Overview
Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver caused by the body’s response to an infection or injury. Many things may injure the liver and trigger this condition, including exposure to infection, chemicals, toxins, alcohol, and drugs. The condition causes varied symptoms that are treated by a hepatitis doctor specializing in the treatment of diseases related to the liver.
Who is a Hepatitis Doctor?
Hepatitis is treated by specialists called hepatologists and gastroenterologists. Both fields specialise in treating conditions related to the liver and nearby organs. Depending on the symptoms of this condition, the hepatitis doctor rules out the type of hepatitis you have and recommends the best treatment. While gastroenterologists are concerned with treating hepatitis and conditions associated with it, hepatologists specialise in liver diseases and help with the diagnosis and management of chronic hepatitis.
The hepatitis specialist offers the treatment of the following:
- Viral Hepatitis: CIt is the most common type of hepatitis and includes hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. There may be hepatitis D and hepatitis E, too; however, they are uncommon.
- Toxic Hepatitis: This type of hepatitis is the result of exposure to toxins and chemicals. It may be caused by excessive exposure to drugs and alcohol. Toxic hepatitis can be acute or chronic.
- Autoimmune Hepatitis: This type of hepatitis is rare and happens when your immune system starts attacking the liver by mistake.
When to See a Hepatitis Doctor?
Every case related to hepatitis is different. In some cases, the symptoms may not appear at all, whereas in others, the symptoms may be gradual, and you may not notice changes in your body immediately. Dr. Anando Sengupta (hepatitis doctor in Ashok Vihar) suggests keeping a check on the following signs and symptoms and visiting him in case they aggravate:
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Feeling weak or uncomfortable
- Fever caused by a viral infection
- Loss of appetite and nausea
- Pain on the right side of the upper belly
In case of chronic hepatitis, the symptoms may be more advanced, which may do more damage to the liver. They include the following:
- Confusion, disorientation, and a feeling of drowsiness
- Dark-colored pee and pale stools
- Itchy skin
- Yellowing of skin and eyes is characterized by a condition called jaundice.
Treatment
Before suggesting the treatment, the hepatitis specialist will examine your condition to rule out the type and check its severity. They will ask about your symptoms and carry out a physical examination. They may as well run the following test to confirm the diagnosis of hepatitis.
- Liver function tests or LFTs.
- Imaging tests, including a nuclear liver and spleen scan.
- Liver biopsy.
As hepatitis may be caused by numerous reasons, there is no single way to treat it. They will suggest the following treatment options.
Lifestyle Changes
Whether your condition is acute or chronic, lifestyle changes are important to treat all kinds of hepatitis. The doctor will suggest that you avoid alcohol and focus on a healthy diet involving fruits and vegetables. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking filtered water, and get extra rest to manage the symptoms of hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
Antivirals
Antivirals are a treatment option for chronic hepatitis B, and although the condition may not be completely cured, its symptoms can be managed to a great extent. Taking antivirals also ensures that you will reduce the chances of spreading the infection to others, and it will decrease the complications. The doctor may put you on antivirals for the rest of your life.
Direct-acting Antivirals
These drugs are prescribed to cure hepatitis C. They target proteins that are used by the viruses to infect the cells in the body.
Liver Transplant
If your condition has worsened and medication and lifestyle changes are not coming to the rescue, the hepatitis doctor will suggest a liver transplant as the treatment. It is usually done in case of chronic hepatitis B when it causes the liver to fail.
Why Choose Dr. Anando Sengupta?
Dr. Anando Sengupta is a renowned gastroenterologist and hepatitis doctor in Ashok Vihar. With over 5 years of experience, the doctor specialises in treating acute and chronic cases of hepatitis in patients, providing relief through treatment options and lifestyle changes. Dr. Sengupta also specialises in advanced liver care and HCV treatment.
At his clinic, every patient has access to state-of-the-art technology. Dr. Sengupta understands that each case is unique and designs the best treatment plan most suited to the needs and requirements of the patient. The patient-centric approach and extensive care at his clinic make it one of the best places for hepatitis treatment in Ashok Vihar. From diagnosis to treatment and post-cure monitoring, Dr. Anando Sengupta is the best Hepatitis doctor in Ashok Vihar for ethical, safe, and result-oriented liver care in Ashok Vihar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Every hepatitis case is different. While acute hepatitis treatment is not permanent and may last for a few weeks or months, the doctor will put you on permanent medication in case of chronic hepatitis.
The early warning signs of hepatitis include yellowing of the skin and eyes, pale poop, dark urine, loss of appetite, and swelling in the upper part of the belly.
Hepatitis C is curable with medication, whereas hepatitis B is a chronic condition that cannot be cured, but its symptoms may be managed through treatment and medication.
The treatment of hepatitis depends on various factors, including the type of the condition, the location of treatment, and the expertise of the doctor. The average cost of hepatitis treatment in Ashok Vihar starts from 15,000 INR.
Hepatitis may be acute and chronic, with different types including viral hepatitis (hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C), toxic hepatitis, and autoimmune hepatitis.
