What are the symptoms of hepatitis C?

Dec 30, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Gao Jun

Introduction

In general, hepatitis C may present with symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice, spider angiomas, indigestion, and pain in the liver area. A light diet should be maintained in daily life, avoiding oily, spicy, and irritating foods. Consuming more high-protein, low-fat, and high-vitamin foods, such as fish, eggs, legumes, fresh fruits, and vegetables, can help repair liver cells and enhance immunity.

Generally, hepatitis C refers to Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, which may present with symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice, spider angiomas, indigestion, and pain in the liver area. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Fatigue

Hepatitis C patients often experience persistent physical fatigue, which results from insufficient energy production due to liver damage. This fatigue may gradually worsen and significantly impact daily activities and work performance.

2. Jaundice

Jaundice is a typical symptom of Hepatitis C infection, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes. It occurs due to accumulation of bilirubin in the body caused by impaired liver function preventing normal bilirubin excretion. In severe cases, jaundice may darken to a brownish, "tea-colored" appearance.

3. Spider Angiomas

Spider angiomas are vascular lesions formed by terminal branch dilation of small skin arterioles, resembling spiders in appearance. These develop due to hepatic dysfunction causing intrahepatic blood flow obstruction, which leads to vascular dilation and increased vascular wall pressure, resulting in these characteristic skin lesions.

4. Indigestion

Hepatitis C patients may experience gastrointestinal symptoms including reduced appetite, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension. These symptoms occur because impaired liver function affects the digestive system by reducing bile secretion, thereby compromising food digestion and nutrient absorption.

5. Liver Area Pain

Some Hepatitis C patients may experience pain or discomfort in the liver region, typically located in the upper right abdomen. The pain may manifest as dull, sharp, or throbbing sensations and could intensify over time, potentially resulting from liver damage or inflammatory processes.

Maintaining a light, balanced diet is recommended in daily life, avoiding oily, spicy, and irritating foods. Consuming more high-protein, low-fat foods rich in vitamins-such as fish, eggs, legumes, fresh fruits, and vegetables-can help repair liver cells and enhance immune function.

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What is liver disease?

Liver disease refers to pathological changes occurring in the liver, including various types such as hepatitis B, hepatitis A, hepatitis C, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, liver cancer, alcoholic liver disease, and others. It is a common and highly harmful disease. In daily life, to prevent the occurrence of liver disease, timely vaccination against hepatitis B should be administered to reduce the risk of hepatitis B virus infection.

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Can patients with hepatitis C live with their family members?

Hepatitis C, also known as hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, is primarily transmitted through blood, semen, and breast milk. It is not easily transmitted through daily contact such as sharing meals. Therefore, patients can live with their family members. However, to avoid cross-infection, it is advisable to avoid sharing personal items such as toothbrushes, to prevent contact with the patient's blood. At the same time, proper daily care should be taken to reduce the risk of infection.

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Is the cost of hepatitis C treatment expensive?

In general, hepatitis C refers to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The cost of treating hepatitis C mainly depends on the treatment plan and the severity of the condition. If a traditional treatment plan is used and the condition is relatively mild, the treatment cost is usually not very high. However, if a new treatment plan is required or the condition is more severe, the treatment cost may be higher.

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What are the harmful effects of hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C usually refers to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In general, the risks associated with hepatitis C include damage to liver function, development of chronic liver disease, increased risk of liver cancer, occurrence of extrahepatic complications, and transmission to others. It is recommended that individuals infected with hepatitis C undergo timely, standardized treatment to control viral replication and delay disease progression.