Types of Hepatitis & Hepatitis Treatment Options
What does your liver do?
Your liver is extremely important for your everyday wellbeing. The liver’s primary functions are:
- Processing food
- Storing iron and other vitamins
- Helping food digest with bile
- Detoxifying certain chemicals, such as alcohol, exhaust, smoke, or drugs
- Making blood (in children)
- Reserving sugar for later use
- Making new proteins
- Helping blood clot
- Makes clotting factors to help blood clot
What is hepatitis?
Hepatitis is a liver disease that is characterized by an inflammation of your liver. There are two common forms of hepatitis, which are known as hepatitis A and hepatitis B. There are also less common forms of hepatitis, known as hepatitis C, hepatitis D, and hepatitis E. Most people who suffer from hepatitis A are able to treat the illness without major health issues; however, people who suffer from hepatitis B may be at risk of developing other health issues, which include cirrhosis and liver cancer. Speak with a health care provider, such as Gotham Medical Associates, for a diagnosis and treatment plan if you suspect you may have been exposed to hepatitis.
What causes hepatitis?
The cause of hepatitis will differ depending on which type a person is suffering from.
Causes of Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A, also called infectious hepatitis, can be caught by eating or drinking something that is contaminated with feces. In most cases, this form of hepatitis can be cured.
Causes of Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B, also called chronic infectious hepatitis, is mainly caused by needle sharing, sexual contact, open wounds, or passed from a mother to a newborn. This kind of hepatitis can lead to serious health issues, like cancer.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis?
While hepatitis could be present without any symptoms at all, many who suffer from the illness have one or more of the following hepatitis symptoms:
- Loss of appetite
- Discolored stools or urine
How is hepatitis treated?
The best treatment for hepatitis in any form is prevention. Making sure that you know where the water or food you are consuming came from is important, as well as washing hands thoroughly before handling food or drinks.
There is currently a safe and effective vaccine available for hepatitis B, which you can get from many healthcare providers, such as Gotham Medical Associates. Call us today or fill out the form on this page to learn more about your options for treatment or prevention of hepatitis B.
Who can catch hepatitis?
Anyone can catch hepatitis, but you are at a higher risk of the illness if you:
- Have unprotected sex
- Have multiple sexual partners
- Are an emergency medical response (EMS) worker
- Work in the healthcare industry/handle blood
- Inject drugs and/or share needles
What is the difference between acute and chronic hepatitis?
Acute hepatitis refers to the initial infection of hepatitis. It may be severe or mild and usually does not last more than six months. When the illness occurs for longer than six months, it is referred to as chronic hepatitis. Hepatitis A and hepatitis E only occur as acute viruses; however, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and hepatitis D can produce both acute and chronic hepatitis. When the virus becomes chronic, it can be a serious health issue. In all cases of hepatitis, medical care is necessary. Visit Gotham Medical Associates to learn more about prevention and treatment for the various strands of hepatitis.