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My brother is diagnosed with hepatitis B. Please suggest treatment options and food restrictions.

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Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My younger brother is 27 years old. He is diagnosed with hepatitis B. Hepatitis delta antibody is non-reactive and quantity of HBV DNA is 7000 IU/ml (international units per milliliter)

We have done the following tests for him.

1. ALT (SGPT) =50.

2. Total bilirubin ( 1.90).

3. Direct bilirubin (0.41) is not normal.

4. Hepatitis B antigen - non reactive.

5. Hepatitis B antibody - reactive.

6. Neutrophils - 69%.

7. Monocytes - 8%.

8. Lymphocytes - 23%.

9. MPV - 10.7 fL.

10. Eosinophils - 0%.

11. Basophils - 0%.

He also carried out shear wave elastography. And the Metavir fibrosis score is F0. I have not shared this news with my family. Only my brother and I know it since my mother is a heart patient. How may we know that hepatitis is acute or chronic? What other tests can you suggest? Our doctor prescribed antiviral medication. Should we go for antiviral medication as per the prescription of the doctor? Kindly share detailed guidelines. If you need copies of the reports, I can share them with you. Also, suggest the food guidelines for the patient.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Mian Shah Yousaf

Education:

FCPS Gastroenterology

Professional Bio:

Dr. Mian Shah Yousaf is a Medical Gastroenterologist with 12 years of clinical experience who completed his MBBS in 2011 from Khyber Medical University. He did his internship at the Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. He then joined Khyber Teaching Hospital for two years of FCPS training in Medicine, followed by three years of Gastroenterology training at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. After Completing FCPS training, he started working as a Consultant Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist, and Endoscopist.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It looks like your brother has chronic hepatitis B, which is in an inactive carrier state. I would like to see his USG (ultrasound) and platelet count. I do not think that there is anything serious in it, and he also does not need any treatment for it at the moment.

As far as acute vs. chronic is concerned, then you have to do Hbc-IgM. This will help us to distinguish between these two conditions. There is no need for any restrictions on the food. His razor, toothbrush, nail cutter, and comb should not be shared.

I hope this helps.

Do follow up whenever needed.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Vinodhini J.
Published At September 29, 2020
Reviewed At April 15, 2026

Education:

FCPS Gastroenterology

Professional Bio:

Dr. Mian Shah Yousaf is a Medical Gastroenterologist with 12 years of clinical experience who completed his MBBS in 2011 from Khyber Medical University. He did his internship at the Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. He then joined Khyber Teaching Hospital for two years of FCPS training in Medicine, followed by three years of Gastroenterology training at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. After Completing FCPS training, he started working as a Consultant Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist, and Endoscopist.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vinodhini J. is a Dental Surgeon with extensive years of clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and oral health issues, including restorative, surgical, and cosmetic procedures. With a patient-centered approach, she focuses on maintaining oral health, alleviating discomfort, and enhancing smiles. Her expertise ensures comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s dental needs and overall wellbeing.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

FCPS Gastroenterology

Professional Bio:

Dr. Mian Shah Yousaf is a Medical Gastroenterologist with 12 years of clinical experience who completed his MBBS in 2011 from Khyber Medical University. He did his internship at the Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. He then joined Khyber Teaching Hospital for two years of FCPS training in Medicine, followed by three years of Gastroenterology training at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. After Completing FCPS training, he started working as a Consultant Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist, and Endoscopist.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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