Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver and can be acute or chronic. Hepatitis is commonly caused by one of five main virus types – A, B, C, D, and E; but the condition can also be caused by other infections, heavy alcohol use, toxins, certain medications, and autoimmune disease.

  • Hepatitis A and E are typically caused by ingesting contaminated food or water.
  • Hepatitis B commonly occurs through contact with infected blood, semen, or other bodily fluid – from mother to baby at birth, through sex, or sharing needles or other drug-injection equipment.
  • Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that is largely spread by sharing needles or other drug-injection equipment.
  • Hepatitis D is transmitted through contact with infectious blood, and occurs only among people with hepatitis B infection.

Why Choose Cooper for Hepatitis Care?

Attention is given to both general and complex gastrointestinal problems with an understanding on how these problems can impact your quality of life. Our physicians approach each individual need, whether general or complex, with the same attention to detail and resolution.

The Cooper Digestive Health Institute provides you with superior care with unique advantages:

  • Cooper has nationally recognized physician experts. Our physicians offer a level of experience and clinical excellence in gastroenterology that is unmatched in South Jersey.
  • The support staff has special training in gastroenterology. An all-RN staff of specially trained nurses provides patients with a superior level of care.
  • “One-stop” for patients undergoing procedures with an innovative stretcher chair that shifts from chair-to-bed-to-cart to move patient seamlessly between pre-op, procedure, and recovery areas.
  • Patient- and family-centered care. We provide the ultimate patient-centered care, featuring comfortably appointed waiting areas with complimentary computer kiosks for family and friends.

Related Services

Hepatitis Prevention

The best way to prevent the spread of hepatitis is by using proper hygiene. Other prevention strategies include the following:

  • Newborns, infants, and toddlers receive the hepatitis vaccine as part of their routine immunization schedule. Travelers to undeveloped countries may get the hepatitis A vaccine. The hepatitis B vaccine can prevent hepatitis D by preventing hepatitis B. There are no vaccines for hepatitis C, D, or E at this time.
  • Blood donations are routinely screened for hepatitis B and C to reduce the chance of transmission from an infected donor.
  • If you have been exposed to hepatitis, ask your doctor if an antibody preparation might be able to protect you from the disease.
  • During sexual activity, be sure to use a condom and practice safe sex.
  • Do not share or reuse needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment.
  • Do not use personal items that may have even a small amount of an infected person's blood. Items like nail clippers, toothbrushes, razors, and glucose monitors could be a source of infection, even if they look clean.
  • If you plan on getting a tattoo, make sure to go to a licensed facility where tattoo needles are not reused.

Acute Hepatitis

Acute hepatitis can result from an infection with a virus, overdose of medicines, or a chemical exposure. The symptoms may include:

  • Appetite loss
  • Clay-colored bowel movements
  • Fever
  • Hives
  • Jaundice
  • Joint pain
  • Muscle soreness
  • Nausea
  • Tenderness in the right, upper belly
  • Vomiting

The symptoms of acute hepatitis may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Your health care provider can 

Chronic Hepatitis

Chronic hepatitis can occur in people with viral hepatitis types B, C, and D. Symptoms of chronic hepatitis are usually mild. Although the liver damage continues, its progression is usually slow. Some people may experience no symptoms, while others may experience:

  • Appetite loss
  • Fatigue 
  • Illness
  • Jaundice
  • Low-grade fever
  • Upper belly pain

A highly protective vaccine for hepatitis A has been developed, and a vaccine for hepatitis B is also available. 

Make an Appointment With a Cooper Hepatitis Expert

Cooper's world-class care is available in your neighborhood with services at convenient outpatient locations throughout South Jersey and the Delaware Valley. To learn more about the resources available for treating hepatitis at Cooper or to request an appointment, please call 800.8.COOPER (800.826.6737)