Hepatitis B is one of the causes of cirrhosis. If hepatitis B is not promptly controlled, it is highly likely to progress to cirrhosis. Therefore, patients often wonder how long it takes for hepatitis B to develop into cirrhosis.

How long does it actually take for hepatitis B to progress to cirrhosis? In fact, there are individual differences. Some individuals who take good care of themselves may take 15–20 years, while those who do not may develop cirrhosis in just one or two years. It is crucial to understand the risks and take preventive measures against cirrhosis to delay the progression from hepatitis B to cirrhosis as much as possible.

How can hepatitis B patients prevent cirrhosis?

1. Get regular checkups at the hospital

Since hepatitis B can potentially progress to cirrhosis, it is necessary to have regular annual checkups at the hospital to monitor whether there are any signs of cirrhosis. Moreover, through physical examinations, we can determine whether hepatitis B has been well-controlled and whether the treatment has been effective recently. If any issues arise, they can be addressed promptly to prevent them from worsening.

2. Pay attention to diet

To control hepatitis B, it is essential to pay close attention to your diet and avoid foods that can harm the liver. Focus on consuming nutrient-rich foods and natural ingredients to ensure each meal is balanced and healthy. However, it is important to emphasize that you should avoid moldy foods. Moldy foods contain a substance called aflatoxin, which is a carcinogen. Regularly consuming moldy foods can increase the risk of developing liver cancer.

3. Do Not Take Excessive Liver-Protecting Medications

Without a doctor's recommendation, avoid taking liver-protecting medications arbitrarily. If taken improperly, these medications can actually become a burden on the liver. Additionally, refrain from consuming unusual health supplements in daily life. Although they are often marketed as having various health benefits, they can cause further damage to the liver. Instead of relying on such supplements, prioritize consuming nutritious foods.

4. Maintain a Regular Lifestyle

Regularity is the prerequisite for a healthy life, especially for some hepatitis B patients with liver damage. To keep the condition under control, the principle of regularity must be implemented in all aspects of life. For example, having regular meals and maintaining a regular sleep schedule. It's time to break the bad habit of staying up late. Staying up late doesn't just waste time—it harms overall health, especially the health of the liver.

5. Absolutely Do Not Drink Alcohol

The liver strictly forbids excessive alcohol consumption. If you have hepatitis B liver disease, you should not drink any alcohol at all. If the habit of heavy drinking is not corrected, hepatitis B will become increasingly severe, the progression from hepatitis B to cirrhosis will accelerate, and the time frame will shorten significantly.

Although the progression from hepatitis B to cirrhosis is slow, if you are not careful, the process can accelerate, sometimes occurring within one or two years. In addition to treatment, daily preventive measures are essential for managing hepatitis B. A healthy diet and regular exercise are indispensable!