Causes and Treatment of Hepatitis C in Richmond, KY

Baptist Health Richmond: Causes and Treatment of Hepatitis C

Learn about the causes of and get treatment options for Hepatitis C liver disease in our Richmond, KY Baptist Health Hepatitis C clinic.

Causes and Treatment of Hepatitis C in Richmond, KY HealthTalks Transcript

Sara Chasteen, PA-C, Gastroenterology:
Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by a virus that infects the liver. Hepatitis C is transmitted by IV drug use, unsterilized tattoos, from mother to child during birth, and also through sexual contact. If you were born between the years of 1945 and 1965, you’re at risk for hepatitis C, because it wasn’t as well known during those years.

Over time, hepatitis C causes inflammation in the liver. The inflammation can lead to scarring called cirrhosis and eventually cirrhosis can even lead to hepatocellular carcinoma, which is liver cancer. Hepatitis C is treated with an oral tablet, a pill that you take by mouth and usually the treatment lasts for two to three months.

At Baptist Health Richmond, we have a dedicated hepatitis C clinic so that we can keep everyone together in the same area and have more of a streamlined treatment center. You can get things taken care of and it can be organized to the point where you get your blood work on time, you get your medications refilled, all within one visit. It makes it more convenient for the patient overall.

I see people come in, and I can see them at their first visit being worried and concerned and feeling down and out from it, to the last visit when I get to tell them that their hepatitis C is cured. That’s a really exciting moment for them, and it helps them in the future. It helps them put their old life behind them and move on to better things.

Next Steps and Useful Resources:

Find a Provider Near You
Hepatitis Awareness
Treating Hepatitis C
What is a Liver Function Test?