Hepatitis

Gastrocare of Southwest Ohio LLC

Gastroenterologists located in Hamilton, OH & Middletown, OH

You may not consider your liver part of your digestive system, but the large organ produces enzymes that help you digest food and store energy from the food you eat. If your liver is inflamed, referred to as hepatitis, it may not be able to perform these functions. Board-certified gastroenterologist Dilip Bearelly, MD, and the team at Gastrocare of Southwest Ohio LLC, in Hamilton and Monroe, Ohio, specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis to restore liver health and function. To schedule an appointment, call the office or request one online today.

Hepatitis Q & A

What is hepatitis?

Hepatitis is a medical term that indicates liver inflammation. The inflammation may be acute or worsen and lead to scarring of the tissue, increasing your risk of liver failure or liver cancer.

What causes hepatitis?

Hepatitis can develop from many causes. However, viruses are the most common cause of liver inflammation. These viruses are identified by letters and may include:

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a virus found in feces that may be transmitted by contaminated food or water. This viral infection only causes mild symptoms and usually resolves on its own in time without causing any permanent damage to your liver.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is transmitted through bodily fluids, including blood and semen. Unlike hepatitis A, this type of viral infection can lead to permanent liver damage. However, vaccinations can protect you from getting this viral infection.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is transmitted by blood and can lead to permanent liver damage. Though there is no vaccine for hepatitis C, treatments are available that can kill the virus and reduce your risk of permanent liver damage.

Excessive alcohol intake and drug abuse can also lead to hepatitis.

What are hepatitis symptoms?

Hepatitis symptoms may vary depending on the cause of your liver inflammation. Common symptoms include:

Yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice)
Diarrhea
Edema in your legs
Stomach pain
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite

In some cases, such as a hepatitis C infection, you may not have any symptoms until the virus has caused permanent damage to your liver.

What can I expect during an evaluation for hepatitis?

Dr. Bearelly is a gastroenterology specialist and conducts comprehensive evaluations when you come to the office with concerns about hepatitis. During your evaluation, he reviews your symptoms and medical history and performs a physical exam.

He may request various diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your hepatitis, which may include:

Blood test
Stool test
Urinalysis

You may also need additional testing to assess for liver damage. Your results will be available on MyChart and the practice will also call you when your results are ready.

How is hepatitis treated?

Dr. Bearelly develops individualized treatment plans to manage hepatitis based on the underlying cause and the degree of liver damage, if there is any.

Treatment may include antiviral medication and/or vaccinations. He may also recommend you abstain from drinking alcohol and avoid drugs that may affect your liver health. If your hepatitis has caused permanent liver damage, Dr. Bearelly may talk to you about a liver transplant.

For comprehensive care, contact Gastrocare of Southwest Ohio LLC by phone or request a consultation online today.

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