Hepatitis C (HCV) is a viral infection that could result in liver inflammation, which may damage the organ. The virus spreads through contaminated blood. An individual affected by the condition could receive various prescription treatments as directed by an expert. However, most individuals with HCV do not receive adequate treatment because they are unaware of its development. Find out more about the early and chronic warning signs of Hepatitis C below.

Early signs and symptoms

The early HCV signs usually show up between 2 to 12 weeks after exposure to the virus and might be similar to the flu.

Abdominal pain

Pain in the abdomen is a common indicator of hepatitis C that requires immediate attention. This may occur as the virus leads to inflammation in the liver.

Bowel and bladder changes

If one experiences bowel and bladder changes along with abdominal pain, it could indicate the development of hepatitis C. One may notice symptoms like clay-colored stools and dark urine.

Fatigue and muscle aches

These are potential early signs of HCV that require an expert’s opinion. These symptoms may surface without any visible health complications.

Chronic signs and symptoms

Look for these signs in the chronic stages of HCV:

Ascites

People with ascites may experience an accumulation of fluids within the peritoneal and abdominal cavities. Experts associate this development with the effect of hypertension or elevated blood pressure in the veins of the liver.

Jaundice

People with chronic hepatitis C are at a greater risk of jaundice. Swelling or damage in the liver may prevent bile from reaching the stomach. The obstruction could cause the liquid to build up and enter the bloodstream, leading to jaundice.

Cirrhosis

When HCV is left unchecked, it could result in frequent liver infections that may damage the liver. When the liver repairs itself, it leaves scar tissue, known as cirrhosis. Persistent damage may result in more scar tissue forming, which could make it more tedious for the organ to function appropriately.

Causes

Even before the onset of the initial symptoms, hepatitis C is contagious. The virus can remain dormant for decades without harming the person. Sharing contaminated needles is one of the primary causes of hepatitis C infection. This virus can also transmit perinatally, i.e., in a mother’s womb with the hepatitis C virus. It can also be transmitted sexually through an infected person’s blood. Rarely, due to unhygienic medical practices, the hepatitis C virus can spread during transplantation procedures through an infected donor’s organs.

Treatment

There is no way to prevent hepatitis C, but vaccines are available for the hepatitis A and B types. It is essential to get those, so the damage to the liver does not complicate chronic hepatitis C infection symptoms. However, treatment is possible for both acute and chronic types. Systematically doctor-monitored medications can cure HCV infections within a few weeks.

If the body’s immunity is strong, it can remove the virus without any external medical intervention through spontaneous viral clearance. There are also direct-acting anti-viral medications that help eliminate the virus from the body. But this works effectively only in half the people who get HCV treatment.

Liver transplantation is an option for people with severe HCV with liver damage, but patients must follow up the transplant with anti-viral medications for an effective cure.

In people with chronic hepatitis C infection, there is also a need for psychological counseling to handle both the physical and emotional impact of the disease and the life-changing consequences it can bring about.

Nutritional tips

Since the liver has to process all that a person eats or drinks, following a healthy diet regime is essential. It can help ease the pressure on it, improve liver health and even reduce the severity of symptoms of hepatitis C.

Since obesity can aggravate hepatitis C infection symptoms, a balanced diet consisting of whole grains and a variety of fruits and vegetables that provide vitamins A, B, C, fiber, folate, and potassium is necessary.

Protein enables the reduction of muscle wasting and fluid build-up common in patients with cirrhosis. Also, protein helps repair and replace damaged cells, and since hepatitis C damages liver cells, protein is an essential component in the diet. Sources of protein in the diet include eggs, chicken, fish and seafood, soy, and nuts. And if there is no lactose intolerance, include milk, yogurt, and cheese.

Stop or reduce the consumption of alcohol and excessive salty, fatty, sugary, and processed foods like chips, fast foods, sweets, chocolates, and bakery products. Also, remember to keep away from a diet rich in iron to prevent iron overload, which is common in chronic hepatitis C.