Does a gastroenterologist deal with hep C?

Posted on by Emilia Duggan

Does a gastroenterologist deal with hep C?

Gastroenterologists specialize in diseases of all of the gastrointestinal organs including the liver. Moreover, there are gastroenterologists who specialize in diseases of the liver including hepatitis C. These specialists are called hepatologists.

Who can prescribe hep C treatment?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages family physicians to treat hepatitis C. 22 Outcomes when primary care physicians prescribe direct-acting antivirals to patients with uncomplicated hepatitis C are comparable to those of subspecialists.

How long can you live with untreated hep C?

How long can you live with untreated hep C? The disease affects everyone differently, so there’s no rule. But about 70% to 80% of people with will get chronic help C. Within 20 years, about 20% to 30% of those people will get cirrhosis.

How does a gastroenterologist treat hepatitis?

Hepatitis Specialists Gastroenterologist: Gastroenterology is a subspecialty of internal medicine. These specialists focus on all of the digestive organs and processes of the body. Since the liver is an important part of metabolism and digestion, gastroenterologists are very knowledgeable in treating hepatitis.

What is the best hep C treatment?

Hepatitis C is treated using direct-acting antiviral (DAA) tablets. DAA tablets are the safest and most effective medicines for treating hepatitis C. They’re highly effective at clearing the infection in more than 90% of people. The tablets are taken for 8 to 12 weeks.

How do you know if your Hep C is getting worse?

Symptoms of end-stage liver disease may include:

  1. Easy bleeding or bruising.
  2. Persistent or recurring yellowing of your skin and eyes (jaundice)
  3. Intense itching.
  4. Abdominal pain.
  5. Loss of appetite.
  6. Nausea.
  7. Swelling due to fluid buildup in your abdomen and legs.
  8. Problems with concentration and memory.

Can hep C be cured completely?

Today, chronic HCV is usually curable with oral medications taken every day for two to six months. Still, about half of people with HCV don’t know they’re infected, mainly because they have no symptoms, which can take decades to appear.