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Hepatitis E

Dr. Scott at GastroDoxs in Houston provides care for hepatitis E, a liver infection caused by contaminated water or undercooked meat. Learn about risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and lifestyle support to ensure a swift recovery with expert guidance.

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Scott Liu

About the Expert

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

  • Drinking water contaminated with hepatitis E virus
  • Eating raw or undercooked pork, seafood, or meat
  • Traveling to regions with poor sanitation
  • Using unfiltered private well water
  • Close contact with someone who is infected

Signs and Symptoms

  • Fatigue and loss of appetite
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  • Dark-colored urine and pale stools
  • Mild fever and nausea
  • Abdominal discomfort or stomach upset
  • Joint aches and itchy skin

How Dr. Scott Diagnoses This Condition?

Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:

Medical History and Physical Exam

He reviews recent travel, water and food exposures, alcohol use and risk factors. He asks specifically about epigastric pain, fatigue, nausea, jaundice and appetite changes, then palpates the liver for tenderness or enlargement.

Blood Tests

Dr. Scott orders liver function tests (ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin) and hepatitis E-specific serologies (IgM and IgG). He simultaneously rules out hepatitis A, B and C.

Imaging Studies

  • Abdominal ultrasound assesses liver size, echotexture and bile ducts to detect inflammation or obstruction.
  • FibroScan (transient elastography) measures liver stiffness if there's concern for chronic injury.

Additional Testing (if needed)

If the diagnosis remains uncertain, Dr. Scott may request hepatitis E RNA PCR to confirm active infection or repeat antibody testing to track recovery. In rare cases, a liver biopsy evaluates the degree of inflammation and rules out other causes.

Dr. Scott
Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for hepatitis E.

1. Diet and Lifestyle Support

  • Rest and maintain adequate hydration to help your liver recover
  • Eat small, frequent meals to ease nausea
  • Choose a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins
  • Avoid alcohol until liver enzymes normalize

2. Medications

  • Supportive treatments such as anti-nausea and anti-itch medications
  • Antiviral therapy (e.g., ribavirin) for severe or protracted infections

3. Diagnostic Tests and Procedures

  • Blood tests to monitor liver function and detect hepatitis E antibodies
  • Ultrasound imaging to evaluate liver inflammation
  • Liver biopsy in chronic cases to assess tissue damage
Scott Liu

About the Expert

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 does hepatitis E spread?

Hepatitis E is most commonly transmitted by drinking water or eating food contaminated with the virus, especially in areas with poor sanitation.

What are the most common symptoms of hepatitis E?

Typical signs include fatigue, loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), dark urine, pale stools, mild fever, and abdominal discomfort.

How long does it take to recover from hepatitis E?

Most healthy adults recover within four to six weeks with rest, adequate hydration, and supportive care.

Can hepatitis E be prevented?

Yes. Preventive measures include drinking clean or treated water, cooking meat thoroughly, and practicing good hand hygiene.

Is there a vaccine for hepatitis E?

A vaccine is available in some countries but is not currently approved for use in the United States.

When should I see a doctor?

If you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, persistent nausea, severe abdominal pain, or other concerning symptoms, seek medical evaluation promptly.

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