Which doctor is best for hepatitis?
Hepatologist: A gastroenterologist with extensive training in liver disease is a hepatologist. These physicians are subspecialists with many years of training and are experts in all the diseases that affect the liver, especially hepatitis.
What is the most common treatment for hepatitis?
Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are the most common treatment for hepatitis C. They're usually taken as pills. These medications can cure Hepatitis C in up to 90 to 97 percent of cases. They work by helping to stop the hepatitis C virus from multiplying.
Can hepatitis be cured with treatment?
There is no vaccine for hepatitis C But, did you know? Hepatitis C can be treated with medication that has cure rates >90%. Earlier diagnosis and treatment lead to better health outcomes. Early treatment may even prevent liver disease, liver cancer, or cirrhosis.
Is treatment available for hepatitis?
Treatment for chronic hepatitis B may include: Antiviral medications. Several antiviral medications — including entecavir (Baraclude), tenofovir (Viread), lamivudine (Epivir), adefovir (Hepsera) and telbivudine (Tyzeka) — can help fight the virus and slow its ability to damage your liver.
Is hepatitis an STD?
Hepatitis B virus is the type of hepatitis most commonly linked with being sexually transmitted, as it is present in semen, body fluids, and blood that are shared during unprotected sex. It is also transmitted through sharing needles or razors and other blood exposure, such as from mother to baby during birth.
How long does hepatitis last?
Symptoms of hepatitis A usually last less than 2 months, although 10%–15% of symptomatic persons have prolonged or relapsing disease for up to 6 months (9–13).
Is hepatitis A permanent?
Almost everyone recovers fully from hepatitis A with a lifelong immunity. However, a very small proportion of people infected with hepatitis A could die from fulminant hepatitis.
Is hepatitis A serious?
How serious is hepatitis A virus infection? About 30% of people with hepatitis A virus require hospital- ization. Adults who become ill often miss several weeks of work. Although deaths due to hepatitis A virus are uncom- mon, death can occur from overwhelming hepatitis A virus infection that causes liver failure.
How long can you live if you have hepatitis B?
Most people chronically infected with hepatitis B can expect to live long and healthy lives. Individuals with chronic HBV may not develop symptoms for up to 30 years. Damage to the liver can silently occur during this time.
Can your body fight off Hep C?
Among those who do have symptoms, the illness is usually so mild that most don't even recognize that they have liver disease. In 15-40% of persons with acute hepatitis C, the immune system successfully fights off the infection, the virus is cleared from the body within 6 months, and the liver heals completely.
What can happen if hepatitis is not treated?
The longer a hepatitis B infection is left untreated, the more susceptible you are to developing severe scarring of the liver (cirrhosis) and liver cancer.
Is hepatitis contagious?
Hepatitis A can be spread from close, personal contact with an infected person, such as through certain types of sexual contact (like oral-anal sex), caring for someone who is ill, or using drugs with others. Hepatitis A is very contagious, and people can even spread the virus before they feel sick.
Diagnosis
Treatment
- No specific treatment exists for hepatitis A. Your body will clear the hepatitis A virus on its own. In most cases of hepatitis A, the liver heals within six months with no lasting damage. Hepatitis A treatment usually focuses on keeping comfortable and controlling signs and symptoms. You may need to: 1. Rest.Many people with hepatitis A infection ...
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- You can take steps to reduce the risk of passing hepatitis A to others. 1. Avoid sexual activity.Avoid all sexual activity if you have hepatitis A. Many kinds of sexual activity can spread the infection to your partner. Condoms don't offer adequate protection. 2. Wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet and changing diapers.Scrub vigorously for at least 20 seconds a…
Preparing For Your Appointment
- If someone close to you is diagnosed with hepatitis A, ask your doctor or local health department if you should have the hepatitis A vaccine to prevent infection. If you have signs and symptoms of hepatitis A, make an appointment with your family doctor or a primary doctor.
Diagnosis
Treatment
- Treatment to prevent hepatitis B infection after exposure
If you know you've been exposed to the hepatitis B virus and aren't sure if you've been vaccinated, call your doctor immediately. An injection of immunoglobulin (an antibody) given within 12 hours of exposure to the virus may help protect you from getting sick with hepatitis B. Because this tre… - Treatment for acute hepatitis B infection
If your doctor determines your hepatitis B infection is acute — meaning it is short-lived and will go away on its own — you may not need treatment. Instead, your doctor might recommend rest, proper nutrition and plenty of fluids while your body fights the infection. In severe cases, antivira…
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- If you've been infected with hepatitis B, take steps to protect others from the virus. 1. Make sex safer. If you're sexually active, tell your partner you have HBVand talk about the risk of transmitting it to him or her. Use a new latex condom every time you have sex, but remember that condoms reduce but don't eliminate the risk. 2. Tell your sexual partner to get tested. Anyone wit…
Coping and Support
- If you've been diagnosed with hepatitis B infection, the following suggestions might help you cope: 1. Learn about hepatitis B.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a good place to start. 2. Stay connected to friends and family.You can't spread hepatitis B through casual contact, so don't cut yourself off from people who can offer support. 3. Take care of yourself.Ea…
Preparing For Your Appointment
- You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. However, in some cases, you may be referred immediately to a specialist. Doctors who specialize in treating hepatitis B include: 1. Doctors who treat digestive diseases (gastroenterologists) 2. Doctors who treat liver diseases (hepatologists) 3. Doctors who treat infecti...