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Hepatitis B
At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Nghia Nguyen offers expert hepatitis B care—from accurate diagnostics to personalized antiviral treatments. With state-of-the-art tools, lifestyle guidance, and bilingual support in English and Vietnamese, his approach helps protect your liver and improve long-term health.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Unprotected sex with someone who has hepatitis B
Sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes contaminated with blood
Being born to a mother with hepatitis B
Needle‐stick or other sharp‐object injuries in healthcare settings
Signs and Symptoms
Often none in early (acute) stages
Persistent fatigue or weakness
Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
Dark‐colored urine, pale stools
Upper‐right abdominal pain or discomfort
Loss of appetite, mild fever, muscle or joint aches
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Hepatitis B-Related?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He reviews your symptoms, risk factors (including prior hepatitis B exposure), alcohol use and medication history. A focused abdominal exam helps localize epigastric tenderness and rule out other causes.
Blood Tests
Comprehensive labs include:
Liver function panel (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin)
Hepatitis B serologies (HBsAg, anti-HBc, HBV DNA)
Pancreatic enzymes (amylase, lipase) to exclude pancreatitis
Imaging Studies
Abdominal ultrasound to assess liver texture, size, fatty infiltration and look for gallstones.
FibroScan™ (elastography) to measure liver stiffness and detect fibrosis.
CT or MRI abdomen when more detailed imaging is needed to exclude other sources of epigastric pain.
Advanced Testing (if needed)
When noninvasive studies are inconclusive, a liver biopsy may be performed to grade inflammation, quantify fibrosis, and guide long-term treatment planning.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for Hepatitis B.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Avoid alcohol completely to reduce liver stress
Follow a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins
Limit fatty, fried and highly processed foods
Stay hydrated and maintain a regular exercise routine
Manage stress to support overall liver health
2. Antiviral Medications
Tenofovir - to suppress viral replication and protect the liver
Entecavir - to lower viral load and prevent disease progression
Personalized drug selection based on your blood test results
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
FibroScan™ for painless, non-surgical monitoring of liver stiffness
Ultrasound imaging to assess liver inflammation and scarring
Liver biopsy (when needed) to precisely stage liver damage
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs the hepatitis B vaccine?
If you're at higher risk—such as having an infected partner, working in healthcare, traveling to areas with high infection rates, or sharing needles—you should get vaccinated.
Are there side effects from the vaccine?
Most people experience mild reactions like soreness at the injection site, fatigue, or low-grade fever. Serious side effects are very rare.
Can I check if I'm protected after the shot?
Yes. A simple blood test measures your antibody levels (anti-HBs) to confirm you've developed immunity.
How long does hepatitis B treatment last?
Acute hepatitis B often resolves in a few months without long-term medication. Chronic cases may require ongoing antiviral therapy to control the virus.
Can my diet help my liver?
Absolutely. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains supports liver health. Avoiding alcohol, fatty foods, and excessive sugar is also crucial.
What if I'm pregnant and have hepatitis B?
Early evaluation and antiviral therapy during pregnancy can reduce the risk of transmission to your baby. Newborns should receive immunoglobulin and the first vaccine dose within 12 hours of birth.
Are there support groups in Houston?
Yes. We can connect you with local and online liver health communities for education, resources, and peer support throughout your treatment journey.
