally not serious. However, if it progresses to the decompensated phase, the condition becomes more severe.
1. Not Severe
In compensated cirrhosis, clinical symptoms are usually subtle and may include mild fatigue, abdominal distension, slight enlargement of the liver or spleen, mild jaundice, palmar erythema (liver palms), and spider angiomas. At this stage, which is known as the compensated phase, significant liver dysfunction or only mild abnormalities are typically observed, so the condition is generally not considered severe. Most patients remain stable after antiviral treatment, and in some cases, reversal of liver cirrhosis can even occur.
2. Severe
In the decompensated phase, patients may experience obvious fatigue, weight loss, dull complexion, reduced urine output, lower limb edema, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Liver function tests show elevated bilirubin and transaminase levels, decreased albumin levels, prolonged prothrombin time, and development of ascites—indicating a more serious condition. Comprehensive treatments including hepatoprotective therapy, enzyme-lowering agents, jaundice reduction, diuretics, and antiviral therapy are required. Supportive treatments such as hemodialysis and human serum albumin infusions may also be needed.
Patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis are advised to avoid emotional stress and cold exposure. They should also consume more mushroom-type foods such as shiitake mushrooms, button mushrooms, wood ear fungus, enoki mushrooms, and king oyster mushrooms, which may help alleviate their condition.
