Providing Effective, Compassionate Care for Hepatitis B and C
Are you concerned you could have a liver disease such as hepatitis B or C? At
San Jose Gastroenterology, we offer comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for hepatitis B and C.
Our board-certified physicians have extensive experience in testing, treating,
and monitoring hepatitis with comprehensive, compassionate care. Our staff
of gastroenterology and hepatology experts offer state-of-the-art technology
to effectively treat hepatitis.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 1-time screening
blood tests for anyone at risk of contracting hepatitis C. . The
largest at-risk group includes those born between 1945 to 1965 (Baby Boomers), as they are 5
times more likely to be infected than those born in other years. Our doctors
offer a simple blood test to screen for hepatitis antibodies in the blood.
Should we find these antibodies in your blood, further testing can determine
if there is an actual virus in your bloodstream.
Contact usat San Jose Gastroenterology at (408) 347-9001 to learn more.
What Is Hepatitis?
The hepatitis virus causes liver inflammation that spreads from one person
to another through contaminated blood or bodily fluids. Different viruses
have different modes of transmissions, incubation period and long-term
outcomes. The two most common viral hepatitis which can cause chronic
liver inflammation leading liver fibrosis and cirrhosis are hepatitis
B and and a person may have both hepatitis B and hepatitis C at the same
time. In general, both hepatitis B and C attack the liver, an important
organ that performs many of the body’s vital functions, from cleansing
the blood to fighting infection.
Acute Hepatitis has similar symptoms including:
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Jaundice
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Dark yellow urine
- Pale or grey stools
- However, only a small percentage of infected patients have these acute
symptoms. Also, patients with advanced liver cirrhosis may have these symptoms.
What Is the Difference Between Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C?
-
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a chronic viral infection affecting the liver that can lead to
advanced liver disease, including cirrhosis (scarring) and cancer. At
San Jose Gastroenterology, we offer state-of-the-art treatment to minimize
the impact of this disease. There is excellent medical treatment suppressing
HBV in preventing the liver from progression to liver cirrhosis and liver
failure. The treatment also reduces the risk of liver cancer.
-
Hepatitis C (HCV) is also a chronic viral hepatitis can cause chronic inflammation
leading to liver cirrhosis (scarring) and liver cancer. Half of the individuals
infected with HCV are not aware of it. A revolution in treatment options
has occurred over the past 5 years, now reaching complete cure with well-tolerated
short-term oral medication. Our gastroenterologists and hepatologists
have the expertise and tools to choose which treatment is ideal for each patient.
Hepatitis Treatment
Cutting-edge medical treatment has enabled physicians to treat hepatitis
more effectively than ever before. While the previous treatment used to
require weekly injections and oral medications, many patients couldn’t
tolerate these because of other health problems they had. Fortunately,
chronic HCV can often be cured with oral medications taken daily in as
little as 2 to 3 months.
At San Jose Gastroenterology, our goal is to help you discover the treatment
options available to you so you can make informed healthcare decisions.
For further information about hepatitis screening, diagnosis, and treatment,
please contact us today!
Contact us at San Jose Gastroenterology to make an appointmentwith our board-certified gastroenterologists by dialing (408) 347-9001.
