How is hepatitis B treated?

Dec 12, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Gao Jun

Introduction

The standardized treatment for hepatitis B centers on antiviral therapy, supplemented by liver-protective treatments, immune modulation, symptomatic and supportive care, and management of complications, all of which should follow individualized and comprehensive standardized principles. After a confirmed diagnosis of hepatitis B, patients should promptly seek medical care at the gastroenterology or hepatology department of a正规 hospital to avoid delays in treatment. Nucleos(t)ide analogues, interferon, etc., are used as part of the treatment regimen.

Hepatitis B should be treated according to standardized guidelines, with antiviral therapy as the core component, supplemented by liver-protective treatment, immune regulation, symptomatic and supportive care, and management of complications. Individualized and comprehensive, long-term management principles must be followed. After diagnosis, patients should promptly visit the gastroenterology or hepatology department at a正规 hospital to avoid delays in treatment.

1. Antiviral therapy: Using nucleos(t)ide analogues, interferon, and other medications to suppress hepatitis B virus replication and reduce liver cell damage is key to controlling disease progression. Treatment requires long-term adherence to medical instructions; patients must not discontinue or change medications on their own.

2. Liver-protective therapy: For patients with abnormal liver function, hepatoprotective drugs can help reduce liver inflammation and promote hepatocyte repair. Medication should be adjusted under physician guidance based on liver function tests, avoiding indiscriminate or blind use of liver-protective agents.

3. Immune regulation therapy: Immune modulators are used to regulate the body's immune function and enhance clearance of the hepatitis B virus. This approach should be applied rationally based on the patient’s immune status and should not be used alone as the primary treatment strategy.

4. Symptomatic and supportive therapy: Management of symptoms such as fatigue and jaundice includes nutritional support, bilirubin-lowering treatments, and correction of electrolyte imbalances, all aimed at creating favorable conditions for liver recovery.

5. Complication management: For complications such as liver cirrhosis and fibrosis caused by chronic hepatitis B, targeted interventions—including anti-fibrotic therapy and prevention of ascites-related infections—are essential to slow disease progression.

In daily life, patients should maintain regular作息, avoid staying up late and excessive fatigue, eat a light and easily digestible diet, reduce intake of greasy and spicy foods, quit smoking and drinking, control body weight to prevent obesity, maintain a positive mindset, and undergo regular follow-up testing of liver function and viral load.

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Can short-acting interferon be used again after having been administered for 4 years and then discontinued for 4 years?

If the underlying disease (e.g., chronic hepatitis B or C) is currently in an active phase, with abnormal liver function or elevated viral load, and no severe baseline conditions (e.g., cirrhosis) have occurred during the 4-year period off treatment, the patient may be eligible for re-treatment—provided a physician evaluates them as having good overall tolerance and no contraindications to interferon use (such as severe cardiac or renal disease, or psychiatric history). An individualized dosing regimen would then be required.