Hepatitis C: Signs and Symptoms

Date: Sep-21-2016 When the liver becomes inflamed due to infection, disease, drugs, poisons, or excessive alcohol, it is referred to as hepatitis. Infectious hepatitis commonly includes hepatitis A, B, or C. All of these forms are caused by viral infections.

The liver is a two-lobed organ found in the upper-right part of the torso. It is responsible for many functions and substances within the body, including:

Bile

Cholesterol

Immune factor

Producing blood plasma protein

Storing and releasing glucose

Storing iron

Converting ammonia to urea

Controlling blood clotting

Processing drugs and poisonous substances

Removing bacteria from the blood

Clearing bilirubin from the body

Hepatitis C (HCV) affects thousands of Americans each year, with nearly 3 to 4 million Americans currently infected.

Some of those with HCV experience only an acute illness, in which the illness is experienced within 6 months of exposure. However, 75-85 percent of those infected with progress to a chronic, potentially lifelong infection.

Contents of this article:

What is hepatitis C?

Signs and symptoms of hepatitis C

Treatment for hepatitis C

What is hepatitis C?

HCV is a tough virus in that it can live for up to 3 weeks on surfaces kept at room temperature. HCV is contagious and spread by blood transmission. Ways that HCV can spread include:

Hepatitis occurs when the liver becomes inflamed due to infection, disease, drugs, poisons, or excessive alcohol.

Needle or syringe sharing

Sharing of drug-related equipment used for drug injection

Healthcare worker-related needle sticks

Maternal-fetal transmission

Sharing of razors or toothbrushes

Having sex with someone who is HCV positive.

Getting a tattoo or body piercing at a facility using poor infection control practices

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that the risk of getting HCV through sex is increased in those who have many sex partners, have a sexually transmitted disease or HIV, or partake in rough sexual activities

To be clear, the CDC report that while the disease is contagious, it is not spread through the following ways:

Breastfeeding

Coughing or sneezing

Food or water

Hugging, kissing, or holding hands

Signs and symptoms of hepatitis C

HCV has two phases: acute and chronic. Symptoms vary depending on the phase of the viral infection.

While most people with HCV show no symptoms, symptoms can occur as early as 2 weeks after exposure. They can last for up to 6 months.

Acute infections may go away on their own or following treatment with certain antiviral therapies. People with an acute infection may experience symptoms such as:

Yellowing of the skin and eyes

Tiredness

Nausea

Fever

Muscle aches

Many of those who progress to a chronic HCV infection will remain without symptoms. When symptoms are experienced, they may include:

HCV can spread through needle sharing.

Fever

Tiredness

Loss of appetite

Vomiting

Weight loss

Stomach pain

Dark urine

Clay-colored stool

Joint pain

Yellowing of the skin and eyes

Easy bruising or bleeding

Skin itching

Belly fluid

Leg swelling

Confusion, drowsiness, and slurred speech

Spider-like blood vessels in the skin

Other forms of hepatitis, including hepatitis A and B, may present with similar symptoms. If someone is experiencing any of the symptoms of hepatitis, they should speak with their doctor immediately. Testing can then be completed to determine the cause of the symptoms.

Complications of hepatitis C

Complications from an infection with chronic HCV can be serious and life-threatening and include:

Liver damage

Liver failure

Cirrhosis

Liver cancer

Death

Treatment for hepatitis C

There are several treatments available for both acute and chronic cases of HCV.

In both acute and chronic HCV infections, some people will naturally clear the virus without the use of medications. For those with an acute HCV infection, this clearing can occur in nearly 25 percent of people. The risk of chronic infection with HCV is reduced with treatment, however.

Treatment of HCV may include the use of antiviral medications. The medication used depends on the patient's situation and doctor's recommendations.

Some people with an HCV infection may require a liver transplant and antiviral therapy to address the liver damage caused by the disease.

Current HCV medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used alone or as combined therapy include:

Testing for HCV is important if a patient is experiencing any of the symptoms.

Ribavirin (CoPegus)

Daclatasvir (Daklinza)

Sofosbuvir and velpatasvir (Epclusa)

Ledipasvir and sofosbuvir (Harvoni)

Telaprevir (Incivek)

Interferon aphacon-1 (Infergen)

Interferon alpha-2b (Intron A)

Simeprevir (Olysio)

Pegylated interferon (Pegasys)

Pegylated interferon alpha-2b (Pegintron)

Ribavirin (Rebetol)

Interferon alpha-2a (Roferon)

Sofosbuvir (Sovaldi)

Ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir (Technivie)

Boceprevir (Victrelis)

Ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir tablets packaged with dasabuvir tablets (Viekira Pak)

Elbasvir and grazoprevir (Zepatier)

A doctor and healthcare team will discuss the best method of treatment in each particular case and situation. For additional information on each medication, people can look at the FDA website.

When to see a doctor

People should speak with a doctor if they think that they:

Are at risk for contracting HCV

Need help with a substance abuse problem

Have been exposed to HCV

Are experiencing any symptoms of an HCV infection

Preventing hepatitis C

Contracting HCV is preventable in many cases. Preventive measures include:

Not using illicit drugs, especially injectable ones

Taking care with body piercing and getting a tattoo

Practicing safe sex

When getting a piercing or tattoo, people should seek out a facility that has a good reputation. It is important to ask about the hygiene and sterilization practices at the facility.

Written by Lori Smith BSN MSN CRNP

Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.