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Hepatitis

Hepatitis Treatment Specialist Q&A

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can cause a range of health problems and can be fatal. Visit Digestive Disease Care today to get comprehensive and specialized care. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Forest Hills NY, Jamaica NY, Jericho NY, Lake Success NY, Melville NY, Mineola NY, Massapequa NY and New Hyde Park NY.

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can cause a range of health problems and can be fatal. Visit Digestive Disease Care today to get comprehensive and specialized care. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Forest Hills NY, Jamaica NY, Jericho NY, Lake Success NY, Melville NY, Mineola NY, Massapequa NY and New Hyde Park NY.
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can cause a range of health problems and can be fatal. Visit Digestive Disease Care today to get comprehensive and specialized care. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Forest Hills NY, Jamaica NY, Jericho NY, Lake Success NY, Melville NY, Mineola NY, Massapequa NY and New Hyde Park NY.
Hepatitis Treatment Specialist Near Me in Jamaica NY, Melville NY, New Hyde Park NY, Forest Hills NY, Jericho NY, Mineola NY, Lake Success NY, Babylon NY, Massapequa NY and East Setauket, NY
Hepatitis Treatment Specialist Near Me in Jamaica NY, Melville NY, New Hyde Park NY, Forest Hills NY, Jericho NY, Mineola NY, Lake Success NY, Babylon NY, Massapequa NY and East Setauket, NY

Table of Contents:

How is hepatitis treated?
How can I manage hepatitis?
What hepatitis symptoms warrant a visit to the doctor?
How long does hepatitis treatment usually last?
How often should I see a doctor during hepatitis treatment?

How is hepatitis treated?


Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, most commonly triggered by viral infections. Our specialists are highly experienced in treating all forms of viral hepatitis:

• Hepatitis A and E: These are typically self-limiting conditions, requiring care for symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. At our practice, we provide comprehensive management to ensure patients maintain hydration, get plenty of rest and consume a balanced diet.

• Hepatitis B and D: We offer advanced treatment options, including antiviral medications such as tenofovir and entecavir, to manage Hepatitis B and D. In severe cases, we collaborate with hepatologists and liver transplant centers to provide comprehensive care.

• Hepatitis C: Our practice uses the latest antiviral medications, like sofosbuvir and ledipasvir, to effectively treat Hepatitis C. We focus on removing the hepatitis C virus entirely, and through the latest antiviral therapies combined with our expertise, we’ve dramatically enhanced cure rates.

In addition to viral hepatitis, we also offer care for autoimmune hepatitis. Our treatments primarily include corticosteroids, such as prednisone, and immunosuppressive drugs like azathioprine and mycophenolate to manage inflammation and suppress the immune response.

Furthermore, our team provides comprehensive care for patients with alcoholic hepatitis. This includes referrals for counseling for cessation of alcohol consumption, nutritional guidance, and effective management of complications. For patients with toxic hepatitis, we aim to identify and eliminate the source of the toxin while providing supportive therapy to manage liver function and prevent complications.

How can I manage hepatitis?


At DDC, we administer antiviral medications to suppress the hepatitis virus. We closely monitor our patients to ensure they are taking their medications as prescribed and are always available to discuss any concerns or side effects.

We also offer guidance on making lifestyle changes that can aid in managing hepatitis. From providing dietary advice to suggesting appropriate levels of exercise and stress management techniques, we are committed to supporting our patients at each step of their hepatitis management journey.

Regular monitoring is an essential part of the services we offer. We conduct routine check-ups, blood tests, liver biopsies, and imaging scans to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and make necessary adjustments.

What hepatitis symptoms warrant a visit to the doctor?


It’s crucial to see a gastroenterologist promptly if you exhibit symptoms such as:

• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin or eyes, indicating possible liver damage.

• Dark urine and light-colored stools: Urine that’s darker than usual, similar to tea or cola, and stools that are pale or clay-colored.

• Upper right abdominal pain: Pain or unease in the region where your liver is located.

• Nausea and vomiting: Chronic sensations of nausea or persistent vomiting.

