Hepatitis in Baton Rouge, LA
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Find a ProviderWhat is hepatitis?
Across the globe, 290 million individuals are living unknowingly with viral hepatitis. Hepatitis, according to its most fundamental definition, is an inflammation of the liver. The most common forms include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. They are named based on the form of the virus that is causing the liver inflammation. Each individual form of viral hepatitis can be deemed as a somewhat unique disease because each type of infection responds to different interventions. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with hepatitis, get in touch with Gastroenterology Associates today. Our skilled gastroenterology physicians commonly treat patients with hepatitis in Baton Rouge, LA.
Hepatitis A (HAV)
Hepatitis A (HAV) is known to be quite transmittable and often impacts those who eat or drink something that has been exposed to fecal excrement or to another individual that has been infected by the virus. Albeit very contagious, it is not very harmful in comparison with its counterparts. Hepatitis A can be prevented with vaccination and can be addressed by a medical practitioner.
If you have hepatitis A, you might experience the following symptoms:
- Vomiting and nausea
- Diarrhea
- Dark urine (Jaundice)
- Pain in the abdominal area
- Yellow eyes, yellow skin
- Fever
- Unintentional weight loss
- Fatigue
- Decreased appetite
The standard treatment protocol for HAV is to get plenty of rest, stay well-hydrated, and avoid alcohol. The majority of cases of hepatitis A will clear up on their own. To prevent HAV, you can get a hepatitis A vaccine from your doctor or our Baton Rouge, LA gastroenterology team.
Hepatitis B (HBV)
The virus hepatitis B (HBV) is a more serious type of viral hepatitis. Left untreated, it can potentially cause liver failure and even cancer of the liver. If adults get hepatitis B, their bodies can usually fight it off within a few months. Once the virus has waned, you become immune. If people contract HBV during birth, however, it will not likely go away. Hep B is most often transmitted through blood, saliva, sexual fluids, using a needle after someone with the virus, or at birth.
The common symptoms and signs of hepatitis B consist of:
- Vomiting
- Aching joints
- Fever
- Light-colored stool
- Chronic fatigue
- Jaundice
- Pain in the abdominal area
- Decreased appetite
If you think you may have been infected by hepatitis B, we encourage you to see a medical practitioner or contact Gastroenterology Associates as soon as possible. The sooner you get treatment, the better. Your provider will probably administer hepatitis B vaccination and additional antiviral prescriptions.
Hepatitis C (HCV)
Generally transmitted through bodily fluids (like blood), hepatitis C (HCV) is another viral infection that can damage the liver. This variation can develop into two forms: acute hepatitis C or chronic hepatitis C.
- Acute hepatitis C is the less serious form of hepatitis C and frequently takes six months to subside. After six months, most people’s immune systems will defeat the virus.
- Chronic hepatitis C happens when your immune system cannot stave off the viral infection in the first six months, and the virus causes infection in the body for a longer time. This form of HCV can cause lasting health problems, like liver cancer and hepatic cirrhosis (liver cirrhosis).
Some of the more common hepatitis C symptoms consist of:
- Loss of appetite
- Slurred speech
- Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes, dark urine)
- Confusion
- Bruise easily
- Clay-colored stool
- Swelling in the legs
- Itchy skin
- Joint pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain in the abdominal area
- Severe exhaustion
- Bleed easily
- Unwanted weight loss
HCV has a cure rate of higher than 90%. The routine treatment protocols for hep C are listed below:
- Liver transplant (chronic hepatitis C)
- Antiviral drugs
How can I avoid getting hepatitis?
The best way to avoid contracting hepatitis A or B is to undergo vaccination for the viral infection. Most medical professionals advise having young children vaccinated for hepatitis A between 12 months and 23 months of age, but individuals can have the vaccine at any point after that. Vaccination for hepatitis B is usually given to newborns; however, patients can have the vaccine at any time in life. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.
Other healthy practices to prevent contracting hepatitis include:
- Ensure any needles you use are sterilized, such as when getting piercings or if using illicit drugs
- If traveling, determine whether the location you are going has high levels of hepatitis infection
- Do not share personal hygiene products, like toothbrushes, razors, etc.
- Use protection when having sex
- Be sure to always wash your hands after touching any bodily fluids or using the restroom
- Avoid eating uncooked meat, consuming unclean water and food, and eating food from street vendors
Personalized treatment for hepatitis
Although a hepatitis infection can potentially lead to serious medical conditions, including loss of liver function and cancer of the liver, it can be treated with the help of a gastrointestinal physician. If you are having any bothersome GI signs or symptoms, like any of those listed above, call Gastroenterology Associates promptly. As an experienced physician-led network of gastroenterologists, we endeavor to deliver safe, patient-centric care. For further details about the treatment approaches available for all types of hepatitis in Baton Rouge, LA, request a consultation at your nearest location today.
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