If you’re one of the estimated 3.5 million Americans with hepatitis C, you know it’s a serious liver infection that can be deadly if left untreated. Sarah Miller, MD, at Neudorf Infectious Diseases Clinic in Conroe and Montgomery, Texas, provides extensive testing and treatment for hepatitis C and other infectious diseases. Call the office to schedule your consultation or use the convenient online scheduling option.
Hepatitis C is a contagious virus that infects your liver. Infection can be either acute or chronic. Acute hepatitis C occurs within six months of being exposed to the virus. Chronic hepatitis C is a long-term health condition that can cause serious problems like liver cirrhosis or cancer.
Hepatitis is one of the most common bloodborne viruses and a leading reason for liver transplants.
Many people do not have any symptoms at all when they have hepatitis C. However, when symptoms do surface, they include:
One of the telltale symptoms of hepatitis C is tenderness on your right side where your liver is located.
You can contract hepatitis C when blood from someone who is infected enters your blood through:
If you engage in sexual activity that causes broken skin and bleeding, such as anal intercourse, your risk for contracting hepatitis C is higher.
Neudorf Infectious Diseases Clinic offers several methods to diagnose hepatitis C and discern whether you’ve sustained any liver damage. First, Dr. Miller conducts a thorough physical examination and asks a series of questions about your medical history and family background. She may conduct any of the following:
With a proper diagnosis and understanding of the degree of your illness, Dr. Miller can customize a treatment plan for you.
Oral medication is the go-to treatment for hepatitis C. Typically, you’ll take a course of antiviral medications for 2-3 months. Dr. Miller monitors your health on an ongoing basis to ensure the medication works well.
If you’ve been exposed to blood through tattoo needles, sex, or syringes, contact the knowledgeable team at Neudorf Infectious Diseases Clinic or book an appointment online to get screened for hepatitis C.