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Hepatitis C
At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Scott offers expert hepatitis C care, featuring precise diagnosis, personalized treatment with highly effective direct-acting antivirals, and liver monitoring. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Scott guides patients through every step toward a cure.
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
Sharing needles or syringes during IV drug use
Receiving a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992
Long-term hemodialysis
Getting tattoos or piercings with unsterile tools
Being born to a mother who has hepatitis C
Occupational exposure to infected blood (healthcare workers)
Signs and Symptoms
Often no symptoms for many years
Persistent fatigue or weakness
Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
Dark urine or clay-colored stools
Discomfort or pain in the upper right abdomen
Poor appetite and unintended weight loss
Joint or muscle aches
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses Hepatitis C?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He discusses your epigastric pain in detail-onset, duration, intensity-and reviews hepatitis C risk factors (IV drug use, blood transfusions, unsterile tattoos), alcohol intake, and associated symptoms such as fatigue or jaundice. A focused abdominal exam checks for liver enlargement or tenderness.
Blood Tests
We order:
HCV antibody test to screen for past or current exposure
HCV RNA quantification to confirm active infection
Liver function panel (ALT, AST, bilirubin) to assess inflammation
Complete blood count and coagulation profile to evaluate overall liver health
Imaging Studies
Abdominal ultrasound to visualize liver size, texture, and rule out gallbladder disease or masses that could cause epigastric pain
FibroScan or elastography to noninvasively measure liver stiffness and stage fibrosis
Advanced Testing (if needed)
On rare occasions, a percutaneous liver biopsy is performed to definitively stage fibrosis, grade inflammation, or exclude other hepatic disorders when noninvasive studies are inconclusive.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for hepatitis C.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Avoid alcohol-it can worsen liver damage
Eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
Avoid herbal supplements unless approved by your doctor
2. Medications
We use direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) with a cure rate over 95%
Treatment typically lasts 8 to 12 weeks
Most patients experience only mild side effects
Close monitoring by Dr. Scott to ensure optimal results
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
FibroScan for noninvasive liver assessment
Endoscopy to evaluate and manage bleeding risks
Referral for liver transplant evaluation when necessary
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
What is hepatitis C and why is it serious?
Hepatitis C is a virus that attacks the liver. Without treatment, it can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer, so early diagnosis and therapy are essential.
How do people get hepatitis C?
The virus spreads through contact with infected blood-most commonly via shared needles or syringes, unsterile medical or tattoo equipment, and from mother to baby at birth.
How long does treatment take?
Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy typically lasts 8 to 12 weeks, depending on your liver health and the specific hepatitis C genotype.
Are the medications hard to take?
DAAs are taken orally once daily and are generally well tolerated. Most people experience only mild side effects like fatigue or headache.
Can I drink alcohol during treatment?
No. Alcohol further damages the liver and can reduce the effectiveness of treatment, so abstaining throughout therapy is strongly recommended.
Do I need a liver biopsy?
Most patients only need noninvasive evaluations like FibroScan or ultrasound. A biopsy is reserved for rare cases where detailed tissue analysis is required.
Do I need checkups after I'm cured?
Yes. If you had liver scarring or cirrhosis, Dr. Scott will schedule regular follow-ups to monitor your liver health and catch any new issues early.
