Symptoms of Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver. Often, it can go unnoticed in the early stages, as many people with the condition may not show any symptoms. However, recognizing the early signs is crucial for early intervention and preventing long-term liver damage.

Here are the common early warning signs of Hepatitis C:

• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest is one of the first symptoms of Hepatitis C. Individuals often feel drained even after adequate sleep.

• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes can occur when the liver is unable to process bilirubin effectively, indicating potential liver dysfunction.

• Dark Urine: One of the initial signs of liver problems, dark-colored urine can be a result of excess bilirubin in the blood.

• Abdominal Pain: Pain or discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen is common due to liver inflammation or swelling.

• Nausea and Vomiting: Unexplained nausea or vomiting without a clear cause can be an early indicator of Hepatitis C affecting the liver.

• Loss of Appetite: A noticeable reduction in appetite can lead to unintentional weight loss, often seen in Hepatitis C patients.

• Muscle and Joint Pain: Aches and pains in muscles and joints, often without a clear cause, are common complaints associated with Hepatitis C.

• Itchy Skin: Persistent itching, often due to bile buildup in the bloodstream, can indicate liver issues.

• Swelling in the Legs and Abdomen: Fluid retention, especially in the abdomen and legs, can be a sign of liver damage from chronic Hepatitis C.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to contact Digestive Disease Care for proper testing and diagnosis. Early detection can help prevent severe liver damage and improve overall health.

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver, but its impact can extend to other parts of the body.

Here’s how Hepatitis C affects your body:

• Liver Damage: Hepatitis C causes inflammation in the liver, which can lead to scarring (cirrhosis) over time. As the liver becomes scarred, it becomes less efficient at performing its critical functions, such as detoxifying the body, producing bile, and regulating metabolism.

• Liver Failure: Over time, untreated Hepatitis C can cause the liver to stop functioning altogether. This can lead to life-threatening complications, as the liver plays a vital role in digestion, detoxification, and overall body health.

• Increased Risk of Liver Cancer: Chronic Hepatitis C significantly raises the risk of developing liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), particularly in those with cirrhosis.

• Impaired Nutrient Absorption: Due to liver damage, your body may struggle to absorb essential nutrients, leading to malnutrition, weight loss, and fatigue.

• Digestive System Problems: The liver is essential for digesting fats and processing nutrients. Hepatitis C can cause issues like bloating, nausea, and difficulty digesting food.

• Fatigue: One of the earliest and most common symptoms of Hepatitis C is extreme tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest, often making it hard to perform daily activities.

• Extrahepatic Symptoms: Hepatitis C can also affect other parts of the body, leading to joint pain, skin rashes, and an increased risk of other infections due to a weakened immune system.

If you are concerned about Hepatitis C, Digestive Disease Care can help diagnose and manage the condition, providing the care you need for a healthier future.

Diagnosing Hepatitis C involves several steps to confirm the presence of the virus and assess the extent of liver damage.

Here’s how Hepatitis C is typically diagnosed:

• Medical History and Risk Assessment: The first step in diagnosing Hepatitis C is discussing your medical history. Your healthcare provider will inquire about risk factors, such as a history of intravenous drug use, blood transfusions, or unprotected sex with someone who has Hepatitis C.

• HCV Antibody Test: This blood test detects antibodies against the Hepatitis C virus. A positive result indicates that you have been exposed to the virus, but it does not confirm whether the virus is currently active.

• HCV RNA Test (Polymerase Chain Reaction – PCR): If the antibody test is positive, an HCV RNA test is conducted to detect the genetic material of the virus in the blood. This confirms whether the virus is still active and replicating in your body.

• Liver Function Tests: These blood tests assess how well your liver is functioning and help detect any liver damage caused by the infection.

• Imaging or Liver Biopsy: To evaluate liver damage, imaging tests (like elastography) or a liver biopsy may be performed to determine the extent of scarring (cirrhosis).

Early detection of Hepatitis C is key to managing the disease. Digestive Disease Care offers expert diagnostic services to help you understand and manage Hepatitis C.

Hepatitis C primarily affects the liver, but it can also lead to a range of other health complications, particularly if left untreated.

Here are some of the other problems Hepatitis C can cause:

• Cirrhosis: Chronic Hepatitis C can lead to scarring of the liver, known as cirrhosis, which impairs liver function and increases the risk of liver failure.

• Liver Cancer: Individuals with chronic Hepatitis C are at a higher risk of developing liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), especially if they have cirrhosis.

• Kidney Disease: Hepatitis C can cause kidney problems, including glomerulonephritis, a condition that damages the kidneys and affects their ability to filter waste.

• Increased Risk of Heart Disease: Hepatitis C has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes, due to its impact on cholesterol and blood vessels.

• Neurological Disorders: Hepatitis C can affect the nervous system, leading to conditions such as peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) and cognitive issues like difficulty concentrating or “brain fog.”

• Autoimmune Disorders: Hepatitis C can trigger autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, which causes joint pain and swelling.

• Fatigue and Depression: Chronic Hepatitis C often causes extreme fatigue, and many individuals experience mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, due to the physical toll of the disease.

If you suspect Hepatitis C, Digestive Disease Care offers comprehensive testing and treatment to prevent these complications.

At Digestive Disease Care, Dr. Nilesh Mehta, a leading expert in liver health, is dedicated to helping patients understand and manage Hepatitis C. Hepatitis C often goes unnoticed in its early stages, as many individuals may not exhibit symptoms. However, common signs like fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite can signal the presence of the virus. Early detection is key to preventing long-term liver damage, such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. Dr. Mehta works closely with patients to identify these early symptoms and ensure they receive the appropriate tests and treatment.

As a trusted provider, Dr. Nilesh Mehta specializes in comprehensive care for Hepatitis C, offering personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. With a focus on both medical and lifestyle support, Dr. Mehta aims to improve liver health and overall well-being. If you’re experiencing symptoms or are at risk for Hepatitis C, visit Digestive Disease Care for expert care and guidance. Early intervention can help prevent severe complications and enhance long-term liver function. Please contact us for more information or request an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Forest Hills NY, Jericho NY, Lake Success NY, Melville NY, Mineola NY, Massapequa NY, New Hyde Park NY and Riverhead NY.