If you feel ill with fever, flu-like symptoms or respiratory illness, please call us to reschedule your appointment. Please Do Not Bring Children Under age 16 to Appointments.
If you feel ill with fever, flu-like symptoms or respiratory illness, please call us to reschedule your appointment. Please Do Not Bring Children Under age 16 to Appointments.
Gastroenterology Condition
Hepatitis C is a disease of the liver caused by a viral infection. Hep C causes inflammation and impacts liver function. Those born between 1945 and 1965 are at the highest risk of developing this condition and may never know they have it because they are not experiencing symptoms. The disease is spread through contaminated blood products.
The disease can cause liver cancer, scarring (cirrhosis), reduced function or complete liver failure.
There is additional risk for healthcare workers exposed to blood products or handling needles, drug users sharing needles, those not using safe sex practices, blood transfusion recipients (prior to 1992), children born of mothers with Hep C.
The disease can cause liver cancer or scarring of the liver (cirrhosis), reducing its function or causing complete liver failure.
In some cases, the body can clear the virus on its own after the initial acute phase of the disease. This can happen in up to 25% of individuals. For those who cannot clear it on their own, antiviral therapy is effective and now readily available.
If you are experiencing symptoms or feel you may be at risk, schedule an appointment today.
There are multiple risk factors for contracting Hepatitis C and if you fall into any of the high-risk categories, you should be tested. Because many people experience no symptoms, they do not feel at risk and do not get tested. This leaves Hepatitis C active and able to do considerable damage over time. Be sure to consult your healthcare provider if you are experiencing the following symptoms or feel you may be at risk.
Some of the Signs and Symptoms include:
Who Should Be Tested for Hepatitis C?
The CDC has recommended that all adults born between 1945 and 1965 be tested for Hepatitis C. Anyone who has ever used IV drugs should be tested, even if it was just one time many years ago. Anyone who received a blood transfusion before 1992 should be tested. Other risk factors include: a prior needle-stick injury, sexual contact with someone known to have Hepatitis C, HIV-infected individuals, dialysis patients, and children of mothers known to have Hepatitis C.
A simple blood test (Hepatitis C antibody) is the first step in testing for Hep C. If this is positive, your doctor will check another blood test called a Hepatitis C PCR to measure the amount of virus in your blood. Once the diagnosis is made, another blood test can determine the form (genotype) of Hepatitis C that you have (genotypes 1,2,3,4). Your doctor will also want to know how much damage (scarring) has occurred in your liver. There are several ways to do this including a liver biopsy. A non-invasive alternative to biopsy is a Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) exam or transient elastography ultrasound, both used to test for scarring and hardness in the liver.
Your Granite Peaks gastroenterology specialist will determine the testing that best suits your needs to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
There are now treatments available that can cure it more than 90% of the time with minimal side effects.
You and your doctor will decide the best treatment for you based on the condition of your liver, the form (genotype) you have, and your overall health. There are now treatments available that can cure it more than 90% of the time with minimal side effects.
Hepatitis C antiviral treatment usually lasts from 12-24 weeks depending on your genotype, the amount of scarring in your liver, and your response to previous therapy. Currently, available medications include:
In addition to medication, your doctor will have recommendations for recovery and preventing further infection and damage to your liver, as well as protecting your loved ones who may be at risk of infection.
Plan to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B, avoid alcohol and liver-damaging medications and substances, and make some lifestyle changes to protect yourself and others with whom you have close contact.
In extreme cases of liver damage, a liver transplant may be necessary in conjunction with antiviral therapy, but this is something only your doctor can determine with proper diagnostic testing.
There are more options than ever for treating Hepatitis C with positive outcomes. Talk to your Granite Peaks gastroenterologist for the right options for your condition.
Granite Peaks Gastroenterology serves the communities along the Wasatch Front. Our Board Certified Doctors and Certified PA GI Specialists include:
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