Viruses that attack the liver are called hepatitis viruses. In Houston, viral hepatitis caused by hepatitis A, B, or C are the most common. However, there are several types of hepatitis viruses including types A, B, C, D, E, and G. In approximately 20% of patients, viral hepatitis will clear on its own. However, at HCA Houston Gastroenterology, treatments are available to help treat patients affected by Hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C in Houston, TX
Around 150 million people throughout the world are infected with Hepatitis C, which is a virus only transmitted through blood. Needle sticks, IV drug use, and other interactions that involve the exchange of blood can transmit Hepatitis C. If the liver disease and inflammation caused by Hepatitis C becomes severe enough, patients may develop cirrhosis, which is a life-threatening disease that causes scaring of the liver.
For those suffering from Hepatitis C in Houston, treatment is available. To find out if you are a candidate for Hepatitis C treatment, contact a gastroenterologist in Houston from HCA Houston Gastroenterology.
Endoscopy in Houston, TX
Endoscopy is a medical procedure that uses thin, hollow tubes designed for looking inside certain parts of the body. In Houston, endoscopy is often used to diagnosis the following illnesses or conditions:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Breathing disorders
- Incontinence
- Stomach Ulcers
- Internal Bleeding
- Urinary Tract Infections
Endoscopy is often used to properly diagnosis Crohn’s disease in Houston. Crohn's disease is a slowly developing inflammation of the digestive tract, usually involving part of the small intestine, the start of the large intestine, and the area surrounding the anus. This chronic inflammation leads to bothersome and uncomfortable symptoms and can lead to serious damage to the digestive tract.
An endoscope may also be used to diagnose colorectal cancer. In Houston and across the United States, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death. At HCA Houston Gastroenterology, we believe that early diagnosis of colorectal cancer in Houston is essential to properly treating this potentially fatal disease.
To learn more about how to properly treat and diagnose any of these conditions, schedule an appointment with an experienced gastroenterologist in Houston from HCA Houston Gastroenterology today.