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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Concerned about Hepatitis
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Concerned about Hepatitis
by tulanejosh, Sep 22, 2009 08:29PM
I had my annual physical last thursday. My blood panels returned a very mildly elevated AST/ALT liver enzyme level - not quite twice the normal limit and not in the abnormal range, but definitely hanging out in that neighborhood. My annual physical last year returned a similar result.
Since i have a new doctor this year, i asked about his level of concern and what could cause this. he said he was not especially concerned, and that the general medical concern with elevated liver enzymes is hepatitis. he didn't think i had it, but still wanted to rule it out.
I'm kinda freaking out a bit at the possibility of Hepatitis... but also confused as to how i could even have contracted. I have been vaccinated against A and B, and not to get too personal, but i have never done any type of drug beyond marijuana (once in college, honest), i have never had a blood transfusion, i don't work in a setting where i can get poked with dirty needles, and as far as my sexual history - it's limited to two women, one of whom is my wife and i was her first (honest). The other was a freshman in college and that was nearly 10 years ago and ive seen doctors since then.
How likely is it that this is Hep? What else could cause this? is that considered a high elevation? is it possible everything could be fine and i could just have higher than normal enzymes? Should i be really concerned?
Since i have a new doctor this year, i asked about his level of concern and what could cause this. he said he was not especially concerned, and that the general medical concern with elevated liver enzymes is hepatitis. he didn't think i had it, but still wanted to rule it out.
I'm kinda freaking out a bit at the possibility of Hepatitis... but also confused as to how i could even have contracted. I have been vaccinated against A and B, and not to get too personal, but i have never done any type of drug beyond marijuana (once in college, honest), i have never had a blood transfusion, i don't work in a setting where i can get poked with dirty needles, and as far as my sexual history - it's limited to two women, one of whom is my wife and i was her first (honest). The other was a freshman in college and that was nearly 10 years ago and ive seen doctors since then.
How likely is it that this is Hep? What else could cause this? is that considered a high elevation? is it possible everything could be fine and i could just have higher than normal enzymes? Should i be really concerned?
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Sep 23, 2009 06:42AM
, Sep 23, 2009 06:42AM
Without examination, I can't comment on the likelihood of hepatitis, but it appears the risk is low.
That said, obtaining simple blood tests can rule it out.
Depending on how high the liver enzymes are, an abdominal ultrasound can also be obtained to exclude other anatomical causes.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin Pho, M.D.
KevinMD.com
Twitter.com/kevinmd
That said, obtaining simple blood tests can rule it out.
Depending on how high the liver enzymes are, an abdominal ultrasound can also be obtained to exclude other anatomical causes.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin Pho, M.D.
KevinMD.com
Twitter.com/kevinmd
Member Comments (2)
by tulanejosh, Sep 22, 2009 08:31PM
also - the girl that was well over 10 years ago, i was in a long term relationship with her for 6 years, and she never developed any issues during that time.
