Overview

Liver damage is caused by the virus known as hepatitis C. Your liver's tissues gradually suffer damage due to the swelling and inflammation it creates. An infection of the liver is called "hepatitis." Some viruses can be among the several causes of hepatitis. But hepatitis C has a far higher propensity to persist in your body for an extended period than other viral hepatitis causes.

The liver is seriously harmed by long-term, persistent inflammation. In actuality, liver failure and liver transplantation in the US are frequently brought on by hepatitis C. Inflammation in the liver is often invisible to the average person. Not until significant damage has been done do they show symptoms.

Symptoms of Hepatitis C

Acute viral infections have many of the same symptoms. Acute hepatitis C symptoms consist of the following:

- A fever
- Discomfort in the abdomen
- Decrease in hunger
- Vomiting or nausea
- Dark urine
- Stool with a clay colour
- Arthritis pain
- Yellowing of the skin seldom

Liver damage can be avoided with early diagnosis and treatment. If chronic hepatitis C is not treated, it can cause:

- Chronic liver disease, which can develop gradually over many years without causing any symptoms
- Liver scarring, also known as cirrhosis
- Failure of liver
- Liver Cancer

Causes OF Hepatitis C

If blood from an infected person enters your body, you might get hepatitis C.

Exposure can happen:

- Upon suffering a sharps injury or needle stick
- If you get cuts on your skin, get blood in your mouth or eyes from someone who has HCV,
- When using a street drug injector

An individual is susceptible to HCV if they:

- Use a shared needle with an HCV patient or inject illicit substances.
- Have been receiving renal dialysis for a long time
- Job in an environment where blood is frequently in touch (such as a health care worker)
- Engage in unprotected sexual relations with an HCV carrier.
- Possessed HCV from birth from their mother.
- Having acupuncture or tattoos done using improperly sanitised needles that were previously used on another individual (the danger is negligible when dealing with licenced practitioners who hold acupuncture or tattooing permits)
- Had an organ transplant from an HCV donor
- Give someone with HCV (less common) access to personal goods like razors and toothbrushes.
- Got a transfusion of blood

[caption id="attachment_23437" align="alignnone" width="657"] Hepatitis C virus illustration[/caption]

Treatment Options for Hepatitis C

- Antiviral Medicines. Antiviral drugs are used to treat hepatitis C. They aim to eliminate the virus from the body. After treatment, the patient must not have the hepatitis C virus in their body for at least 12 weeks. Certain more recent antiviral medications, referred to as direct-acting, offer shorter treatment durations, fewer side effects, and greater results. Eight weeks is the maximum length of treatment. The length of therapy and medication selection are determined by the patient's history of medical problems, liver damage, hepatitis C genotype, and previous treatment regimens.
- Liver Transplantation. A liver transplant may treat serious liver damage brought on by a persistent hepatitis C infection. The diseased liver is removed by a surgeon and replaced with a healthy liver during a liver transplant. Usually, deceased donors provide the livers for transplants. A minor portion originates from liver donors who are still alive and contribute a portion. Hepatitis C cannot often be cured by a liver transplant alone. The virus will probably come back.
- Vaccinations. Hepatitis C cannot be prevented by vaccination. However, vaccinations against the hepatitis A and B viruses are probably something a medical professional will advise. These are viruses that can aggravate hepatitis C and harm the liver.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Gastroenterology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

At least once, a hepatitis C screening should be performed on everyone. All it takes is a blood test to provide potentially life-saving health information. You are more vulnerable if you engage in risky behaviours like injectable drug usage. But someone can have the virus when general infection rates are high, and many individuals are unaware they're sick.

References

- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-c/symptoms-causes/syc-20354278
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15664-hepatitis-c