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Hepatitis A
Discover expert hepatitis A care with Dr. Scott at GastroDoxs in Houston. Board-certified and experienced, he offers diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and preventive vaccinations. From lifestyle guidance to lab testing, trust Dr. Scott's supportive team for a smooth, full recovery.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Eating contaminated food or drinking unsafe water
Close contact with someone who has hepatitis A
Traveling to areas with poor sanitation
Working in or having children in daycare centers
Not being vaccinated against hepatitis A
Signs and Symptoms
Fatigue or general weakness
Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting
Pain or pressure in the upper right abdomen (near the liver)
Dark urine or pale (clay-colored) stools
Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Mild fever, body aches, or joint pain
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses This Condition
At his Houston clinic, Dr. Scott follows a thorough, step-by-step diagnostic approach:
Health History
He reviews your health history and asks specifically about liver disease.
Physical Exam
Dr. Scott checks your balance, speech, and reflexes to assess neurological function.
Blood Tests
Tests are ordered to measure ammonia levels and evaluate liver function.
Cognitive Tests
Thinking and memory tests may be done to assess brain function.
Imaging
Ultrasound or CT scans may be requested to get detailed images of your liver.
Diagnosis and Documentation
A precise diagnosis allows for an appropriate care plan, with medical records including the correct ICD-10 code for accuracy.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for hepatitis A.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Tips
Get plenty of rest
Drink lots of water and fluids
Eat healthy foods: lean protein, fruits, and vegetables
Avoid alcohol and pain relievers like acetaminophen
2. Medications
Anti-nausea medicine if needed
Mild pain relievers under Dr. Scott's guidance
Immune globulin shots for people exposed to the virus
No antiviral drugs are needed-most people recover on their own
3. Procedures
Most people do not require procedures
Referral to a transplant center in Houston in rare cases of severe liver failure
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is hepatitis A different from B or C?
Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food or water and does not become chronic, while hepatitis B and C spread through blood or body fluids and can lead to long-term infection.
What does "hepatitis A ab total reactive" mean?
It means your body has developed antibodies to hepatitis A. Your doctor will explain whether this reflects a past, resolved infection or a current one.
Can I get the hepatitis A vaccine at GastroDoxs?
Yes. Dr. Scott offers the hepatitis A vaccine on-site-it's the most effective way to prevent infection.
How long do symptoms of hepatitis A last?
Most people recover in 2 to 6 weeks, though some experience fatigue or mild discomfort for a few additional weeks.
Can I eat normally while recovering?
You can eat regular meals but stick to small, nutritious portions-lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables-and avoid heavy, fatty, or fried foods.
Does hepatitis A cause permanent liver damage?
Permanent liver damage is very rare. With proper rest, hydration, and medical monitoring, nearly all patients recover fully.
Should people I live with get tested or treated?
Yes. Close contacts should receive the hepatitis A vaccine or an immune globulin injection within two weeks of exposure to prevent illness.
