Home
Articles
Q&A

What is Hepatitis C?

Dec 30, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
In general, hepatitis C refers to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, a type of viral hepatitis caused by the hepatitis C virus. It can be categorized into several types, including acute hepatitis C, acute anicteric hepatitis C, acute icteric hepatitis C, chronic hepatitis C, and hepatitis C-related cirrhosis. Personal hygiene should be maintained in daily life.

Generally, hepatitis C refers to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, a type of viral hepatitis caused by the hepatitis C virus. It can be categorized into several types including acute hepatitis C, anicteric acute hepatitis C, icteric acute hepatitis C, chronic hepatitis C, and hepatitis C-related cirrhosis. Detailed classifications are as follows:

1. Acute Hepatitis C

Acute hepatitis C is primarily caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus and is usually transmitted through blood, such as via blood transfusions, use of non-disposable syringes or needles, and dental instruments that have not been strictly sterilized. Serological testing can detect hepatitis C virus antibodies. If antibodies are positive, further confirmation is achieved through nucleic acid testing for the virus.

2. Anicteric Acute Hepatitis C

This condition is similar to acute hepatitis C and is also primarily caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus, but patients do not develop jaundice. Diagnosis can also be made through serological testing and viral nucleic acid testing. However, as the patient does not exhibit jaundice symptoms, diagnosis must be combined with other clinical symptoms and biochemical indicators.

3. Icteric Acute Hepatitis C

This disease is caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus, which damages liver cells and subsequently affects the normal metabolism of bilirubin, leading to jaundice symptoms. In addition to serological and viral nucleic acid testing, liver function tests such as serum bilirubin and transaminase levels should also be conducted to assess the degree of liver damage and severity of jaundice.

4. Chronic Hepatitis C

Chronic hepatitis C develops when acute hepatitis C is either not treated promptly or treatment is incomplete, leading to persistent viral infection and chronic inflammation of the liver. Serological testing confirms the presence of anti-HCV antibodies, along with persistent detection of viral RNA. Liver function tests and histopathological examination of liver tissue are also used to assess the degree of liver inflammation and fibrosis.

5. Hepatitis C-Related Cirrhosis

Hepatitis C-related cirrhosis results from long-term chronic hepatitis C causing continuous liver damage, accompanied by liver cell regeneration and fibrous tissue proliferation. Liver function tests, imaging studies, and histopathological examinations are used to evaluate changes in liver morphology, structure, and function to confirm the diagnosis of cirrhosis.

In daily life, individuals should maintain personal hygiene and avoid sharing items such as syringes, needles, and toothbrushes that may come into contact with blood, in order to reduce the risk of bloodborne transmission.

Related Articles

View All
Can people with liver damage receive the COVID-19 vaccine?
In general, whether patients with liver injury can receive the COVID-19 vaccine depends on the severity of their condition. Those with mild, stable liver injury can usually be vaccinated, whereas individuals with moderate to severe or acute-phase liver injury are not advised to get vaccinated immediately. Patients with liver injury should strictly follow medical advice regarding medication and avoid taking drugs that are hepatotoxic. They should maintain a light and balanced diet, reducing intake of greasy foods.
avatar
Dr. Gao Jun
View Full Answer
Can I take Compound Paracetamol and Dextromethorphan Syrup when my temperature is 38°C?
If the body temperature is 38°C without any cold symptoms, or if the fever is caused by other conditions such as bacterial infection (e.g., pneumonia) or autoimmune diseases, or if the patient has severe underlying diseases such as liver or kidney dysfunction or glaucoma, this medication is not recommended. Taking the drug in these situations will not address the underlying cause, may mask the true condition with its active ingredients, delay diagnosis, or exacerbate the burden on pre-existing medical conditions.
avatar
Dr. Ren Yi
View Full Answer
Can I drink alcohol after taking cold medicine once my cold has gotten better?
Do not drink alcohol if you have stopped taking cold medicine less than 24 hours ago, or if your cold has resolved but you still have symptoms such as fatigue, sore throat, or poor digestion. The medication may not have been fully metabolized, and alcohol could interact with residual drugs, causing nausea, discomfort in the liver area, or other reactions. When the body has not fully recovered, alcohol may also irritate the respiratory or gastrointestinal tract, leading to recurrence of discomfort and interfering with recovery.
avatar
Dr. Huang Yuhong
View Full Answer
How long should I wait to breastfeed after taking one tablet of compound paracetamol and amantadine hydrochloride during lactation?
If a breastfeeding woman has normal liver and kidney function and good metabolic capacity for drugs, and has taken the regular dose of compound paracetamol and amantadine tablets, breastfeeding after a 24-hour interval is relatively safe. By this time, components such as paracetamol and amantadine have mostly been metabolized and eliminated from the body, with only minimal amounts entering breast milk, making adverse effects on the infant unlikely.
avatar
Dr. Zhang Lu
View Full Answer
Did you add the medication to the nebulizer?
If a household or medical conventional compressor nebulizer is used, after adding the medication, the patient should use a mouthpiece (by holding the mouthpiece in the mouth) or a face mask (covering the mouth and nose) for nebulization; there is no need to cover the opening. This type of nebulizer converts liquid medication into aerosol droplets via airflow, which are then directly inhaled through the respiratory tract. An open port ensures smooth delivery of the aerosol droplets into the lungs, without affecting drug absorption efficacy.
avatar
Dr. Ren Yi
View Full Answer
What does it mean if the AST/ALT ratio is 0.8, which is偏低 (low)?
In general, a low AST/ALT ratio of 0.8 may be caused by imbalanced diet, stress response after intense exercise, mild fatty liver, viral hepatitis, or liver cirrhosis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, maintain a regular sleep schedule, avoid staying up late and excessive fatigue, and reduce the metabolic burden on the liver.
avatar
Dr. Gao Jun
View Full Answer
Which is more effective: Qianggan Capsules or Hugan Tablets?
Both Qianggan Capsules and Hugan Tablets are commonly used hepatoprotective drugs. They differ in their specific indications but neither is absolutely superior to the other. Qianggan Capsules are more suitable for patients with chronic hepatitis accompanied by liver qi stagnation, spleen deficiency, and internal damp-heat, whereas Hugan Tablets are more specifically indicated as an adjunctive treatment for elevated transaminase levels. The choice between them should be based on individual clinical conditions, and consultation with a qualified physician is necessary before use.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
What does it mean if aspartate aminotransferase is elevated, and what should be done?
In general, elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels may be caused by factors such as staying up late, fatigue, excessive alcohol consumption, acute hepatitis, fatty liver, or bile duct obstruction. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, maintain regular作息, avoid staying up late, eat a balanced and low-fat diet, refrain from heavy drinking, and have regular check-ups to monitor liver function.
avatar
Dr. Gao Jun
View Full Answer
彩牛养生

Your trusted source for health information and wellness guidance.

Quick Links

Resources

Connect

© 2024 HealthPortal. All rights reserved.