Hepatitis C is a widespread viral infection that causes liver inflammation, often progressing silently to severe liver damage. Early diagnosis is crucial, with treatment options including antivirals. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies can help control its spread and reduce health risks.

Comprehensive Guide to Hepatitis C: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Strategies

Hepatitis C is a prevalent viral infection impacting millions globally, with approximately 3.5 million cases in our country. It causes inflammation of the liver, the body's largest organ. Early stages are often silent or unnoticed, complicating diagnosis. If left untreated, it can develop into chronic hepatitis, leading to serious liver problems. This article explains hepatitis C's origins, symptoms, and available treatments to enhance awareness and encourage early intervention.

What is hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), leading to liver inflammation.

The virus mainly spreads through contact with contaminated blood. It can also result from bacterial infections. Often called a hidden epidemic, many infected individuals show no symptoms initially. The infection can be acute or chronic. While acute cases may resolve with timely treatment, chronic hepatitis can remain unnoticed for years, risking severe liver damage if ignored.

Blood tests confirming the presence of HCV diagnose the infection.

Symptoms of Hepatitis C
Detecting hepatitis C based solely on symptoms can be challenging, especially early on. Many infected individuals are asymptomatic at first. When symptoms occur, they may include:

Fever

Reduced appetite

Persistent fatigue

Discomfort in the upper abdomen

Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)

Nausea and vomiting

In prolonged infections, symptoms may worsen, such as depression, digestive issues, weight changes, joint pain, bleeding, dark urine, and mental fog.

How hepatitis C spreads and risks
HCV mainly spreads through infected blood contact. Common routes include sharing needles, blood transfusions before 1992, and unsafe medical practices. While less common, sexual transmission is possible, especially without protection. It can also transfer from mother to child during childbirth, but not through casual contact or shared items.

Risk factors include:

Blood transfusions before 1992 or from infected donors

Sharing needles or syringes

Long-term dialysis treatments

Having other STIs like HIV

Mother-to-child transmission

Potential health complications
Without proper treatment, chronic hepatitis C may cause liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure, sometimes necessitating transplant. Symptoms are often subtle or absent until significant damage occurs.

Treatment options for hepatitis C
Effective management depends on disease stage. Acute cases may require monitoring and medication. Chronic hepatitis C typically involves antiviral therapy over several months, with regular liver function tests. Preventative measures include practicing safe sex, sterilizing cosmetic tools, and avoiding sharing needles or contact with infected blood.