Hepatitis C - GI Solutions

What is Hepatitis C?

Similar to the other forms of hepatitis, hepatitis C is a liver infection that is caused by a virus that can be broken into two different categories: acute and chronic.

Acute hepatitis C will happen within the first six months after someone is exposed to the virus, which is typically spread when blood from the infected individual enters someone who is not infected. Although acute hepatitis C can imply that a person may only have it for a short period of time, it often will become chronic due to lack of diagnosis and treatment.

Chronic hepatitis C occurs after the virus has gone untreated for a longer period of time. In this category, a person may begin to experience liver damage and other severe symptoms that can possibly lead to death.

How is Hepatitis C Spread?

The most common method of transmission of hepatitis C is through direct blood exposure, although there can be many indirect avenues such as:

Using the same needles or syringes as someone currently infected.

Being born to a mother who has tested positive for hepatitis C.

Engaging in sexual contact, although this is believed to be very a low possibility.

Sharing items that could’ve come in contact with the blood of someone infected (razors, scissors, toothbrushes, etc.)

Receiving tattoos or body piercings in an unsanitary environment.

Having open wounds or needles in a healthcare facility.

Receiving a blood transfusion or transplant, typically prior to 1992.

What are the Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Because hepatitis C often has very mild symptoms, or even none at all, people often do not seek immediate testing. Typical symptoms of hepatitis C will arise between two to 12 weeks, and can often include:

Loss of appetite

Strong abdominal pain

Nausea

Vomiting

Jaundice

Change in urine and bowel movement color

Joint pain

Fever

Fatigue

If you feel that you have been infected, or are experiencing the above symptoms, speak to your doctor today about setting up a test.

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How Do I Get Tested for Hepatitis C?

Although the time to deliver results will depend on your doctor’s office, most will use a test called a Hepatitis C Antibody Test, or Anti-HCV Test, to determine whether or not you have been infected. When the results come back, they are often classified into two categories: non-reactive and reactive. Non-reactive, or negative, implies that a person does not have hepatitis C, whereas a reactive, or positive test, will indicate that hepatitis C antibodies were found in the blood.

Diagnosing Hepatitis C

Just because a test comes back as positive does not necessarily mean that a person has hepatitis C. Additional blood tests will be required, including RNA test. Should this test come back as positive, then your GI Solutions Specialists will make the diagnosis and determine further treatment options.

Schedule your Appointment for Hepatitis C!

Dr. Jonathan Erlich is a highly trained gastroenterologist with extensive experience diagnosing and treating patients with Hepatitis C. Call (773) 631-2728 to request an appointment or fill in the form below.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Hepatitis C diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves blood tests to detect the presence of the Hepatitis C virus and determine its genotype. Additional tests, such as liver function tests and liver biopsy or imaging, may be conducted to assess liver damage.

What treatments are available for Hepatitis C?

Treatment typically involves antiviral medications known as direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), which can effectively clear the virus from the body. The specific treatment regimen depends on the genotype of the virus and the extent of liver damage.

Can Hepatitis C be prevented?

Prevention strategies include avoiding sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia, practicing safe sexual intercourse, and ensuring that any blood products or medical equipment are properly screened and sterilized. There is currently no vaccine for Hepatitis C

When should I see a doctor for Hepatitis C?

You should see a doctor if you are at risk for Hepatitis C, have symptoms of the disease, or have received a positive test result. Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is necessary to manage the infection and monitor liver health.

Are there any complications associated with Hepatitis C?

Potential complications include chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent these complications and maintain overall liver health.

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What is Hepatitis C?

How is Hepatitis C Spread?

What are the Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

From GI Solutions to your inbox

How Do I Get Tested for Hepatitis C?

Diagnosing Hepatitis C

Schedule your Appointment for Hepatitis C!

Frequently Asked Questions

Diagnosis involves blood tests to detect the presence of the Hepatitis C virus and determine its genotype. Additional tests, such as liver function tests and liver biopsy or imaging, may be conducted to assess liver damage.

Treatment typically involves antiviral medications known as direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), which can effectively clear the virus from the body. The specific treatment regimen depends on the genotype of the virus and the extent of liver damage.

Prevention strategies include avoiding sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia, practicing safe sexual intercourse, and ensuring that any blood products or medical equipment are properly screened and sterilized. There is currently no vaccine for Hepatitis C

You should see a doctor if you are at risk for Hepatitis C, have symptoms of the disease, or have received a positive test result. Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is necessary to manage the infection and monitor liver health.

Potential complications include chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent these complications and maintain overall liver health.

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