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Hepatitis

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Comprehensive Hepatitis Care at MediDental Care in Astoria

Hepatitis is a serious condition that affects the liver, often progressing silently until complications develop. At MediDental Care, we offer early detection, education, and treatment for all types of hepatitis. Hepatitis can present as acute infections (short-term) or chronic infections (long-term), each requiring different approaches to care. As a trusted provider of primary care in Astoria, we focus on prevention, long-term health monitoring, and compassionate care tailored to each patient.

If you’re concerned about your liver health, had a potential exposure, or were told you have abnormal liver function, our team is here to help.

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What Is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver. It may result from infections, autoimmune disorders, alcohol use, or medications. The immune system plays a crucial role in fighting hepatitis infections, and a weakened immune system can increase the risk of complications or chronic disease. The most common causes of infectious hepatitis are viral types: hepatitis A, B, and C.

Types of Hepatitis

  • Hepatitis A (HAV): Transmitted through contaminated food or water; typically short-term
  • Hepatitis B (HBV): Spread through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to child; can cause acute hepatitis (short-term, less than six months) or progress to chronic hepatitis B infection (long-term, more than six months), which may lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer
  • Hepatitis C infection (HCV): Blood-borne virus; hepatitis C infection can become chronic and may lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer
  • Hepatitis D: Requires hepatitis B infection to exist
  • Hepatitis E: Similar to hepatitis A; more common in developing regions
  • Alcoholic hepatitis: Caused by excessive alcohol consumption; can lead to severe liver damage.

Note: Acute hepatitis refers to a sudden onset and short duration (less than six months), while chronic forms last longer and may lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Common Symptoms of Hepatitis

  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Dark urine and pale stool
  • Joint pain

Some people with hepatitis may experience only mild symptoms or none at all, which can make early detection important.

Many cases—especially of hepatitis B and C—can be asymptomatic for years.

Why Hepatitis Requires Medical Attention

Hepatitis, especially in its chronic form, can lead to irreversible liver damage, including cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. Hepatitis B and C infections can become chronic diseases, increasing the risk of long-term complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Timely diagnosis and proper management significantly reduce risks. In rare cases, hepatitis can cause acute liver failure, a life-threatening condition that may require urgent medical intervention.

Benefits of Early Hepatitis Detection

  • Prevents liver damage and long-term complications
  • Limits transmission to others
  • Enables access to curative treatments (especially for hepatitis C)
  • Improves quality of life and life expectancy

How MediDental Care Diagnoses and Treats Hepatitis

Our primary care team in Astoria takes a proactive and discreet approach to hepatitis screening, education, and management. Prevention strategies include vaccination, such as the hepatitis B vaccine, which protects against the hepatitis B virus. For more authoritative information on hepatitis prevention and treatment, consult resources from the National Institute.

Step-by-Step Hepatitis Care Plan

1. Risk Assessment & History Review

A thorough risk assessment and review of your medical history are the first steps in understanding your likelihood of developing hepatitis. At MediDental Care, we take the time to discuss your potential exposures—such as contact with infected blood, other body fluids, or contaminated food and water. Certain behaviors and backgrounds can increase your risk, including a history of unprotected sex, intravenous drug use, or working in healthcare settings where exposure to infected blood is possible.

Family history is also important; if you have relatives with liver disease, chronic hepatitis, or liver cancer, your risk may be higher. Pre-existing conditions like diabetes, kidney diseases, or autoimmune hepatitis can make you more susceptible to hepatitis infections. By carefully reviewing your medical history and identifying high-risk factors, we can recommend preventive measures—such as the hepatitis A and B vaccines—and guide you on safe practices to help prevent hepatitis and protect your liver health.

2. Laboratory Testing

Accurate laboratory testing is essential for diagnosing hepatitis and monitoring your liver’s health. At MediDental Care, we use comprehensive blood tests to detect hepatitis viruses, including hepatitis B and C, and to evaluate your liver function. Elevated levels of liver enzymes, such as ALT and AST, can signal liver inflammation or damage. Additional tests, like measuring viral load and genotyping, help us determine the severity of your infection and tailor your treatment plan.

For those with chronic hepatitis B or C, regular blood tests are crucial to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and to catch complications early, such as cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (a type of liver cancer). These tests also help us assess your risk for liver failure and guide decisions about further care. With precise laboratory testing, we can provide timely diagnosis, effective management, and help prevent serious complications from hepatitis infections.

3. Treatment & Monitoring

The approach to treating hepatitis depends on whether the infection is acute or chronic, and on the specific hepatitis virus involved. Acute viral hepatitis, such as hepatitis A, often resolves with supportive care—rest, hydration, and monitoring for complications. However, chronic hepatitis B and C require more intensive management. Antiviral medications are used to suppress the virus, reduce liver inflammation, and prevent further liver damage.

Ongoing monitoring is a key part of managing chronic hepatitis. Regular check-ups, blood tests, and imaging studies help us track your liver function and viral load, ensuring that treatment is effective and adjusting it as needed. For those at risk of liver cancer, routine liver ultrasounds are recommended. In severe cases where liver disease progresses to liver failure, a liver transplant may be necessary. Early and consistent treatment and monitoring can prevent complications, improve your quality of life, and reduce the risk of transmitting the infection to others.