• Fatigue and loss of appetite: Extreme tiredness, lack of energy, or a decreased desire to eat.

• Joint pain and fever: Pain or aching in the joints, and a body temperature over 100.4°F (38°C).

• Easy bruising or bleeding and bleeding gums: Unexplained bruising or bleeding, and gums that are easily irritated or bleed spontaneously.

• Skin rash and itching: A persistent rash that does not go away with treatment, and intense itching of the skin.

• Disorientation or confusion: Experiencing trouble with clear thinking or decision-making.

• Swelling in the abdomen or legs: Fluid retention in the lower extremities or abdomen.

If you believe you’ve been exposed to the hepatitis virus, such as through contact with infected blood, sexual contact with an infected person, or sharing needles, it’s important to consult a doctor promptly. This also applies if you’ve traveled to regions where hepatitis is prevalent without receiving vaccination beforehand, especially in parts of Africa and Asia.

How long does hepatitis treatment usually last?


The duration of hepatitis treatment depends on the type and severity of the infection. For acute hepatitis, such as hepatitis A or E, the infection usually resolves within weeks to months as the immune system clears the virus. Although no specific antiviral therapy is needed, supportive care is often provided to manage symptoms and promote recovery.

In contrast, chronic hepatitis, particularly hepatitis B and hepatitis C, requires more extensive treatment. For hepatitis B, antiviral medications may be necessary for several months to years, and in some cases, lifelong therapy is required to control the virus and prevent further liver damage. Hepatitis C treatment typically lasts between 8 to 24 weeks, depending on factors such as the patient’s viral genotype, liver health, and response to therapy.

Patients with autoimmune hepatitis require ongoing immunosuppressive therapy to control inflammation, often continuing indefinitely to prevent flare-ups. We emphasize regular monitoring during and after treatment to track liver function, manage any potential side effects, and modify treatment plans if needed. Continuous follow-up with our healthcare team is crucial for optimal outcomes and to prevent complications.

How often should I see a doctor during hepatitis treatment?


The frequency of doctor visits during hepatitis treatment varies depending on the type of hepatitis, severity, and treatment plan. Regular check-ups are crucial to monitor progress, adjust medications, and manage any side effects.

During the initial phase of treatment, especially for acute hepatitis, patients may need to see their doctor every few weeks. These visits involve physical exams, liver function tests, and monitoring of viral load. Once the condition stabilizes, appointments may be spaced out to every few months.

For chronic hepatitis patients, particularly those on long-term antiviral therapy, visits are typically more frequent—ranging from every two weeks to once a month. During these appointments, tests such as liver function, viral load, kidney function, and blood counts help monitor the patient’s response to treatment.

Regular monitoring also helps manage potential side effects, such as fatigue or nausea and ensures patients are following their treatment plan. As your health stabilizes, the visit frequency can be adjusted based on your individual needs, but regular follow-ups remain essential for effective hepatitis management. Schedule your consultation today and embark on a path to better health and well-being. We have convenient locations to serve you in Jamaica NY, Melville NY, New Hyde Park NY, Forest Hills NY, Jericho NY, Mineola NY, Lake Success NY, Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Massapequa NY, and BEYOND.

Special Offers at Digestive Disease Care in New York

Digestive Disease Care in New York

Babylon, NY

East Setauket, NY

  • 235 N Belle Mead Rd, Setauket- East Setauket, NY 11733
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Forest Hills NY

  • 104-40 Queens Blvd Suite #1F, Forest Hills, NY 11375
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(Austin Street) Forest Hills NY

Jamaica, NY

Jericho, NY

  • 366 N Broadway Suite LW-2-B, Jericho, NY 11753
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Lake Success, NY

  • 1991 Marcus Ave Suite M200, Lake Success, NY 11042
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Melville, NY

  • 150 Broadhollow Rd Suite 120-B, Melville, NY 11747
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Mineola, NY

  • 137 Willis Ave Suite 110 2nd Floor, Mineola, NY 11501
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New Hyde Park, NY

Massapequa, NY

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