HEPATITIS C

HEPATITIS C

Hepatitis C is a type of liver disease caused by hepatitis C virus or HCV. In this condition, the liver develops infection and inflammation, which in turn causes a variety of symptoms in the patient such as irritation of the skin and eyes, itching of the skin, the presence of dark urine, inflammation, and so on. But according to doctors, these symptoms may not occur if the condition is not severe.

Hepatitis C usually occurs when a person is stabbed by a contaminated needle or syringe, has sex with an infected person who also has sexually transmitted disease (STD), suppresses or exerts, and much more. HCV is only available if there is contaminated blood entering the human body. Although it is not transmitted through vaginal secretion or semen, people with STD often have hemorrhage so they can still be infected by sex. HCV is also not transmitted through saliva, coughing, sneezing, and sneezing.

It can be confusing how hepatitis C differs from hepatitis B because both can be found in contaminated blood. However, hepatitis C can be transmitted only by blood, whereas hepatitis B can be transmitted through blood and other bodily fluids, such as vaginal secretion and semen.

To cure hepatitis C disease, the patient needs to have a healthier lifestyle by eating properly and exercising properly. In severe cases, the patient may be prescribed antiviral medications.

History

In the mid-1970s, Harvey J. Alter and his team of researchers conducted a study on progressive cases of hepatitis due to blood transfusions. According to them, it is not caused by hepatitis A or hepatitis B virus but by another virus they call non-A, non-B hepatitis (NANBH).

It has been several decades but researchers have yet to determine NANBH. By the year 1988, however, Alter had confirmed the virus by studying the NANBH specimens. In 1989, NANBH was called hepatitis C virus or HCV. Because of this finding, it has provided the means for performing screening tests before patients with need for blood have been transfused and before hepatitis C. Causes, almost none of the hepatitis C cases have been reported since year 2000.

Types

Hepatitis C has two main types depending on the severity of the condition. These include the following:

Acute hepatitis C. In this condition, a person may not experience any symptoms. He will only know that he has hepatitis C if he tests his blood. However, if there are symptoms, it is usually not serious and does not last 6 months.

Chronic hepatitis C. If acute hepatitis C is not treated immediately, it may cause chronic hepatitis C. By this stage, the liver is likely to have serious injuries and the condition may last for more than 6 months.

Causes

The cause of hepatitis C is the hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV has more than 67 genotypes. But the most common type is type 1.

The liver can become infected if the virus enters the bloodstream. HCV is usually transmitted through the following:

·         Infiltration of contaminated syringes

·         Sex with other partners especially those with sexually transmitted disease

·         Use a dirty needle while applying or removing

·         Used dirty equipment during dialysis

·         Infection of a baby with a mother with hepatitis C

This is not achieved by kissing, cuddling, or using the same cutlery, handles, or glasses. It spreads only through blood.

Symptoms 

Often, patients with hepatitis C. do not immediately see the symptoms immediately when the liver is already damaged or severely damaged. It is said that a person has hepatitis C when he or she experiences the following:

·         Having jaundice or jaundice and eyes

·         Skin irritation

·         Having dark urine

·         Feet of feet

·         The presence of ascites or stomach upset due to excess water

·         Quick bruising

·         Rapid bleeding of the body

·         The presence of angioma spiders or spider-like tendons

·         Experiencing extreme stress

·         Loss of appetite

·         Weight loss

·         Sleepiness, confusion, and unintelligible speech

If a person with hepatitis C shows no symptoms, it will only be known if he has a blood test. According to the data, it may take several decades before the patient is diagnosed with the symptoms. But by the time this happens, the liver may have serious damage.

Risk Factors

Hepatitis C. does not choose to have anyone. However, the likelihood is that you will have it if you:

Blood transfusions before the year 1992. Before 1992, there were no HCV blood screening tests. Therefore, if the blood was transfused at that time, the blood could be associated with HCV. Note that the symptoms of hepatitis C do not occur immediately and may take several decades.

Addicted to illicit drugs.

Illegal drugs are commonly used by syringes over and over again, and those who are addicted to it often suffer from it.

Nurse, doctor, or any hospital staff.

Nurses and doctors usually use syringes to give the patient a drug or take blood to check it.

Often have sex with different partners.

The risk of developing hepatitis C can also be increased if you have multiple sexual partners. According to reports, partners with STD are also more likely to develop hepatitis C.

Undergoing dialysis.

If dialysis equipment is not properly cleaned, the patient may have hepatitis C.

Prefer to be cautious or defensive.

Needles used for staining or staining may not be properly cleaned and some of the other blood may be transferred to you.

Pregnant with hepatitis C.

The hepatitis C virus can be transmitted to infants. However, it is very rare. The baby's risk of developing hepatitis C only increases if his mother also has HIV.

Complications

If hepatitis C is not immediately diagnosed and treated, the liver may deteriorate after many years, resulting in the following complications:

Liver cirrhosis.

One of the major complications of hepatitis C is liver cirrhosis. When this condition develops, the liver becomes inflamed. As a result, the liver will have difficulty maintaining its proper functions in the body. These include bile production and the removal of toxins in the blood.

Liver cancer.

Another dangerous complication of hepatitis C is liver cancer. In this condition, the liver develops tumors that can spread to different parts of the body.

Liver failure.

Patients with hepatitis C. may also have liver failure or liver failure. When the liver fails, the only way to save the patient's life is to undergo liver transplantation because the liver is no longer functioning.

Therefore, if something is noticeable in the body, doctors suggest consulting immediately to cure the pain.