Hepatitis C is one of the most common chronic and severe form of bloodborne disease that affects the liver, caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV).  It is believed to be the underlying cause of the liver cancer in about one thirds of the patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma and it is one of the common reason for patients requiring a liver transplant.

 

Causes of Hepatitis C

The most common cause of Hepatitis C is through blood or by sexual contact. When a health individual comes into contact with blood that has been contaminated with hepatitis C virus (HAC). Once infected with HCV, the virus replicates inside the liver, enabling the spread of the transmision. The incubation period of hepatitis C ranges in between 15 to 150 days.

 

Other causes of hepatitis C are;

Hepatitis C Risk Factors or High Risk Group

The following are individuals who are considered to be a high risk group for acquiring hepatitis  C;

 

Hepatitis C Symptoms

Most individuals have no symptoms and even if the symptoms may be present, they are usually very mild. Symptoms may include;

Hepatitis C Complications

Possible complications associated with hepatitis C virus include;

Hepatitis C Diagnosis

Early screening of high risk groups and prompt treatment of chronic cases of hepatitis C is the most important step in early diagnosis and slowing down the rate of the disease progression.  Hepatitis C is diagnosed through blood tests, used to detect hepatitis C antigen and a DNA test to measure the viral load. Liver biopsy to detect liver cancer and ultrasound (to visualize the extent of the liver damage) may also be performed.

 

Hepatitis C Treatment  

The mode of treatment depends on the severity of the inflammation or the extent of the liver damage  and not all cases require treatment.  Sometimes, the doctor may not prescribe any medication and may request for a follow up or frequent blood tests to access and to monitor the progression of the disease.

 

Hepatitis C Antiviral Medication

Most patients are treated with a combination of two anti-viral drugs to help in improving the symptoms and in treating relapses. Some patients are lucky enough to experience complete remission and do not require further treatment. Others may require another second round of treatment.  However, some patients do experience severe side effects (most common is hemolytic anemia) that require discontinuation or delay in treatment.

 

Another way to manage liver damage is by a liver transplant. However, despite having to a undergo a liver transplant, patients still need to be put on anti-viral medications to prevent recurrence of hepatitis C on the new liver.

 

Hepatitis C Prevention

The following are measures that you can take to protect yourself from getting infected with hepatitis C virus;