The liver is an organ that metabolizes carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. Although not directly responsible for digestion, it produces bile to aid digestion and absorption. It is also an important organ in the body that detoxifies and sterilises, and synthesises and breaks down various substances.

Despite playing such an important role, the liver is also known as the ‘silent organ’ because it shows no symptoms when it is more than 70% damaged.

How should we look after our liver health?

Human liver disease, diagnosis and liver treatment. Doctor showing liver anatomical model for treatment hepatitis, cirrhosis and cancer

Hepatitis B was one of the most common diseases until the 1980s. Although the number of cases fell after vaccination became widespread in 1985, there are still cases of hepatitis.

According to statistics from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of hepatitis B patients increased by about 20,000 from 383,934 in 2018 to 403,268 in 2022.

The age group with the highest number of patients is the 40s and 50s for both men and women, with 138,527 patients in their 40s and 50s accounting for 62% of all male patients, out of a total of 223,218 male patients in 2022. Among female patients, 102,200 patients in their 40s and 50s represented 55% of all female patients out of a total of 180,500.

”Incheon General Hospital, Nasaret International Hospital”

Treatment of gallbladder and liver diseases in medicine, conceptual image. Gastroenterologist showing anatomical model of liver with gallbladder to patient while consultation at hospital

On the other hand, the age group with a steady increase in the number of patients is the 60s. For men, the number of patients increased by more than 14,000 from 35,592 in 2018 to 49,329 in 2022, and for women, the number of patients increased by more than 13,000 from 33,068 in 2018 to 46,705 in 2022.

This is why people in their 40s to 60s need to be aware of hepatitis B.

Please, do not share razors or nail clippers.

Causes of hepatitis B include the mother having hepatitis B, which can be passed to the baby during birth, sexual contact, blood transfusions and sharing of instruments that can cause bleeding, such as razors and nail clippers.

When a person is infected with hepatitis B, the body’s immune cells attack the hepatitis virus, which damages the liver. In severe cases, liver damage can lead to cirrhosis and even liver cancer.

liver cancer

According to the Korean Association for the Study of Liver Cancer, hepatitis B has been identified as the leading cause of liver cancer in Korea, with 74.2% of all liver cancer patients suffering from hepatitis B.

Chronic hepatitis B is a lifelong disease and a dynamic condition that changes over time. Even if you do not currently need antiviral treatment, your condition may change over time to the point where you need treatment.

“Incheon General Hospital, Nasaret International Hospital”

The degree of progression of the liver disease, the degree of proliferation of the hepatitis B virus and whether or not there is liver damage should be checked to determine antiviral treatment. A single test rarely can provide accurate assessment of chronic hepatitis B. If you are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms despite needing antiviral treatment, the risk of liver damage leading to cirrhosis and liver cancer increases.

Young Woman On Bed Covering Her Head On Pillow

Therefore, even if you are asymptomatic, you should be monitored regularly with hepatitis B-related blood tests and liver ultrasounds at least every six months. Sometimes patients are reassured that their liver function is normal by a health check without a separate test. However, as the results of a health check-up alone cannot accurately determine the status of hepatitis B, it is necessary to have regular follow-up examinations through consultation with a gastroenterologist.

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