Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Disease: Causes, Symptoms and Diagnosis
Hepatitis C:
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes infection of the liver. Sometimes it can cause severe liver damage. The virus is transmitted through contaminated blood. About 50 percent of people are unaware that they are infected with hepatitis C. The main reason is that symptoms do not appear until the infection is advanced. Most people with liver disease are screened for hepatitis C.
Causes of Hepatitis C:
Hepatitis C infection is a result of the Hepatitis C virus. When blood infected with the virus enters the bloodstream of a healthy person, the disease spreads. There are various types of HCV referred to as genotypes. There are more than sixty-seven subtypes of the virus. Type 1 is the most similar HCV genotype. Chronic hepatitis C follows the equal course irrespective of the genotype of the infecting virus. However, treatment recommendations may differ for each of the viral genotypes.
Symptoms of Hepatitis C:
Chronic hepatitis C is a longstanding infection with the hepatitis C virus. Chronic hepatitis C virus is a silent infection that shows symptoms when the virus damages the liver severe enough to cause symptoms of liver disease. Chronic hepatitis C infection begins in the acute phase. Because it does not show immediate symptoms, doctors may not be able to diagnose chronic hepatitis C. When signs and symptoms begin to appear, they may include fever, fatigue, jaundice, muscle aches, and nausea.
Acute symptoms begin at least two months after exposure to the virus and can last anywhere from 14 days to about 3 months. It does not necessarily become a chronic infection. Some people rid their bodies of acute hepatitis C virus, a process known as spontaneous viral clearance. About 25 percent of people infected with the hepatitis C virus clear the virus from their bodies through spontaneous viral clearance. However, antiviral therapy is also effective in reducing the virus from the body. Hepatitis C virus Symptoms are:
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes.
- Restlessness, confusion, and slurred speech.
- Easy bruising and bleeding
- A buildup of abdominal fluid known as ascites
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen feet
- Dark-colored urine
- Weight Loss
- Tiredness
- Itching
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Testing for hepatitis C:
Several tests are available to diagnose hepatitis C infection.
Blood Test:
If the initial blood test results show the presence of hepatitis C infection, you may need additional blood tests. These blood tests will determine the genotype of the virus. They can also measure the total amount of hepatitis C virus in the blood.
Liver Damage Test:
Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) is a non-invasive test. It combines magnetic resonance imaging technology with shock wave patterns over the liver to create visual maps that show gradients in stiffness across the liver. If the liver tissue is hardened due to chronic hepatitis C, one may observe scarring of the liver, also called fibrosis.
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Transient Elastography:
This is another invasive test. It is a type of ultrasound that allows the transmission of vibrations within the liver. It measures the speed of vibration propagation through liver tissues to estimate liver stiffness.
Liver Biopsy:
Done under ultrasound guidance, this involves inserting a thin needle through the abdominal wall. Doctors use this to remove a small sample of liver tissue for laboratory testing.
Blood Tests:
Several blood tests show the extent of fibrosis in the liver.
Treatment Options for Hepatitis C:
Your doctor will prescribe you antiviral medication to treat hepatitis C infection in your body. These medicines will help remove the virus from your body. The main goal of treatment is to have a complete absence of the hepatitis C virus in your body for at least 12 weeks after the end of treatment. Now, there are significant advances in the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection. These advances include the use of “direct-acting” antiviral drugs that you have to take alone or in combination with existing treatments.
New advances show better results with fewer side effects and shorter treatment times. Some treatments are as short as eight weeks. The Hepatitis C genotype determines the choice of drug and length of treatment. Not only this, existing liver damage, previous treatment, and other medical conditions are also key factors.
Vaccination:
There is still no vaccine available for hepatitis C virus infection. However, your doctor may ask you to receive vaccines for hepatitis A and hepatitis B viruses. Both of these viruses have the potential to damage the liver and complicate chronic hepatitis C.
FAQs
What causes C hepatitis?
Ans. Hepatitis C is caused by the virus. It spreads through infected blood, like sharing needles or from mother to baby during childbirth. It affects the liver and can lead to health problems. Testing helps find and treat it early.
Does hepatitis stay with you for life?
Ans. Yes. The Hepatitis C virus can stay in your body for a long time and even for your whole life also.
