Hepatitis B — treatment in Lahore
Also known as: HBV · Hepatitis B Infection · Chronic Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver caused by the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). It can cause both acute illness and chronic infection, the latter of which can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer if untreated.
Overview
Hepatitis B is one of the most common chronic infections in Pakistan. With proper monitoring and, when needed, antiviral therapy, the liver stays protected and transmission to family members can be prevented.
Signs & symptoms of Hepatitis B
If you recognize one or more of these, it may be worth a consultation:
- Often silent for years
- Fatigue, mild jaundice in some
- Right-upper-abdominal discomfort
- Detected on routine bloodwork
Causes & risk factors
Several factors can contribute to Hepatitis B. Identifying yours guides the treatment plan.
- Mother-to-child transmission at birth
- Contact with infected blood
- Sexual contact
- Sharing needles, razors, or shaving instruments
- Unsafe medical or dental procedures
- Tattoos and piercings in unregulated settings
How Hepatitis B is diagnosed
We order tests selectively — only what changes the plan.
- HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBe
- HBV DNA viral load
- Liver function tests
- FibroScan / ultrasound
Treatment options
Treatment for Hepatitis B is personalized — the right plan depends on your symptoms, test results, and life situation.
- 1 Long-term oral antivirals (tenofovir, entecavir) in selected patients
- 2 6-monthly monitoring for inactive carriers
- 3 Liver cancer surveillance with ultrasound + alpha-fetoprotein
- 4 Vaccination of family members
Most adults clear acute Hepatitis B without treatment. Those who develop chronic infection can live full, healthy lives with monitoring — and antiviral therapy when indicated keeps the liver protected.
Can Hepatitis B be prevented?
Simple, evidence-based steps that reduce your risk.
- Hepatitis B vaccination — safe, highly effective
- Avoid sharing razors or toothbrushes
- Use sterile equipment for any skin-piercing procedure
- Test partners and family members
When should you see a doctor about Hepatitis B?
Reach out without delay if you notice any of the following.
- Positive HBsAg test
- Family member newly diagnosed
- Unexplained fatigue and elevated liver enzymes
- Pregnancy and HBV-positive — needs urgent care for the baby
Frequently asked questions about Hepatitis B
Is Hepatitis B curable? +
Acute Hep B clears on its own in most adults. Chronic Hep B is currently not curable but very well controllable with antivirals — patients live normal lives with proper monitoring.
Can I have a normal pregnancy with Hepatitis B? +
Yes. Babies born to HBV-positive mothers must receive Hepatitis B immunoglobulin plus the first vaccine dose within 12 hours of birth — this prevents transmission in over 95% of cases.
Do I need to tell my family I have Hepatitis B? +
Yes, family and household members should be tested and vaccinated. Sexual partners should also be tested and vaccinated. This is the most effective way to prevent further transmission.
Will I need a liver transplant? +
Most patients never do. With early diagnosis and proper antiviral therapy, the vast majority of chronic Hep B patients never progress to cirrhosis or liver failure.
Related services
How we treat Hepatitis B at Javaid Poly Clinic.
Useful self-check tools
Free, evidence-based — try them before your visit.
Dr Usman Javaid
Gastroenterology & Medicine Diplomat · DIP (Gastro) UK · DIP (Hepatology) UK · DIP (Diabetes) UK · MCPS FM-TC · MPH · FRSPH (UK) · FRCP (Colombo) · Organ Transplant Advisor · CHPE (NUMS) · Preventive Medicine Specialist · Owner of Javaid Poly Clinic.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Usman Javaid on . Content is updated when new evidence or guidelines emerge.
Medical disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes and does not replace medical consultation. If you have symptoms of Hepatitis B or any other condition, please book a consultation. In emergencies, call 1122 or visit your nearest emergency department.