Hepatitis is a disease that affects the liver. This organ is responsible for many vital bodily functions, including cleaning blood and fighting infections. Hepatitis B and C are two dangerous types and should be addressed by a gastroenterologist. Use the following guide to learn the difference between the two.

Transmission

The biggest differentiator between hepatitis B and C is how they’re spread. Hepatitis B can be transmitted via contact with bodily fluids of an infected individual. It can also be passed to a baby during childbirth or between sexual partners.

Hepatitis C, on the other hand, can usually be transmitted through blood-to-blood contact only. Many people contracted the infection when receiving an organ transplant or blood transfusion before doctors starting screening blood for the disease in 1992. It can be transmitted through contaminated needles as well.

Symptoms

Although the two types don’t always cause apparent signs, they share similar symptoms when they do. Possible indicators include fatigue, painful joints, and fevers.

Gastrointestinal issues may also arise, including vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. Some patients may experience symptoms so mild that they attribute them to the flu or don't even notice them at all. Roughly 50% of people living with hepatitis C don’t know that they’re infected.

Diagnosis & Treatment

A blood test is used to diagnose hepatitis and can determine what type an individual is infected with. It's even possible to have both B and C simultaneously.

There’s currently no cure for hepatitis B. A gastroenterologist can monitor the patient and recommend lifestyle changes, like avoiding alcohol, which causes liver damage. Supporting this organ is essential to combating the disease and mitigating symptoms. 

Hepatitis C can be cured using prescription drugs, taken for a period of three to six months. The precise drugs prescribed depend on the genotype of virus present, as there are several variations of hepatitis C.

Naugatuck Valley Gastroenterology Consultants of Prospect, CT, will provide you with the knowledge you need to stay healthy and manage any symptoms of hepatitis. For over 20 years, this medical practice has offered comprehensive gastroenterology care, including preventive colon cancer screenings and treatments of digestive disorders. Their gastroenterologists are known for being personable and friendly and will put you at ease and answer your questions. To request an appointment, complete the online form or call (203) 756-6422.