Hepatology in Thane

Hepatitis is a condition marked by severe inflammation in the liver, which may result from injury or infection. It is associated with symptoms like jaundice, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, indigestion, and nausea. Hepatitis is broadly classified into two categories:

1. Acute Hepatitis: This typically lasts for around 6 months and usually resolves on its own.
2. Chronic Hepatitis: This typically lasts for more than 6 months and progresses to serious conditions like cirrhosis and liver failure if left untreated.

Decoding the Types of Hepatitis

The various types of hepatitis include:

1. Autoimmune Hepatitis: This occurs when a person's immune system starts attacking their liver cells, triggering severe inflammation and swelling. This is not spread through direct contact. Instead, it is believed to result from the immune system attacking the liver cells, often with a genetic predisposition.
2. Hepatitis A: A short-term infection, rarely leading to complications, and is vaccine-preventable. Hepatitis A is typically transmitted through the faecal-oral route, primarily via contaminated food, water, or close personal contact with an infected person.
3. Hepatitis B: Lasting around 6 months, in extreme cases it can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis, or cancer. Spreads through contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, or from an infected mother to her newborn during childbirth; also transmitted through sexual contact and sharing of needles.
4. Hepatitis C: Marked by long-term infection and often symptomless. In some cases, it can lead to cirrhosis, scarring, or cancer. Hepatitis C is mainly transmitted through contact with infected blood, often due to sharing of needles among intravenous drug users, and less commonly through sexual contact or from an infected mother to her child.
5. Hepatitis D (Delta Hepatitis): Occurs only in individuals with Hepatitis B, as it requires the presence of the Hepatitis B virus for transmission. It is primarily spread through contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids.
6. Hepatitis E: Caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV), it typically transmits through the faecal-oral route, often via contaminated water. It can also be transmitted through undercooked or raw pork.
7. Neonatal Hepatitis: An inflammation in the liver of infants aged 1 to 2 months, this is usually transmitted from an infected mother to her newborn during childbirth. However, it can also occur through other means such as breastfeeding or close contact with infected blood or body fluids.

Diagnosing Hepatitis at Jupiter Hospital

Our hepatologists employ various diagnostic methods, including:

• Physical examination
• Blood assessments
• Ultrasound
• Transient Elastography
• MRI
• CT scan
• Liver Biopsy

Treatment for hepatitis at Jupiter Hospital is tailored to the type of hepatitis and the extent of progression. Our approach includes lifestyle modifications and medications. In some cases with advanced liver damage, our experts may recommend a liver transplant.

As a preferred Hepatology hospital in Thane, we also offer dedicated treatment for Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, also known as Hepatic Steatosis. It is characterised by an excessive accumulation of fat in the liver, primarily resulting from heavy alcohol consumption. Progression of this condition leads to severe complications such as liver enlargement, alcoholic hepatitis, and alcoholic cirrhosis.

Understanding the Risk Factors

Various risk factors associated with alcoholic fatty liver disease include:

• Obesity
• Malnourishment
• Personal history of chronic viral hepatitis
• Genetic predisposition

Accurate Diagnosis and Tailored Hepatology Treatment in Thane

Our approach to hepatic steatosis begins with precise diagnosis, which may include the following:

• Assessment of medical history
• Thorough physical examination
• Blood assessments
• Ultrasound
• CT scan
• MRI
• Liver biopsy

Alcoholic fatty liver disease can be reversed by making the crucial decision to quit drinking. Additionally, our team offers treatments, such as lifestyle modifications, weight loss, and a personalised nutrition plan.

At Thane’s Jupiter Hospital, we also cater to the diagnosis and treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, often referred to as NAFLD. It is an umbrella term encompassing various conditions that result in the accumulation of fat in the liver. The condition can progress to more severe forms known as steatohepatitis or NASH (Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis). Most individuals with NAFLD do not exhibit any noticeable symptoms. However, children with NAFLD may experience abdominal discomfort and fatigue.

