Understanding Hepatitis C: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Hepatitis C is a common viral infection affecting millions worldwide, with around 3.5 million affected in the country. It involves inflammation of the liver, the body's largest organ. Often, early symptoms are silent or unnoticed, making diagnosis challenging. If untreated, it can develop into chronic hepatitis, leading to severe health issues. This article explores hepatitis C's origins, signs, and treatment options to increase awareness and promote early detection.

What is hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a viral disease causing liver inflammation caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV).

The hepatitis C virus spreads primarily through contaminated blood. It can also result from certain bacterial infections. Often called a silent epidemic, many infected individuals show no symptoms initially. The disease may present in acute or chronic stages. Acute cases might resolve with prompt treatment, but chronic hepatitis often remains hidden for years, risking serious liver damage if undetected.

The diagnosis is confirmed via blood tests that detect the presence of the virus.

Signs of hepatitis C
Identifying hepatitis C based solely on symptoms is difficult, especially in early stages. Many infected individuals experience no symptoms at first. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue and exhaustion
• Abdominal discomfort
• Jaundice (yellowing skin and eyes)
• Nausea or vomiting

In prolonged infections, symptoms can become more severe, including depression, digestive issues, weight fluctuations, joint inflammation, abnormal bleeding, dark urine, and cognitive lapses.

Causes and transmission of hepatitis C
HCV primarily spreads through contact with infected blood. Common methods include sharing needles during drug use, blood transfusions prior to 1992, and unsafe medical practices. Sexual transmission is less common but possible, especially without protection. Mother-to-child transmission can occur during childbirth but does not spread through casual contact or sharing personal items.

Risk factors include:

• Receiving blood transfusions before 1992 or from infected donors
• Sharing needles or syringes
• Long-term dialysis treatments
• Having other sexually transmitted infections like HIV
• Maternal infection during childbirth

Potential complications of hepatitis C
Without treatment, chronic hepatitis C can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure, sometimes requiring transplantation. Often, symptoms are subtle or absent until advanced damage occurs.

Treatment approaches for hepatitis C
Effective treatment depends on disease progression. Acute cases may need close monitoring and medication. Chronic hepatitis C often requires a course of antiviral drugs over several months, with regular liver function assessments. Preventative practices include safe sexual activity, sterilized piercing or tattoo tools, and avoiding sharing needles or exposure to infected blood.