Being diagnosed with chronic hepatitis can feel traumatic, but patients should realize they likely have an excellent chance to live a long, happy life. It might seem surprising to hear that a gastrointestinal specialist can become a person’s hepatitis doctor in Nassau County NY, but patients need to understand that the liver is part of the digestive system. With proper care, an individual with chronic hepatitis can continue to feel great much of the time and learn how to manage those episodes when unpleasant symptoms occur.
Hepatitis is a disease that causes liver inflammation. Some types can be cured relatively quickly, while others are chronic disorders that a person has to deal with on a long-term basis. A Hepatitis Doctor in Nassau County NY monitors the patient’s condition and provides ongoing guidance on how to live well with this illness. If the patient is overweight, getting down to a healthy weight is important. Avoiding alcohol also will keep the liver in a healthier state. In fact, it’s best to not drink any alcohol at all when someone has chronic hepatitis.
The doctor should be made aware of any medications and supplements the patient takes, since some are a little hard on the liver. Acetaminophen pain relievers, for instance, should only be taken sparingly. Some individuals turn to alternative medicine for help, and the hepatitis doctor should be kept up to speed on any therapies the patient uses.
Milk thistle, for instance, is known for its liver-healing benefits. The herbal supplement won’t cure chronic hepatitis and may not reduce the levels of the virus in the body, but research indicates that patients tend to feel better when they take it. That’s because milk thistle has anti-inflammatory characteristics that are particularly beneficial for the liver.
It’s essential to tell the doctor before taking any over-the-counter drugs, herbs or other health-related substances, because some of them might have negative interactions with prescription antiviral medication taken to treat hepatitis. Doctors at a clinic such as GastroCare LI are ready to help patients with this disease live well and continue having a satisfying life for many years to come. Click here for more information.
