Hepatitis in Thibodaux, LA
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Find a ProviderWhat is hepatitis?
,Across the world, almost 300 million people are unaware that they have a condition called viral hepatitis. Hepatitis, according to its most fundamental definition, is described as the swelling or inflammation of the liver. The most common types include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Each variation of viral hepatitis can be regarded as a unique disease, as each variation responds to different treatments. If you or someone you love suspects, or has been diagnosed with, a form of hepatitis, contact a Digestive Health Center location near you today. Our board-certified GI providers often treat patients with hepatitis in Thibodaux, LA.
What is Hepatitis A (HAV)?
Hepatitis A (HAV) is highly contagious and generally affects people who eat or drink something that has been in contact with fecal matter or another individual who has been infected by the virus. While highly transmittable, it is not as harmful compared to other types of hepatitis. Hepatitis A can be avoided with vaccination and can be addressed by a medical provider.
Patients with hepatitis A could notice signs or symptoms, such as:
- Fever
- Unwanted weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Pain in the abdominal area
- Nausea and vomiting
- Appetite loss
- Dark-colored urine (Jaundice)
- Fatigue
- Yellow skin, yellow eyes
The most common treatment option for HAV is to rest, drink fluids, and avoid alcohol consumption. The majority of cases of HAV will clear up on their own. To avoid HAV, you can get a hepatitis A vaccination from your provider or at one of our Thibodaux, LA locations.
What is Hepatitis B (HBV)?
Hepatitis B (HBV) is a more concerning strain of the hepatitis virus. In the absence of treatment, it can cause liver cancer and liver failure. If adults contract hep B, their bodies can usually fight it off over the course of a few months. Once the virus has subsided, an immunity occurs. If you contract hepatitis B during birth, however, it will not likely subside. Hep B is usually transmitted via saliva, sexual fluids, blood, using a needle after a person is infected with the virus, or if your mother had hepatitis B while pregnant with you.
Some of the common symptoms and signs of hepatitis B include:
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting
- Persistent fatigue
- Jaundice
- Light-colored stool
- Aching joints
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
If you think you have been infected by hepatitis B, we urge you to see a medical provider or contact a Digestive Health Center in your community as soon as possible. The sooner you receive care, the better your health. Your healthcare provider will likely recommend a hepatitis B vaccine and additional antiviral medication.
What is Hepatitis C (HCV)?
Commonly passed on through blood and other bodily fluids, hepatitis C (HCV) is another viral infection that can hurt the liver. Hepatitis C has two variants, acute hepatitis C and chronic hepatitis C.
- Acute hepatitis C is the less severe form of hepatitis C and commonly takes six months to subside, after which the majority of individuals' immune systems will overcome the virus.
- Chronic hepatitis C develops when a person's natural defenses cannot fight off the infection over the first six months and the virus impacts the body for an extended amount of time. This, unfortunately, can lead to prolonged medical conditions, such as liver cancer and liver cirrhosis.
Some of the most common hepatitis C symptoms include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion
- Undesired weight loss
- Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes, dark urine)
- Appetite loss
- Bruise easily
- Joint pain
- Swelling in the legs
- Itchy skin
- Abdominal pain
- Slurred speech
- Bleed easily
- Clay-colored stool
- Extreme fatigue
Hepatitis C has a recovery rate higher than 90%. The most common treatments for hepatitis C are:
- Liver transplant (chronic HCV)
- Antiviral drugs
How can I protect against hepatitis?
The best way to avoid getting hepatitis A or B is to be vaccinated for the disease. It is recommended to have children vaccinated for hepatitis A between 12 months and 23 months of age, but you can receive the vaccine at any point after that. Vaccination for hepatitis B is usually provided to newborns, but again, you can be vaccinated at any point in life. There is not a vaccine currently available for hepatitis C.
Additional healthy ways to avoid developing hepatitis are listed below:
- Ensure any needles you use are sterilized, such as when getting tattoos or piercings or if injecting illicit drugs
- Make sure to always wash your hands with soap and water after touching any bodily fluids or using the restroom
- Avoid eating uncooked meat, consuming unclean water and food, and purchasing food from street vendors
- Avoid sharing personal hygiene products, such as toothbrushes, razors, etc.
- Use protection when having sex
- When traveling, look up whether the location you are visiting has high rates of hepatitis infection
Treatment and prevention for hepatitis
Although hepatitis can lead to severe conditions, like liver failure and liver cancer, it is treatable with help from your GI specialist. If you experience any uncomfortable GI signs or symptoms, such as any of the symptoms mentioned above, please reach out to a Digestive Health Center location as soon as possible. As an experienced physician-led network of GI specialists, we aim to offer quality, patient-centered care. To find out more about the treatments available for all types of hepatitis in Thibodaux, LA, contact with our team today to request a consultation.
Reviews
Wonderful doctor who is kind, caring, personable, knowledgeable, informative, and just a great doctor.
NP Meagan was extremely thorough and took her time answering my questions as well as asking me questions about my health. She is a great asset to your company.
Wonderfull staff everything went perfect
The total experience was great. No long wait in the waiting room. The staff were very friendly and professional. Dr. Duplechain was very knowledgeable, too the point while still being very attentive and easy to talk to. I definitely recommend him for all of your digestive needs.
I would recommend Dr Justin toups to anybody out there with hepatitis or any other condition I have had hepatitis c since 1980 it has scored my liver severely Dr toups put me on some medication for 3 months and I'm proud to say that I threw the the grace of God I am cured of hepatitis c
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