If you are
experiencing symptoms of hepatitis, you are likely to visit a doctor in the
near future. It is advisable to see an infectious disease specialist, and
garner a better understanding of the disease all together.
Upon visiting
the specialist, the first course of action will be to figure out what part of
the body the hepatitis has affected. There are seven known types of hepatitis,
usually caused by one of three hepatitis viruses A, B or C. The effects of each
virus are different, and identifying the particular type of virus causing the
infection will aide in the treatment process.
Know the Symptoms
Upon visiting a
specialist, you will gain an understanding of the deteriorating conditions
caused by the virus. Other possible causes for symptoms are discovered through
testing. There are several instances when hepatitis goes undiagnosed, as the
symptoms indicated are mild or may suggest another illness. Blood testing
remains the most effective diagnosis process.
Through
testing, the infectious disease specialist can tell whether the symptoms are
continuous or occasional. The results will also show the risk factor inherited
by symptoms and the severity of your symptoms.
Many known
symptoms of hepatitis are
●
Mild
fever
●
Nausea/Vomiting
●
Loss
of appetite
●
Mild
stomach pain
● Loss of taste
Prepare Questions
You can prepare
a list of questions you are willing to ask to the specialist, clearing up any
confusion you may have surrounding the disease. Make a list of supplements,
vitamins and medications you take in order to provide the specialist with more
details. This will help them properly
diagnose you.
Pointing out
any major life events or situations, can aide the specialist as well. They can accurately show how much damage has
been caused, as well as other complications the virus is responsible for. A liver biopsy might also be necessary to identify
the extent of damage in your liver.
Understand Treatments and Prevention
A visit with an
infectious disease specialist tells you about available treatment and vaccines.
There are several precautions that should be taken to prevent further
complications. Here are list of some:
●
Get
vaccinated
●
Only
eat food under conditions which are clean and hygienic.
●
Wash
your hands properly and thoroughly after using the bathroom as well as before
cooking a meal.
● Make sure to use protection when
having sex and most importantly, when practicing anal sex.
Infectious
disease specialists also give patients a brief detail about modes of
transmitting hepatitis, as to avoid the spread of infection to family members.
Keeping in mind your conditions, the specialist will list out benefits every
treatment option has, and will decide the most suitable treatment option for
you.
Hepatitis is a
very complex disease to overcome and a visit with an infectious disease
specialist can help ease your mind, as well as inform you on how to manage the
infection safely.