4. Long-Term Management

Living with chronic hepatitis means taking proactive steps to protect your liver and overall health. Long-term management includes regular visits with your healthcare provider to monitor liver function and viral levels. Practicing good hygiene, avoiding the sharing of personal items, and using protection during sexual contact are important to prevent spreading the infection.

Vaccination against hepatitis A and B is highly recommended, especially for those at higher risk. Lifestyle choices also play a significant role—avoiding alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a balanced diet can help minimize liver damage. Managing stress and staying active can further support your well-being. By following a comprehensive long-term management plan, you can reduce the risk of complications, manage symptoms, and help prevent the transmission of hepatitis to others.

1. Risk Assessment & History Review

  • Evaluation of personal, sexual, and travel history
  • Family history and previous liver function test results

Children younger than 5 who are infected with hepatitis B are at higher risk of developing chronic infection.

For more information on risk factors and prevention, consult resources from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

2. Laboratory Testing

  • Liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin)
  • Viral hepatitis panels (HAV, HBV, HCV)
  • Antibody and antigen testing
  • Ultrasound or FibroScan for liver fibrosis evaluation

3. Treatment & Monitoring

Treatment plans depend on the type and severity:

  • Hepatitis A: Supportive care (hydration, rest)
  • Hepatitis B: Chronic infection is defined as infection lasting more than six months. Chronic infection may remain asymptomatic for years but can lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Antiviral medications are used for chronic cases, and ongoing monitoring for liver damage is essential.
  • Hepatitis C: Direct-acting antiviral therapy (8–12 week oral treatment with cure rates over 95%)

4. Long-Term Management

  • Regular liver function monitoring
  • Screening for cirrhosis and liver cancer
  • Lifestyle support (alcohol cessation, weight management)
  • Vaccinations for hepatitis A and B if uninfected

Who Should Get Tested for Hepatitis?

You may need hepatitis screening if you:

  • Were born between 1945–1965 (for hepatitis C risk)
  • Had unprotected sex with multiple partners
  • Share needles or have a history of IV drug use
  • Live with someone with hepatitis B or C
  • Received a blood transfusion before 1992
  • Are pregnant (hepatitis B screening is standard)

Complications of Untreated Hepatitis

Understanding Liver Cirrhosis and Liver Failure

Liver cirrhosis is a condition where long-term inflammation leads to scarring of the liver, making it difficult for the organ to function properly. Chronic hepatitis B and C are leading causes of cirrhosis, but other factors like alcohol abuse and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) can also contribute. As cirrhosis progresses, symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, weight loss, and upper abdominal pain may appear.

If cirrhosis is not managed, it can progress to liver failure—a life-threatening condition where the liver can no longer perform its vital functions. Complications of liver failure include confusion (hepatic encephalopathy), severe abdominal pain, and internal bleeding. In these severe cases, a liver transplant may be the only option. Early diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis are crucial to prevent cirrhosis and liver failure. Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider ensures that any changes in your liver health are detected early, allowing for timely intervention and better outcomes.

Lifestyle Support for Liver Health

Managing hepatitis often includes lifestyle changes that protect liver function and prevent progression.

Key Tips to Support Liver Health

  • Avoid alcohol completely if you have liver disease
  • Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
  • Maintain a healthy weight to avoid fatty liver disease
  • Avoid unnecessary medications and supplements that stress the liver
  • Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B (if at risk)

Why Choose MediDental Care for Hepatitis Treatment in Astoria?

  • Confidential, non-judgmental care
  • Experienced primary care providers with hepatitis management training
  • On-site lab testing for fast results
  • Referrals to gastroenterologists or hepatologists as needed
  • Multilingual staff and culturally sensitive care
  • Flexible appointment scheduling

We’re proud to deliver expert primary care in Astoria that puts your health and comfort first.

Book a Hepatitis Screening or Follow-Up in Astoria

Early detection can make all the difference in managing hepatitis. Whether you need a routine screening, follow-up testing, or full treatment, MediDental Care is here to help.

📍 Conveniently located in Astoria, Queens
📞 Call us or book your appointment online

Protect your liver. Protect your health. Trust MediDental Care for expert hepatitis management in Astoria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can hepatitis be cured?

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Hepatitis C can be cured with modern antiviral medications. Hepatitis B is often manageable long-term. Hepatitis A usually resolves on its own.

Is hepatitis contagious?

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Yes. Hepatitis A and E are spread through contaminated food/water. B and C are spread through blood, sexual contact, or sharing needles.

What is the treatment for chronic hepatitis B?

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Antiviral medications may be prescribed to suppress the virus and prevent liver damage. Regular monitoring is essential.

Do I need a liver biopsy?

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Not always. Non-invasive tests like ultrasound or FibroScan are often used to assess liver damage first.

Can I get vaccinated?

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Yes. Vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C yet.

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Address:

2246 31st St, Astoria, NY 11105

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Monday
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Saturday
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Sunday
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