Hepatitis Specialist
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Downtown Gastro Medical Group
Daniel Brelian, M.D.
Gastroenterologist located in Downtown, Los Angeles, CA
Over four million Americans are living with hepatitis B or C, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As an inflammatory liver condition, hepatitis can compromise your body’s ability to detox and perform many other critical functions. At Downtown Gastro Medical Group, Dr. Daniel Brelian helps Los Angeles residents recover from this potentially dangerous condition. To schedule an appointment, call or book online today.
Heartburn Q & A
What is hepatitis?
Hepatitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the liver. It is usually caused by a viral infection, and there are several different types of hepatitis:
- Hepatitis A: This is commonly contracted if you drink water or eat food that is contaminated with the feces of a person with hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B: A type that is transmitted through bodily fluids, such as semen or blood. You can also contract hepatitis B through contaminated needles or razors.
- Hepatitis C: As one of the most common viral infections in the US, hepatitis C is contracted through injection drug use, bodily fluids, and sexual contact
- Hepatitis D: The hepatitis D virus causes serious liver disease and is contracted through contact with blood
- Hepatitis E: A waterborne virus that is usually transmitted through fecal matter
In other cases, hepatitis is caused by excessive alcohol use (called alcoholic hepatitis), or an autoimmune response where the body attacks the liver.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis?
Since hepatitis may not cause symptoms, many people with the condition don’t know they have it. However, there are signs to look for that could indicate hepatitis is present, including:
- Chronic fatigue
- Flu-like symptoms
- Dark-colored urine
- Pale stools
- Jaundice
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased appetite
Chronic hepatitis can develop slowly, so symptoms may not appear until the liver is severely damaged.
How is hepatitis treated?
Dr. Brelian starts with a full medical evaluation. He may order liver function tests, an ultrasound, or a liver biopsy to determine the extent of the inflammation and damage to your liver.
Your treatment plan depends on the type of hepatitis you have. For example, hepatitis A is acute and may resolve on its own. For chronic types of hepatitis, Dr. Brelian may prescribe you antiviral medication. In some cases, a liver transplant is necessary.
To support your liver health, you might also need to make dietary changes, such as cutting back on alcohol consumption.
What results can I expect?
The goal of hepatitis treatment is to prevent further damage to your liver and to avoid complete liver failure. Your results depend on the extent of existing liver damage, and your body’s ability to respond to medication.
Dr. Brelian has years of experience helping patients recover from hepatitis, and he offers each patient the highest standard of care. To book your appointment, call today or use the easy online scheduling tool.
