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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Excellent

Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

Based on 6250 reviews

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Sam D.

What an Awesome experience this was. I was nervous to say the least. But everyone here calmed me down. Now that I have it out of the way. It was one of my most enjoyable moments at a Doctors office. Thank you for showing so much patience with me.

Elizabeth S.

Every person on staff I interacted with was great. They were knowledgeable, friendly and kind. Made entire endo process much easier for me.

Vicki N.

Had the best experience possible. The staff is extraordinary and visit was extremely timely. Dr. Backend is also the best! Thank you.

Tina R.

Nurses and staff are very nice and efficient. Facilities are wonderful. The procedure was fast and no problems at all. Thank you

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.

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

Tom H.

Excellent experience and treatment

Karen K.

Besides them being professional and knowledgeable, I felt that they really cared for me as a person… I wasn’t just a number. Thank you Dr. Saeed and Staff

Marilyn R.

I have known Dr. Nandi for 24 years. He treated my 16 year old son when he was hospitalized. We have been seeing him ever since. That son is now a part owner of three primary/urgent care locations. He refers all his gastro patients to Dr. Nandi. During my visit last Friday, the staff was all friendly, caring, and very attentive. I will continue to be a patient there as long as Dr. Nandi practices medicine.

Patricia G.

Courteous staff, thorough exam, listened to my concerns.

Laura I.

Friendly and helpful staff Professional and caring Extremely efficient

Robert G.

Dr. Q. And staff handle a tough job and make it comfortable for the patients.

Barbara M.

Every one was caring and prepared me for the colonoscopy with their clear instructions. The recovery room was pleasant and not rushed and was a good experience.

Sherri G.

Dr. Nandi is truly amazing! He makes you feel completely at ease, listens carefully to your needs, and explains everything in a way that’s easy to understand. For the first time, I feel comfortable and confident about having a colonoscopy, I’m actually looking forward to my procedure and will follow up to share my experience. Dr. Nandi and his team genuinely care about their patients, and it shows in every interaction. He takes the time to discuss your health thoroughly and works with you to create a clear plan for moving forward. The staff is equally wonderful, so friendly, kind, and supportive. I’m very grateful for Dr. Nandi and his entire team. Their compassion and dedication make all the difference!

Katie C.

The staff was exceptional! So very kind and considerate, very efficient and my physician took the time to talk with me before and after procedure. Thank you all for taking such good care of me.

Susan A.

Dr. Wille is so nice and professional. The visit was for mom my who is elderly, and he never rushed her. Was very patient.

lorikolke

I had a great experience. Staff and Doctor were extremely professional, kind, and efficient! I highly recommend Doctor Willie!

Lisa M.

This was such a nice doctor’s ‘s office. Everyone was very happy. They answered all my questions. My procedure went very well and I really liked that. They let your loved ones stay with you through the whole thing. I recommend Dr. Donat If I could give them 10 stars, I would!

Jamie M.

Had a great first televisit with Dr Saeed looking forward to more visits

Jeffrey S.

The staff was very nice and professional, I was really impressed with how comfortable and knowledgeable they were.

dia F.

Great clinic.

Jay E.

Colonoscopy went smooth. Dr. Nandi and his staff were friendly, pleasant and knowledgeable. Annalisa, who I saw before Dr. Nandi was able to answer my questions and put my mind at ease.

Cindy P.

By far the best place to go. They have the friendliest staff in all departments.

Heidi M.

Dr Weber and the whole team at the Surgical Centers of Michigan were fantastic. Everyone was knowledgeable and efficient. So thankful to receive such good care while in their hands.

Jamie P.

What a dynamic staff! From phone registration to post procedure phone call every single staff member was polite, knowledgeable and attentive. I highly recommend!!

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

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Kevin M.

I was treated with great care. Everyone from registration to Dr Tocco was pleasant and helpful. Great experience.

Schianti

Awesome service from the receptionist to the doctor!

marie S.

Awesome! From the time I scheduled, to the time my procedure was completed. Dr Donat and the staff were very caring and attentive Answered all my questions and made me feel at ease. So glad I have them to keep me healthy ! Thank you , Thank you!

Stephanie K.

It was my first visit and I was anxious. All staff was extremely friendly and comforting, made the entire experience great.

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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