Interferon-free therapy for hepatitis C ‘cured’ 90% of patients
Currently, doctors treating hepatitis C patients with cirrhosis (liver scarring) can only offer treatments that rely on the drug interferon, which unfortunately, only works for less than half of patients. Now, a new study found that an interferon-free combination of drugs was safe, well tolerated and cured over 90% of …
What is cirrhosis of the liver?
Cirrhosis of the liver describes a condition where scar tissue gradually replaces healthy liver cells. The main causes are sustained, excessive alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis B and C, and fatty liver disease – however, there are other possible causes. People with cirrhosis may develop jaundice (yellowing of the skin, eyes, …
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a virus that causes infection and inflammation of the liver. It rarely results in serious liver damage or death and does not develop chronic liver disease. Unlike hepatitis B or C, it does not lead to chronic liver disease, but it can result in significant loss of income and …
Viral hepatitis: Types, symptoms, treatment, and prevention
Hepatitis refers to an inflammation of the liver cells and damage to the liver. There are different types and causes, but the symptoms can be similar. The liver’s functions include detoxifying the blood, storing vitamins, and producing hormones. Hepatitis can disrupt these processes and create severe health problems throughout the …
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver by the hepatitis B virus. It can be acute and self-resolving, or it can be chronic, leading to cirrhosis and liver cancer. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is found in blood and bodily fluids. It can be transmitted through semen, vaginal fluids, …
What Do You Want to Know About Atrial Fibrillation?
At least 2.7 million people in the United States have atrial fibrillation. It’s the most common type of heart arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) that can interrupt the normal flow of blood. This interruption means the condition puts you at risk of blood clots and stroke. Atrial fibrillation may be temporary, may …
A Visual Guide to Enterovirus D68
What Is Enterovirus D68? There are more than 100 types of enteroviruses, which cause 10 million to 15 million infections in the U.S. each year. These germs multiply in your intestines, and they cause many different illnesses. Enterovirus D68 mainly causes respiratory symptoms. Children tend to be more affected than …
A Visual Guide to Understanding Bronchitis
What is Bronchitis? Bronchitis is an inflammation in the lungs that some people call a chest cold. It can be a miserable, but minor, illness that follows a viral illness like the common cold — or may follow a more serious condition like a chronic smoker’s hack. Bronchitis can also …
Ways to Help Relieve Endometriosis Pain
What works Endometriosis affects every woman differently, so there isn’t a treatment plan that’s guaranteed to work for everyone. But certain lifestyle changes, home remedies, treatment strategies, and prescription medications can make this condition more manageable on a day-to-day level. Keep reading to find out what you can do to …
Why Do So Many People Still Go to the Emergency Room?
When Americans need healthcare, about half the time they’ll head to the emergency room. That’s the finding of a new study by researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. The researchers examined data from several national healthcare databases covering all 50 states and the District of Columbia between …
