Understanding Hepatitis C: Symptoms, Risks, and Complications

Most people infected with acute hepatitis C, approximately 70-80%, remain asymptomatic, making early detection difficult. Symptoms usually develop between 14 and 180 days post-infection and often resemble flu symptoms. Hepatitis can result from infections, toxins, medications, or autoimmune responses, with hepatitis viruses A, B, and C being the main culprits. Among these, hepatitis C is considered the most severe. Common symptoms include muscle aches, fatigue, fever, joint pain, itchy skin, stomach discomfort, loss of appetite, dark urine, and yellowing of skin and eyes.

Chronic hepatitis C develops if the virus remains in the body for over six months without symptoms, often remaining undiagnosed. Long-term infection can lead to serious liver problems, including fatigue, nausea, bleeding issues, leg swelling, weight loss, easy bruising, spider angiomas, confusion, slurred speech, and bowel irregularities. Risk factors for infection include unprotected sex, intravenous drug use, blood transfusions before 1992, organ transplants, and being born to an infected mother. Not everyone exposed will develop hepatitis C, but risk factors increase susceptibility.

Prolonged hepatitis C can cause severe complications such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. Cirrhosis results from extensive liver scarring after 20-30 years, impairing liver function. In some cases, liver cancer may develop. Advanced liver scarring can also lead to liver failure. Early diagnosis through blood tests and, if necessary, a liver biopsy, is crucial for effective treatment. Consult a healthcare professional if symptoms are present or if risk factors apply to you for timely management.