Understanding Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is an infection or virus that causes inflammation of the liver and liver disease. There are certain risk factors that increase your likelihood of contracting Hepatitis C. These would include coming into contact with blood or needles from an infected person, unprotected sex with an infected person, or being born to a mother who has Hepatitis C. Even though this is a serious disease, it usually doesn’t cause many symptoms at first. Some common symptoms of Hepatitis C that you may experience are fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, fever, stomach pains, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin.) This infection can eventually lead to cancer and cirrhosis of the liver.

Blair Gastroenterology Specializes in Diagnosing and Treating Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is diagnosed by simple blood tests. The first test is a screening to see if you have ever had Hepatitis C in your lifetime called the HEP C Antibody Test. If this would come back with a positive result, then you would have the HEP C RNA Qualitative Test. This is to determine if you are at this time infected with Hepatitis C. If this comes back as positive, then you have contracted the virus. Lastly, the HEP C RNA Quantitative Test will help determine how much of the virus is in your blood. If your levels are low, you may be more likely to get rid of the virus with treatment. Typically, antiviral medications are used to help treat Hepatitis C. In a severe case where cirrhosis of the liver has occurred surgery may be necessary. It is advised for patients with Hepatitis C to avoid alcohol.

Blair Gastroenterology Associates is Dedicated to Helping those with a Hepatitis C Diagnosis

Hepatitis C Clinic

If you believe that you may have come in contact with this virus and/or are experiencing the symptoms listed above, call Blair Gastroenterology Associates today at 814-946-5469 to schedule an appointment for an evaluation.