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.”

Find a Location in Your Area

Find a Location

Request an Appointment

What They Are Saying



Excellent

Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

Based on 6249 reviews

See all reviews

review us on

Kim K.

Dr. Willie is kind, caring and very knowledgeable I enjoyed my appointment with him. He explains the problem and also follows through with a follow up visit. You feel definitely at ease with Dr. Willie.

Jason B.

Staff and doctors were awesome! I would recommend this place.

David P.

I was treated very professionally even though the procedure is very personal. The procedure discovered some health problems that may never have come to light without the test. Glad there are still professionals that care about a patients health, thanks!

Kim B.

My child (16) recently had an endoscopy. The nurses went above and beyond calming her nerves about the iv placement. They were patient and so very kind. The front desk phone lady was also extremely kind. Doctor was fantastic and procedure went smoothly. I was updated as soon as he was done. Highly recommend!

K B.

Everyone in the building works to both help and make you feel comfortable in the whole process

Tiffany Q.

Super friendly and helpful staff. Doctor kept me completely updated on everything.

Sandra M.

Helpful and courteous desk staff, tech and the always compassionate yet professional and decisive Dr Abadir.

Gene D.

Great coming back for sure

Jeff C.

Staff was great from the start to the end.

Steve S.

Everyone there was organized, efficient, and friendly. Very good experience.

daniel M.

Dr. Willie is very knowledgeable and cordial.

Yasso Y.

I went to this office for the first time ever. I found everyone to be cordial, helpful, attentive, and efficient. I was in with Jennifer the PA. She was wonderful. She listened, she was knowledgable, addressed all my concerns, explained thinhgs very clearly, and has wondeful interpersonal skills. After my visit I felt mcuh more at ease about my condition and the remedies for it.

Kevin H.

As a person with health anxiety, I wasn’t looking forward to this test at all—especially the prep. I got thru that ok and had the best experience once I got to the surgical center. DR. BAkken is so kind, warm and knowledgeable. I have had her for my last 4 colonoscopies. Her team is also very kind and helpful throughout the entire procedure. Don’t fear getting a colonoscopy. They are lifesaving and not stressful at all!

Teri K.

The entire staff is warm and welcoming, professional and friendly.

Joanne T.

I had the pleasure of seeing Dr Nandi for first time EGD, and Colonoscopy at Troy Surgical Center. Dr Nandi and wonderful staff were nothing but professional and the best bedside manners for pts. 5 stars and would recommend Troy Gastroenterology.

Gary P.

Have used them for annual colonoscopies for some time . This was for other problems and I received the same great servic and diagnostic help. Top notch group

Kathy C.

My experience with my colonoscopy was done with efficiency from the front desk until walking out the door after my procedure. This place was fantastic. Everyone that works there were great at their jobs.

Kathryn H.

We were brought in timely. Staff were very professional and friendly as was the doctor who listened and also very knowledgeable. Very pleased with appointment.

Margaret B.

The staff were great and very efficient!!

Maria J.

The service was beyond amazing. Everyone was so professional and amazingly nice.

Gregory T.

Dr. Weber and his entire staff did a great job. I would not go anywhere else for the service that I had done.

Lawanda L.

Excellent service very knowledgeable. Everyone is making sure that you Are very comfortable. And sit at ease about the procedure that is going to take place.

Nanette P.

Excellent

Patricia B.

Taken in on time! Every segment of procedure was met with extremely professional and very caring nurses and doctors! A truly comfortable experience!

John S.

Saw Dr Willie today. He is very knowledgeable and takes his time explaining everything to you. Answers all the questions that you have. And the whole staff there is fantastic.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6254 reviews

See all reviews

review us on

Beverly P.

On time video chat with Dr Wille and we’ll informed.

Robert W.

Great place, professional staff. The visit was a breeze. Dr. Weber is the most comprehend MD I've ever met.

Robert H.

I was a little late but when I got there they put me right thru. They were all very professional and polite. When it was over the Dr came in and explained what happened and what he did. Being handicapped it took me a little longer to get dressed and then they wheeled me out to my vehicle.

A S.

Good office environment, professional and friendly staff.

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.

3 reasons to see a gastrointestinal specialist when you turn 45

A gastrointestinal specialist is someone who specializes in the gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal tract involves a pathway that starts at the mouth and ends at the anus. The organs within the gastrointestinal tract are those that function mostly for...

The Benefits of Water for Digestion

Digestion is a process that, when running smoothly, can help keep the rest of your body in good condition too. It’s an important component of your overall health. There are several different ways that the digestive system can be well maintained, and this can be helped...

Do I Need an Endoscopy for Acid Reflux?

An endoscopy is a procedure that is typically used to examine an individual’s digestive tract. It is a non-surgical procedure that involves a tube with a video camera attached to it, called an endoscope, that is used to examine the inside of a cavity in the body. An...