Can cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B be cured by taking Chinese medicine?

Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
Updated on June 02, 2025
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Liver cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B cannot be completely cured by Chinese medicine, as the main cause is the presence of the hepatitis B virus. Therefore, antiviral medications are necessary for treatment. Only by eradicating the hepatitis B virus can the patient's cirrhosis be effectively controlled. Certainly, Chinese medicine from traditional practices does have confirmed effects on treating hepatitis B-induced liver cirrhosis, but it cannot completely cure cirrhosis; it can only slow its progression. Hence, once a patient is diagnosed with hepatitis B cirrhosis, it is crucial to actively use antiviral medications for treatment, typically opting for drugs such as entecavir, telbivudine, or tenofovir. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Is the surface of the liver smooth in the early stages of cirrhosis?

In the early stages of cirrhosis, it is not necessarily the case that the liver surface is very smooth; in patients with early cirrhosis, the liver surface can be uneven. Patients in the early stages of cirrhosis also need serious attention. They should undergo regular follow-up examinations, and it is important to identify the cause of the early cirrhosis. Based on different causes, appropriate treatment measures should be taken. For example, if the early cirrhosis is caused by chronic hepatitis B virus, antiviral treatment should be initiated as soon as possible. If it is due to alcohol, leading to early alcoholic cirrhosis, then it is crucial to quit drinking actively, and liver-protective treatments are also needed.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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What are the symptoms of early cirrhosis?

Early-stage cirrhosis does not have specific symptoms, and its manifestations are not typical. Some patients may have no symptoms at all, while others may experience general weakness, aversion to greasy food, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, abdominal distension, and abdominal pain. If these symptoms occur, it is recommended to visit a hospital promptly for an examination to determine the specific illness. If diagnosed with cirrhosis, it is necessary to identify the cause. Common diseases that lead to cirrhosis include viral hepatitis, such as chronic hepatitis B or chronic hepatitis C, as well as alcoholic liver disease and fatty liver. Once the cause is identified, treatment can be targeted based on the specific cause.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Do people with cirrhosis and their family members need to use separate bowls and chopsticks when eating?

Patients with cirrhosis and their family members do not necessarily have to use separate bowls and chopsticks when eating. The causes of cirrhosis include infectious and non-infectious cirrhosis. Among infectious cirrhosis, some are transmitted through blood and others through fecal-oral transmission. Only diseases transmitted via the fecal-oral route require separate bowls and chopsticks, such as hepatitis A and hepatitis E. These types require separation from family members during meals. However, hepatitis B, or some non-infectious types such as alcoholic hepatitis, do not require the use of separate eating utensils.

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Written by Ye Xi Yong
Infectious Diseases
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How long can one live with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis?

We cannot give a definite answer on how long a patient with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis can live, as the life expectancy in late-stage cirrhosis is influenced by many factors including treatment measures, lifestyle adjustments, daily healthcare, and physical condition. Patients in the compensated stage of cirrhosis, if treated and the progression of cirrhosis is halted, with normal liver function and negative hepatitis B virus replication indicators, can work normally. In this state, the quality of life is good, and they can live to 70 to 80 years old. For patients in the decompensated stage of cirrhosis, if untreated and the cirrhosis is allowed to progress, about 70 to 80% may die within 5 years; however, aggressive treatment, including traditional Chinese medicine for liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, combined with antiviral treatment, bleeding prevention, liver protection, and liver transplantation, can significantly increase the survival time of patients.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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What stage is cirrhosis vomiting blood?

When patients with cirrhosis experience vomiting blood, it generally indicates that the cirrhosis has entered the decompensated phase, which is a late-stage symptom of cirrhosis. The main reason for vomiting blood may likely be that the cirrhosis has caused a peptic ulcer, or rupture and bleeding of esophageal and gastric varices due to cirrhosis, or bleeding caused by portal hypertensive gastropathy resulting from cirrhosis. If vomiting blood occurs with cirrhosis, the amount of bleeding is generally very large. At this time, it is necessary to go to the hospital as soon as possible for a complete gastroscopy. When necessary, endoscopic treatment may be needed to stop the bleeding.