What are the symptoms of hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a type of viral hepatitis, falling within the broader category of viral hepatitis. The symptoms of hepatitis C vary among individuals. Some patients may exhibit no obvious symptoms, while others may experience symptoms such as loss of appetite, fatigue, discomfort in the liver area, nausea, aversion to fatty foods, abdominal distension, and jaundice.

1. Loss of Appetite: Patients with hepatitis C may experience significant loss of appetite, ranging from having little to no appetite to nausea and vomiting, which are gastrointestinal symptoms.

2. Fatigue: Patients with hepatitis C may feel easily fatigued due to the hepatitis C virus causing immune abnormalities and impairing the body's immune function. This leads to the consumption of significant amounts of energy, resulting in generalized fatigue.

3. Discomfort in the Liver Area: Symptoms such as pain in the liver area may arise from hepatitis C, primarily caused by inflammation that enlarges the liver and stretches its capsule.

4. Nausea and Aversion to Fatty Foods: The hepatitis C virus damages liver cells, disrupting their normal function of secreting bile, leading to nausea and aversion to fatty foods.

5. Abdominal Distension: Patients with hepatitis C may experience bile stagnation, resulting in abdominal distension.

6. Jaundice: Intrahepatic bile stagnation in hepatitis C patients can cause jaundice, manifested as yellowing of the skin and sclera.

Upon diagnosis with hepatitis C, it is crucial to seek active treatment promptly. Without treatment, the condition can persist and potentially progress to more severe liver diseases, including cirrhosis and even liver cancer. During treatment, maintaining a balanced diet, adequate rest, and avoiding late nights are essential.