Individuals who are hepatitis B virus carriers often show no symptoms, making it easy for the condition to be overlooked. Over time, this can develop into chronic hepatitis B. Many people start as hepatitis B carriers when they are young and are more likely to experience disease onset as they age. Is there truly a relationship between the onset of disease in hepatitis B carriers and age? Why does this phenomenon occur?

1. Is there a relationship between the onset of hepatitis B in carriers and age?

Firstly, the timing of disease onset in hepatitis B virus carriers indeed has a certain relationship with age. Research findings indicate:

1. The incidence rate is higher among hepatitis B virus carriers aged between 40 and 60;

2. The incidence rate of hepatitis B virus carriers in the 20-40 age group is relatively low.

3. The likelihood of developing symptoms is even lower at younger ages.

Data show that as age increases, the number of hepatitis B virus carriers gradually decreases, but the number of people who develop symptoms and experience worsening conditions keeps rising. Additionally, the complexity of the virus, difficulty of treatment, and severity of harm all increase accordingly.

2. Under what circumstances are hepatitis B carriers more likely to develop the disease?

1. Failure to prioritize regular check-ups leads to disease progression going unnoticed.

Most hepatitis B virus carriers experience no discomfort symptoms, and over time, they are prone to neglect regular follow-up examinations.

Hepatitis B virus carriers must undergo annual check-ups. If positive HBV DNA, abnormal liver function, or active viral replication is detected, prompt medical attention is essential, and treatment should be administered as per the doctor's instructions.

2. The older the age, the lower the immunity becomes.

As age increases, the body’s immunity declines, leading to increasingly active hepatitis B virus in the body. This gradually damages liver cells, causing their injury and necrosis, progressively worsening into chronic hepatitis B and even advancing to liver cirrhosis.

Many hepatitis B virus carriers believe they are healthy due to the absence of symptoms and therefore do not take extra care in their daily lives. Habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol, staying up late, as well as dietary choices like spicy and irritating foods, processed foods, and smoked or grilled foods are not avoided. These unhealthy habits can become triggers for the onset of hepatitis B in the future.

Friendly reminder:

①Hepatitis B virus carriers are advised to have a re-examination every 3-6 months. If any abnormalities are detected, it is essential to actively pursue treatment.

②It is recommended that high-risk groups for liver cancer with hepatitis B or C undergo alpha-fetoprotein testing or ultrasound screening for liver cancer every 6 months.

③ It is recommended that healthy individuals over the age of 40 undergo hepatitis B serology and liver function tests annually. If antibodies are absent or weakly positive, a hepatitis B vaccine booster should be administered.

④ Patients with liver cirrhosis should undergo alpha-fetoprotein testing or ultrasound every six months to detect and address issues in a timely manner.