Hepatitis is a medical condition that causes liver inflammation in patients. It is often acquired or caused by drug use, certain medications, herbal toxins, alcohol or other health issues. A virus is often responsible for it. There are three common types of viral hepatitis including A, B & C. Hepatitis in Bronx, NY, can be examined by the professionals at Riverdale Gastroenterology & Liver Diseases.
More about Types of Hepatitis
Hepatitis A is the most contagious and can be spread from person to person. This form causes a mild infection and many individuals don’t even know they have it. It oftentimes goes away on its own without causing long-term organ damage to the liver itself but is usually contracted through food or water.
Next, Hepatitis B causes milder symptoms for a short period of time before it resolves itself. The infection can become chronic and lead to liver failure or even cancer. This form of hepatitis is spread through unprotected sex and contact with bodily fluids or blood. This type of hepatitis in Bronx should be treated immediately.
Hepatitis C generally is a virus that stays with a patient for the rest of their life. It can cause liver failure and cancer, just like B can. It is transmitted through blood such as through sharing needles.
While symptoms don’t always appear right away, some of the most common Hepatitis symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Stomach pain
- Lack of appetite
- Nausea
- Jaundice
- Low-grade fever
Sometimes years can pass before a patient experiences symptoms leading to their diagnosis.
In terms of treatment, hepatitis A almost always goes away on its own, however, both B and C require monitoring and treatment. This makes these types of hepatitis important to be treated by our professionals at Riverdale Gastroenterology & Liver Diseases. To schedule an important appointment with our team, call our Bronx, NY, office today.
