By Central New Jersey’s leading liver specialists
Hepatitis is often a silent disease with vague symptoms and discomfort. It refers to a group of conditions that cause inflammation or infection in the liver. If you are suffering from any of the following issues, HGA’s liver specialists can examine you to diagnose or rule out hepatitis:
Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin or eyes
Fever
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Nausea / vomiting
Abdominal pain & many others
Common forms of viral hepatitis
We provide all our treatments in our offices or in our accredited ambulatory surgery center – the only one of its kind in Hunterdon County.
Hepatitis A:
Hepatitis A is highly contagious and usually transmitted through contaminated food or water or through close contact with someone who has hepatitis A.
Treatment:
If you’ve been exposed to this virus, a vaccine or immunoglobulin therapy within two weeks of exposure may keep you from developing liver disease.
Hepatitis B:
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection that causes up to 25% of those diagnosed to develop chronic liver disease. It is commonly transmitted through sexual contact or sharing needles for IV drug use with an infected person but can also be spread by accidental needle sticks. Pregnant women with hepatitis B can also transmit the virus to their babies during childbirth.
Treatment:
Although there is no cure yet for hepatitis B, most adults do recover from the disease. The best course of action is to be vaccinated to prevent the disease and to minimize contact with others if you have it so you don’t spread it.
Hepatitis C:
Hepatitis C is the most serious form of hepatitis, spread through contact with blood from an infected person. IV drug users and healthcare workers who come in contact with blood are at highest risk for this form of hepatitis. Up to 70% of those infected will develop serious liver disease, such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Treatment:
Hepatitis C can be managed with ongoing monitoring, antiviral drugs and supportive therapies to control symptoms. In some cases, we now can offer new non-injectable oral drugs that are tolerated better and are more effective than older drug therapies.
Managing all types of hepatitis, with care you can trust.
At HGA, we offer the most advanced testing for hepatitis. If you are diagnosed with one of several forms of the disease, we will work with you to provide the most advanced treatment and support available.
Viral hepatitis is contagious and caused by a number of viruses. Depending on which type of virus a person has, hepatitis can range from a relatively short-lived infection in the liver to a potentially life-threatening problem that causes serious, chronic liver disease.
The best defense against the effects of hepatitis is not to contract it in the first place. There are effective vaccinations against Hepatitis A and B. Healthy lifestyle also decreases your chances of contracting the disease. Early diagnosis and treatment make it easier to treat or manage both Hepatitis B and C. New recommendations call for all Baby Boomers born between 1945 and 1964 to be screened for Hepatitis C on a routine basis.
If you have a concern about hepatitis, see the Hunterdon Gastroenterology Associates’ liver specialists right away. Schedule an appointment today.
Accreditation
