The inflammation of the liver causes Hepatitis.
Hepatitis can be acute also known as a short-term infection that can start from two weeks to six months after getting infected or chronic in which one may not know after many years that they are infected. It also is of many types i.e. Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. The most common cause of hepatitis is viral infections but can be caused due to autoimmune diseases.
Hepatitis A is a type of infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV).
Hepatitis B is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV).
Hepatitis C is the most common among these and is caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV).
Hepatitis D is caused by the Hepatitis D virus (HDV). It occurs very rarely and only with the conjunction of hepatitis B. One cannot have hepatitis D without an existing Hepatitis B infection.
Hepatitis E is caused by the Hepatitis E virus (HEV). It is mainly a waterborne disease and only occurs if having poor or fecal contaminated water.
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis D, and Hepatitis E are acute infections but Hepatitis B is chronic. And among all of these hepatitis C is the most one.
Now, let’s get into the detail of the hepatitis C virus by HCV.
HCV is a special type of virus that is called an RNA virus, which can evade the human immune system by multiplying rapidly. It can even evolve faster than the immune system can develop an effective response to it. As a result, most Hepatitis C infections become chronic and can lead to a number of liver diseases, that includes cirrhosis (scarring of the liver tissues), liver cancer, and ultimately liver failure.
Chronic Infection leads to inflammation of the liver, usually producing swelling, and in many cases causes permanent damage to the liver tissues. Liver disease strikes at the very heart of the body’s functions and processes and can even be life-threatening and require immediate liver transplantations.
Hepatitis C infection is generally mild in early stages and hence, can rarely not be recognized until it has done significant damage to the liver. This cycle of disease from infection to liver damage can take up to twenty or more years.
What are the Common Symptoms of Hepatitis C:
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Yellowing of skin and eyes
- Fatigue
- Dark urine
- Jaundice
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle and joint pain
- Pain or discomfort in the abdomen
- Improper bowel movements
- Loose stools
WHAT ARE THE VARIOUS WAYS IN WHICH HEPATITIS C CAN BE TRANSMITTED:
- Hepatitis C infection can be transmitted through BLOOD, however, unlike many other blood-borne viruses blood products are capable of carrying the virus in many other sources that are indirect like used razors, toothbrushes, body secretions (Mucous) that may also contain blood or shared needles or works while shooting drugs, needles stick or sharp exposures on the job, blood spills unbandaged cuts or injuries, tattoo or body piercing.
- The virus can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her baby during birth.
- Sex with multiple partners in the absence of protective measures can also transmit the virus.
- Close contact between household members has also been implied.
Blood transfusions account for nearly 10 percent of all cases of hepatitis C. Prior, to 1990 there was no test for hepatitis C made against the blood supply, and since 1993, the risk has been negligible. Anyone who received a blood transfusion before that time, however, is at risk of having been infected.
Do not shoot drugs, if one shoots drugs, stop and get into a treatment program, if one can’t stop; Never share needles, syringes, or water, and get vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Also do not share personal items that might have blood on them (razors, toothbrushes). If one is in health care or public safety worker, always follow routine barrier precautions and safely handle needles and other sharps; get vaccinated against hepatitis B. Also, drinking alcohol can make one’s liver disease worse.
If one is HCV-positive, do not donate blood, organs, and tissues.
HCV-positive persons should be examined by their doctors for liver diseases.
Early treatment and diagnosis can prevent these life-threatening complications.
DIAGNOSIS FOR HEPATITIS:
- Your healthcare provider may ask you questions about your health, medical history, and symptoms.
- A series of blood tests, and liver function tests.
- We May also need to do MRI (Magnetic Imaging Resonance), CT (Computed tomography), and Ultrasounds for checking fluid in the abdomen, gallstones, etc.
- May also need to do a biopsy of the liver for checking possible damages to the liver.
WHAT ARE THE DRUGS THAT CAN BE USED FOR HCV:
Interferon and ribavirin are two drugs that are licensed for the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C. Interferon can be taken alone or in combination with ribavirin. Combination therapy can also be a treatment of choice. It can get rid of the virus in up to four out of ten persons.
HOW IT CAN BE PREVENTED:
- Vaccines for treatment are the common and most opt method. But unfortunately, there are no vaccines for hepatitis C, so getting tested and starting the treatment as soon as possible is the best option for hepatitis C.
- Reducing alcohol, ear fruits, and vegetables,
- Do not share needles or injections.
- Not using razors used by the infected person.
- Not sharing toothbrushes.
- Not touching blood that is spilled.
- Cleaning wounds with disinfectants.
Hence, be aware of anything that doesn’t feel right in your body and get tested and treated beforehand.
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