Key Risk Factors

Several common risk factors are associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, including:

• Obesity
• Insulin resistance
• Hyperglycemia
• Elevated triglyceride levels
• High cholesterol
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Sleep apnea
• Type 2 diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• Hypopituitarism

Precise Diagnosis

Our dedicated team of hepatologists employs various diagnostic techniques to accurately identify NAFLD, which includes:

• Blood tests
• Abdominal ultrasound
• CT scan
• Transient elastography
• MRI
• Liver biopsy

We provide hepatology treatment for NAFLD to cater to your needs. Our Hepatology treatment in Thane involves effective management through healthy lifestyle changes and, when necessary, prescribed medications.

Jupiter Hospital addresses liver disorders like autoimmune liver diseases as well. Triggered by abnormalities in the immune system, autoimmune liver diseases encompass various liver conditions, with three of the most common being:

• Autoimmune Hepatitis: This condition involves inflammation in the liver, occurring when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy liver cells. It is influenced by various environmental and genetic factors.
• Primary Biliary Cholangitis: This condition involves the gradual destruction of bile ducts in the liver and is more prevalent in women than it is in men.
• Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: This condition is characterised by inflammation and scarring of bile ducts both inside and outside the liver, often leading to an unhealthy build-up of bile.

Accurate Diagnosis and Tailored Hepatology Treatment

To diagnose autoimmune liver diseases, a series of tests are conducted, including:

• Anti-liver/kidney microsomal antibodies
• Anti-mitochondrial antibodies
• Antinuclear antibodies
• Anti-smooth muscle antibodies
• Serum IgG

Our team of medical professionals will determine the most appropriate diagnostic approach based on your specific condition. Our approach to treating autoimmune liver diseases entails a treatment plan tailored to your specific requirements. Medications and other therapeutic interventions are utilised to manage the condition effectively.

We are dedicated to addressing a wide range of liver disorders, including genetic liver diseases. These conditions are inherited through generations and often require specialised treatment.

Exploring Genetic Liver Diseases

Genetic liver diseases encompass a group of conditions that are passed on through generations. Two of the most prevalent genetic liver diseases are:

1. Hemochromatosis: This condition is characterised by the excessive accumulation of iron in the body, which can lead to severe damage in multiple tissues and organs. If left untreated, it can progress to cirrhosis or even liver cancer.
2. Wilson's Disease: This rare disorder is marked by an excessive build-up of copper in the body, typically affecting individuals aged 5 to 35 years. The condition primarily manifests with symptoms related to both the brain and the liver.

Precise Diagnosis at Our Hepatology Hospital

To diagnose genetic liver diseases, our experts employ a range of diagnostic techniques, including:

• Blood tests
• MRI
• CT scan
• Ultrasound
• Thorough assessment of personal and family medical history

We offer treatment for genetic liver diseases, which includes prescribed medication to effectively manage the condition. In severe cases, a liver transplant may be necessary, and our expert team will guide you through the process.

Jupiter Hospital is dedicated to providing treatment for liver cirrhosis, a severe and end-stage liver disease characterised by extensive scarring in liver tissue. The damage incurred is permanent and irreversible, making this condition progressively detrimental to liver function.

Understanding the Disorder

Liver cirrhosis hinders the liver's ability to efficiently perform its vital functions, rendering individuals more susceptible to complications such as bleeding. Common symptoms of cirrhosis include jaundice, itchy skin, edema, and ascites.

Key Risk Factors for Cirrhosis

Numerous risk factors are associated with the development of cirrhosis, including:

• Excessive alcohol intake
• Viral hepatitis
• High blood sugar
• Obesity
• Family history of liver disease

Precise Diagnosis

Our expert team employs an array of diagnostic tools to accurately identify cirrhosis, which includes:

• Abdominal CT scan
• Abdominal ultrasound
• Elastography
• MRI
• Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
• Liver biopsy
• Liver function tests

While there is no complete cure for cirrhosis, our team provides hepatology treatment aimed at slowing down disease progression and alleviating its symptoms.