The viral disease, hepatitis C is caused due a virus which attacks your liver, leading inflammation. In majority cases, infected individuals with the virus of hepatitis C, notice no symptoms. While few came to know about the disease when their liver shows up damage in routine tests, after decades!
Hepatitis C tends to be among the several viruses of hepatitis, however it is believed to be the most dangerous. It spreads by means of contaminated blood, quite commonly through sharing needles during drugs use.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis C?
Usually, hepatitis C produces no symptoms in its initial stage. However when its symptoms do tend to appear, they can include:
- Joints and muscle pains.
- Fever.
- Fatigue.
- Poor appetite.
- Nausea.
- Yellowing of sclera and skin (jaundice).
What causes hepatitis C?
HCV, Hepatitis C virus causes the infection of Hepatitis C. The virus spreads through contact with virus contaminated blood.
What are the risk factors of Hepatitis C?
You are more likely to get infected with Hepatitis C in case:
- You have HIV.
- Health care personnel who got exposed to virus contaminated blood (in case the infected needle accidentally pierced his skin).
- Received a tattoo or piercing using the unsterile equipment.
- Your mother ever had hepatitis C before your birth.
- Injecting illegal drugs.
- Indulging in sexual activities with many partners.
What are the possible complications Hepatitis C can lead?
Chronic hepatitis (that lasts for more than six months) can cause serious complications, for example:
- Cirrhosis.
- Liver failure.
- Liver cancer.
How is Hepatitis C diagnosed?
- Screening: people with a greater risk to of contacting the virus must seek medical assistance in order to learn more about its prevention and lifestyle changes. They must discuss their doctors regarding hepatitis C screening.
- Blood tests.
- Testing the samples of your liver tissue.
How is hepatitis C treated?
Not always, hepatitis C infection needs medical treatment. Your doctor will decide whether or not treatment is necessary for your case. In case the doctor suggest no medical treatment, then you are more likely to go through follow-up blood tests in order to check liver problems.
In case the doctor advice a treatment plan, then he will use the following treatment options in order to treat Hepatitis C infection.
- Antiviral medications:
An antiviral medicine aims to clear up the virus causing Hepatitis C from the body. Moreover, the doctor can prescribe the combination of drug taken for some weeks. The doctor will observe the medication’s response throughout your treatment.
- Liver transplant:
In case your liver is seriously damaged, then your doctor can advice you the option of liver transplant.
Prevention:
Taking the below mentioned precautions can help you protect again hepatitis C infection:
- Be careful about body tattooing and piercing.
- Avoid or quit using illicit drugs.
- Make sure your partner’s health status before practicing sex. Restrict the limit of sex partners.
By : Natural Health News
