Hepatitis

Overview

Hepatitis means an inflammation of the liver. Inflammation causes painful, red swelling and occurs when tissues become injured or infected. The inflammation can cause organs to not function properly.

There are different kinds of hepatitis.

Hepatitis A usually gets better within a few weeks without treatment. Usually, getting lots of rest and avoiding alcohol will be sufficient, but if symptoms persist you should see a doctor.

Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are usually not treated unless they become chronic. If chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C causes liver failure, a liver transplant may become necessary.

Applicable Procedures

Liver Biopsy

What are the different types of hepatitis?

Hepatitis A is contagious and is caused by a viral infection. It typically results in a mild illness lasting a few weeks, but some cases may be severe and persist for months. People contract hepatitis A by coming consuming a food or beverage contaminated by an infected person’s fecal matter. Hepatitis B is also a viral infection, and it can be mild or chronic. Chronic cases can lead to liver cancer or liver failure and be life-threatening. The hepatitis B virus is spread through contact with blood, body fluid, or open sores from someone with the virus. Finally, hepatitis C is also caused by a virus, and it can lead to serious liver damage. Most people who contract hepatitis C, which also spreads through blood or body fluids, experience a chronic infection, which leads to complications like liver cancer and cirrhosis if not treated.

How can a person prevent hepatitis?

You can prevent hepatitis A and B through vaccination, but there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C. You can avoid catching this virus by refraining from sharing needles with others or from having unprotected sex. Practicing safe sex, wearing gloves when cleaning up after others, and avoiding sharing chewing gum with others are also protective measures for hepetatis B. Additional preventive measures for hepatitis A include washing your hands and avoiding raw food or tap water if you travel to a place with poor sanitation.

How is hepatitis treated?

There is no medication or formal treatment for hepatitis A, but your doctor may monitor your liver health to ensure that you are healing. While you are sick, it is important to rest and avoid alcohol. For hepatitis B, it is important to get treated as soon as possible after exposure, so a doctor can administer a vaccination and a hepatitis B immune globulin shot to help your body fight the infection. Your infection may go away, but if it becomes chronic, you may have to take medications to treat it. There is no treatment for acute cases of hepatitis C, but if it becomes chronic, there are also medications available to treat it. Medication is usually successful at treating hepatitis C, but if it is not, you may need a liver transplant.

Common Symptoms

“I felt extremely tired, and I had no appetite. I also began experiencing nausea and muscle pain without warning, and several days later, I had itchy skin and dark-colored urine. I had hepatitis A.”
“When I had hepatitis B, I had stomach and joint pain, and I had fatigue that lasted for months. I had no appetite, and my skin started to look yellow.”
“I started to experience dark urine, yellowing of the skin, and clay-colored poop, and I noticed that I felt tired all the time and had pretty severe stomach pain and nausea. My doctor told me I had hepatitis C.”

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What They Are Saying

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Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

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Edward M.

The entire staff was excellent from the receptionist to the recovery nurse. The procedure was seamless as always. This was my fourth colonoscopy and this was the best one yet. The preparation is always the worst part for me.

Richard K.

Never have i been to a more professional medical office! Outstanding staff!

Susan C.

Very pleasant and professional experience. Wouldn’t go anywhere else.

Buddy G.

Excellent staff, didn’t feel uncomfortable at all

Dr. Quallich, the nurses and Phil, CRNA, were professional and personable. Explained everything. Virtually no discomfort. Great follow-up after the procedure.

vicki S.

For the first time it didn't take too long to have a procedure done plus everyone was so nice so experience and so good and it was really clean everywhere I loved that place and I will refer it to my family and friends

Gerald J.

Dr. Wille and staff are awesome. Professional. Make you feel comfortable throughout the procedure. Explain procedure and answer all questions. I highly recommend. Thank you

Coffee H.

Excellent professional care with patients.

Amanda P.

Everything was like a well oiled machine. From check-in to discharge super efficient.

Mary J.

Got in an out very fast, everyone was very nice. I'm pretty sure it's the fourth colonoscopy I've had at this facility and will definitely go back!

Paul Y.

The entire colonoscopy process was good. Prep was described beforehand, complete supplies were purchased as one, prep did NOT include anything but some laxative pills, laxative powder dissolved in the included Gatorade, disposable wipes, bullion drinks, gelatin drink. Arrival time was 9am, everyone was polite, attentive, professional, my ride picked me up at the door by 11am. Documentation results were given before I left the building.

Michael C.

Dr. Weber and his team are true professionals with attention to detail and excellent bedside manner. I highly recommend this group for digestive health needs.

John S.

I like Dr Willie. He and the staff were very pleasant and efficient.

Pamela J.

Was a wonderful helpful experience, Thank You Margaret, & Dr Kahn💜🙏🏻

Johannes M.

Very friendly and great service provided

Allan G.

Everyone was pleasant and very good at their jobs.

Amy N.

No wait, speedy appointment, doctor who listens! 😊

Kenneth E.

Everyone was very nice. A pleasant experience.

Lisa B.

The CDH runs like a well oiled machine!

Ami B.

Great, professional staff, great bedside manner! Made me feel very comfortable! 🩷

Joan F.

Every aspect of this experience was professional.

steven J.

All the staff were great and share info to make sure I had no concerns. Very caring and professional

Raymond A.

I have seen Dr. Weber at the Center for Digestive Health for all of my colonoscopies over the last 25 years. Yesterday's will be my last, since I had no polyps and I am now 76. All of my visits have been as good as a colonoscopy can be. Everyone has been very helpful and friendly. I am very grateful for them taking care of me this whole time. I recommend them highly!

C F.

Great staff. Everyone was very attentive.

Robert B.

They are the best, very professional and very caring. Dr Wille is the best. I have been to the Macomb facility twice and both times were an excellent experience. Considering that I was there for a colonoscopy both times.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

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Michael M.

Dr. Bologna is very thorough, down to earth, and pleasant. I trust his judgment...isn't that what it's all about? Highly recommended.

Ray

Very professional, very friendly, a very good atmosphere

Ariana G.

I was very pleased with my first visit in the Clinton Twp office, Dr. Wille and his staff were so kind, knowledgeable and friendly during my visit.

Laurie F.

From the moment I walked into the building for my procedure, the staff was friendly and welcoming. I had no wait time and everything was run professionally and as scheduled. Dr. Wille and his staff made me feel at ease, and are a professional group of people. I would highly recommend this office to others.

Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, please visit our providers page.

Amir Abadir MD, FRCPC

Anezi E. Bakken MD, MS

Sante D. Bologna MD, FACP

M. Emin Donat MD, FRCPC

Partha S. Nandi

Jack Tocco DO

John R. Weber MD

Richard T. Wille MD

Tusar Desai MD

Aalia Saeed, MD

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?

If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.

What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If a physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.

How do I get test results?

We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised.

What insurances do you accept?

We accept payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 248-844-9710.

What if I need to contact the doctor?

To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 248-844-9710. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours, you will be rerouted to our after hours answering service, and your doctor will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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