Hepatitis B and C
Hepatitis B and C are viral infections that inflame and damage the liver, and are far more widespread and severe than hepatitis A. At Rocky Point Stem Cell Therapy, stem cell therapy is being studied as a way to help support liver regeneration and function in people affected by hepatitis B and C.
Acute hepatitis is a less severe form of the virus, lasting up to six months, while chronic hepatitis can last much longer. There are three common types of viral hepatitis: A, B, and C, each with different causes. Hepatitis A is caused by consuming infected food or water and is the least complex form, with most people able to recover fully. Hepatitis B and C are more severe, affecting an estimated 300 million people globally for hepatitis B and 250 million for hepatitis C.
Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis B is contracted through the exchange of blood or other bodily fluids, making sexual contact and sharing personal items such as toothbrushes and razors risk factors.
- The virus can also be transmitted from mother to child at birth, though modern medicine has made this largely preventable.
- Knowing the ways in which hepatitis B spreads can help in preventing the virus.
- Casual contact with someone who has hepatitis B will not cause you to contract the virus.
- Symptoms may take a long time to appear and can be mistaken for other illnesses, so it is important to get tested if you suspect you may have contracted hepatitis B.
- To accurately diagnose hepatitis B, a blood test must be conducted, and in some cases a liver biopsy may be needed if liver damage is suspected.
- Hepatitis B can cause symptoms such as fever, nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and joint aches.
- Severe cases can result in jaundice and liver cancer. Early diagnosis is crucial for successful treatment.
Hepatitis C
- Hepatitis C is contracted through blood contact and the sharing of needles. There is not much evidence linking sexual contact to the virus, though it can still increase risk, so appropriate precautions are important.
- Hepatitis C is a contagious disease that can cause serious damage to the liver. Common symptoms include fatigue, dark urine, jaundice, and sore muscles, joint, and abdominal aches.
- In some cases, the infection may go unnoticed for years. The only way to know for sure if you have it is through blood tests or routine medical checkups.
Preventing Hepatitis B and C
- Hepatitis C cannot be spread through casual contact, which makes it easier to avoid than some other infections.
- Avoiding the sharing of personal items and practicing safe sex helps minimize the risk of both hepatitis B and C.
- Mothers infected with hepatitis C can take medical precautions to help prevent transmission of the virus to their unborn children.
Stem Cell Therapy for Hepatitis B and C
- Stem cell therapy is a promising area of research for hepatitis B and C, as studies have shown it may help regenerate liver function.
- Human stem cells were used on mice in research studies, with results showing the liver regenerating function and increased survival rates.
- This could be an effective new way to help manage hepatitis B and C if further research confirms these findings.
Hepatitis B and C are among the most common causes of liver disease more broadly. Learn more on our Fatty Liver and Liver Insufficiency page, view our Liver Disease Stem Cell Treatment, or browse all of our stem cell therapy for chronic disease options.
