A hepatologist is a specialist who prevents, diagnoses, and treats disorders affecting the liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, and pancreas. Hepatology is a subcategory of gastroenterology, which studies the overall digestive system.
Hepatitis is one of the most common reasons patients seek medical help from a hepatologist. However, patients are often referred to a hepatologist foor many other reasons, including:
- Pancreatitis
- Liver cancer
- Alcoholic cirrhosis
- Drug overdose resulting in liver problems
At The Office of Dr. Sharam Daneshgar, MD, our gastroenterologist in Thousand Oaks is also certified in practicing hepatology. If you are in need of an expert hepatologist in Thousand Oaks, feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment. We will provide you with the medical help you need.
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis affects millions of people throughout the world and often results in poor outcomes, such as liver transplants and liver cancer. When the cells in the body become injured due to chemicals or infection, the wounded area becomes inflamed. Hepatitis is the infection of the liver, which results in the damage of individual liver cells. Hepatitis is often caused through a viral infection. However, it can be caused by a number of other factors, including drugs, alcohol, chemicals or poisons, or other diseases.
Hepatitis can be acute or chronic. Acute hepatitis develops quickly and lasts a short period of time. Patients can make a full recovery from acute hepatitis, but it can take several months. Sometimes when patients do not make a full recovery from acute hepatitis, it can turn into chronic hepatitis. Chronic hepatitis can occur over several years, and even without a patient experiencing acute hepatitis or ever feeling any symptoms. As the liver recovers, cirrhosis comes into play, which is advanced scarring of the liver. This can cause damage to the liver, resulting in liver failure.
Contact a Hepatitis Specialist in Thousand Oaks
If you suffer from hepatitis, whether it’s autoimmune hepatitis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or chronic hepatitis C, it is important to seek medical help from our gastroenterologist in Thousand Oaks. We will be able to provide you with the medical treatment you need. Contact us today to learn about hepatitis treatment in Thousand Oaks.