Hepatitis impedes liver function, an essential organ responsible for enzyme and protein production, metabolic homeostasis, and toxic substance removal. If you’re experiencing hepatitis-induced liver dysfunction, the experts at Colorado Alliance for Health Equity and Practice (CAHEP) provide swift treatment options. Call the office in Denver, Colorado, to schedule an appointment or book through the online reservation system.
request an appointmentWhat is hepatitis?
Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by a viral infection. However, hepatitis may also be caused by poor lifestyle habits, certain medications, and other medical conditions. Hepatitis exists in five common forms labeled A through E.
All forms of hepatitis spread through contaminated substances, such as hepatitis A in food or hepatitis B through bodily fluids. Poor sanitization techniques aid in the spread of hepatitis.
What are common hepatitis symptoms?
Hepatitis is a severe disease that shares symptoms with other liver illnesses. Jaundice is a prominent symptom as a dysfunctional liver can’t properly filter out a red blood cell byproduct known as bilirubin. This substance accumulates and creates a yellowish appearance on the skin.
There are several other common symptoms, such as:
- Liver tenderness
- Fatigue
- Nausea and loss of appetite
- Ascites, or abdominal swelling
- Dark urine
- Abdominal pain
It’s a major cause for concern if you possess any of these symptoms. Contact CAHEP immediately to have your symptoms evaluated by licensed professionals.
Is hepatitis a chronic condition?
Most forms of hepatitis develop into lifelong infections, except for hepatitis A, which typically lasts up to several months. This makes seeking hepatitis treatment as soon as possible essential to the health of your liver and total bodily function.
Physical exams and blood tests help measure important mediators that may indicate the presence of hepatitis. From here, your doctor confirms a potential diagnosis and creates a treatment plan.
What are my hepatitis treatment options?
With the exception of hepatitis C, all other forms have a vaccine available to patients. Both adolescents and adults are eligible to receive the vaccine from their health care provider. Vaccination is the most surefire way to mitigate damage from hepatitis.
Treatments aim to prevent further liver damage in the presence of active hepatitis infection. The primary goal of these treatments is to ensure healthy liver function and prevent cell death in the liver, also known as cirrhosis.
Treatments commonly include lifestyle alterations, such as regular exercise, improved diet quality, and pharmacological interventions.
If you’re looking to schedule your hepatitis vaccine or seek relief from symptoms, call Colorado Alliance for Health Equity and Practice today. You can also reserve a time and date through the online portal.