Hepatitis C is an infectious-inflammatory disease of the liver, the causative agent of which is the virus of the same name – hepatitis C virus, characterized by an acute or chronic course. It runs for a long time and it is asymptomatic, it is often not diagnosed in a timely manner. But the inflammation that has existed for years causes irreparable damage to liver cells, sooner or later leading to cirrhosis, and then – and liver cancer.
Causes of hepatitis C
The main danger of hepatitis C is that it is transmitted through blood. Infection occurs when particles of infected blood come into contact with a cut or open wound.
Causes of infection:
- Injections with unsterile needles;
- Unprotected casual sex;
- tattooing or piercing;
- Unsanitary childbirth or abortion;
- Perinatally (to the baby from the mother during childbirth);
- blood transfusions and organ donation transplants;
- cosmetic services (manicures, pedicures).
Hepatitis C viruses are quite resistant to environmental conditions. Even a small amount of biological material containing the virus can cause the development of the disease.
Symptoms of hepatitis C
During the first 6 months after infection, the disease, as a rule, does not manifest itself in any way – runs asymptomatic, or its signs are so weakly expressed and nonspecific that the patient does not pay attention to them and does not associate them with possible liver pathology. This is acute hepatitis C, in 15% of cases ending with recovery of the patient, who may not even assume that the disease.
But sometimes the acute form of the disease is still clinically detectable, and its symptoms are similar to the manifestations of chronic hepatitis C, which will develop later:
- generalized weakness, fatigue;
- headache, dizziness;
- emotional instability, irritability, tearfulness, depressed mood;
- decreased appetite;
- sleep disturbance;
- heaviness, discomfort, pain in the right side of the abdomen;
- nausea;
- joint pain;
- jaundice of the skin, visible mucous membranes;
- dark urine, light-colored feces;
- sometimes hyperthermia.
As a rule, a patient suffering from chronic hepatitis, many years experiencing the symptoms described above, significantly worsen his condition after decades: the body weight decreases, edema occurs, the abdomen increases due to fluid accumulated in the abdominal cavity, there is jaundice and increased bleeding. These are symptoms of liver cirrhosis developed due to chronic inflammation of hepatocytes.
Treatment
Without timely treatment, the chronic form of viral hepatitis C leads to life-threatening conditions.
It is recommended to start treatment as soon as the tests show a positive result. Exception – hepatitis C in pregnancy and in children under 3 years of age.
As treatment, a combination of antiviral drugs is prescribed. Along with taking the drugs, it is recommended to be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B and support the body with a healthy diet and exercise.
Diet and lifestyle in hepatitis C
With hepatitis C, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle – adhere to a proper diet, give the body a feasible physical activity. Alcohol accelerates the process of liver destruction, so it is recommended to exclude it.
Features of life with hepatitis C:
- Refusal from alcohol will allow not to provoke destructive processes in the liver.
- A healthy diet will help to relieve the load from the digestive system.
- Physical activity, especially for overweight people, is necessary to prevent obesity of internal organs.
- Consultation with a doctor when taking any medications, vitamin supplements and preparations of plant origin will save from additional burden on the liver.
Prevention
Specific prevention of hepatitis C has not yet been developed. The basis of primary nonspecific prophylaxis is:
- using only sterile instruments for manicures, medical manipulations;
- treatment of drug addiction;
- safe performance of injections;
- thorough testing of blood from donors for infections;
- exclusion of contact with blood during sexual intercourse.
Secondary prevention (prevention of complications) in patients infected with hepatitis C virus includes informing them about modern possibilities of diagnostics and treatment of the disease, vaccination against hepatitis A and B in order to reduce the probability of co-infection, and regular preventive check-ups with a doctor.
Psychological aspects of living with hepatitis C
Living with chronic hepatitis C is often accompanied by emotional difficulties: anxiety, depression, feelings of isolation and fear of the future.
Diagnosis can be a psychological blow, especially if a person faces misunderstanding or fear of stigmatization. Support from family, participation in support groups, and counseling with a therapist can help to cope with the emotional burden, improve quality of life, and set one up for adherence to treatment. Psychological health is as important as physical health and has a direct impact on the success of treatment.
Conclusion
Hepatitis C is a serious viral disease that, if not diagnosed and treated in time, can lead to severe complications, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. Despite the asymptomatic onset, the disease requires close attention and regular medical monitoring. Modern antiviral drugs can effectively fight the infection, and adherence to a healthy lifestyle and psychological support significantly increase the chances of recovery and a good quality of life. Infection prevention and awareness remain key measures in the fight against the spread of the virus.
