Do you know approximately 2 million people lose their lives annually because of a liver condition? This number is unbelievable, and such concern is something that we cannot take lightly. The liver is an essential human organ, and inflammation poses significant threats to human life. Of these infections, hepatitis C has gone up fivefold between 2010 and 2020. Often, hepatitis C symptoms are left unnoticed, resulting in serious complications. Let us learn what is hepatitis C and everything connected with it in this article.
Know Everything About What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a liver infection which, if untreated, can lead to chronic infection resulting in liver cancer, cirrhosis, liver failure, and even death. Hepatitis C can be both acute and chronic, and it can range from mild to severe and life-threatening. As per WHO, there are around 50 million people worldwide infected with hepatitis C chronic condition, with 1 million new cases every year. An acute condition is diagnosed within the first six months of infection, and a chronic illness is diagnosed six months after infection.
What Causes Hepatitis C – The Main Reason
Hepatitis C is primarily caused by HCV or hepatitis C virus. This virus is present in the infected person’s blood with hepatitis C. The virus is bloodborne and can spread if you come in contact with an infected person’s blood. Some more causes can be:
- Using already-used injection needles or syringes
- Practicing unsafe health care (unsafe medical practice or unsafe procedure)
- Unscreened blood transfusions
- Sexual practices leading to blood exposure
- Injection drug use
Understanding Hepatitis C Symptoms
All long-term hepatitis C infections always start with an acute one. This can be quite challenging to diagnose this condition as you may not present with any symptoms. The acute phase of hepatitis C symptoms can appear within two weeks to six months of exposure. It may include:
- Jaundice
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Fever
The chronic condition is a long-standing infection, and you may not develop signs and symptoms of this infection for many years. In this condition, the hepatitis C symptoms are seen when the liver starts to get damaged. Some of these could be:
- Easy bleeding
- Getting bruising easily
- Not wanting to eat
- Fatigue
- Jaundice
- Dark-coloured urine
- The formation of fluids in a particular area of the stomach
- Itchy skin
- Weight loss
- Drowsiness, confusion, and slurred speech
- Spider-like blood vessels on the skin
Is Hepatitis C Curable – The Treatment Options
There are safe and effective hepatitis C treatment options available that can reduce long-term liver risks and complications. Individuals with hepatitis C symptoms, if not treated appropriately, may be stuck with lifelong infection, hence they should immediately speak with their doctors and discuss a treatment plan. In an acute condition, doctors may ask the patient to wait and see if their bodies can naturally clear the infection. One in five people with acute conditions can naturally clear the infection. In such cases, patients must take blood tests every few months to determine whether the viral particles are no longer detectable in their blood. If it does not happen, the doctor may recommend another Hepatitis C treatment. According to WHO, direct-acting antiviral medications are one of the most effective hepatitis C treatments available, and they can treat 95% of people. This medicine prevents the virus from multiplying itself in the body. It is in tablet form, and the course can take between 8 and 12 weeks to complete. However, there is no vaccine available to prevent this condition.
Bottom Line
Hepatitis C cannot be overlooked; the sooner the person starts the treatment, the better their health will be. Your goal must always be to treat the infection so that it cannot cause any significant or perhaps fatal damage to the liver. When it comes to hepatitis C treatment, it will be advisable to opt for direct-acting antivirals, which have recorded massive success in treating hepatitis C. Please ensure you consult your doctor on your hepatitis C symptoms and the most appropriate intervention to enhance your liver and overall physical health.
