Hepatitis C Treatment Specialist Q&A

Hepatitis C is a viral infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) that primarily affects the liver, leading to inflammation and, if left untreated, serious liver damage. It is one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Hepatitis C is a significant health concern because it often remains asymptomatic in its early stages, making early detection and intervention critical for preventing severe liver damage and improving patient outcomes.

⦁ Cause and Impact: Hepatitis C is a viral infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) that primarily affects the liver, leading to liver damage, scarring (cirrhosis), liver failure, and potentially liver cancer if left untreated.

⦁ Acute vs. Chronic: Hepatitis C can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Acute infection may resolve within six months. Although 70-85% of cases develop into chronic infection, which requires medical intervention.

⦁ Symptoms: Many patients remain asymptomatic for years. When symptoms appear, they may include:

⦁ Fatigue and fever
⦁ Loss of appetite and abdominal discomfort
⦁ Nausea, joint pain, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

⦁ Screening and Diagnosis: Hepatitis C often remains undiagnosed until symptoms develop. Routine screening is critical. Diagnostic tests include blood tests to detect antibodies against HCV and measure viral RNA levels.

⦁ Treatment: Advanced antiviral treatments can cure over 95% of hepatitis C cases. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications such as liver damage or cancer.

⦁ Prevention: Preventive measures include:

⦁ Avoiding shared needles
⦁ Practicing safe sexual behavior
⦁ Follow safety precautions when handling blood products or sharp instruments.
⦁ No vaccine exists for hepatitis C, making regular screening and early intervention vital.

At Digestive Disease Care, our board-certified gastroenterologists use advanced diagnostic tools and provide personalized care to manage hepatitis C effectively, helping patients achieve optimal liver health and prevent long-term complications.

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver and is transmitted through contact with the blood of an infected individual. Understanding how it spreads is crucial for the prevention and effective management of the disease.

⦁ Primary Transmission Method: Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through direct contact with the blood of an infected individual.

⦁ Common Routes of Transmission:

⦁ Using shared needles or other injection equipment is a primary method of transmitting the virus.

⦁ Accidental needle-stick injuries or exposure to contaminated sharp instruments in healthcare settings

⦁ Historical Transmission: Hepatitis C was also transmitted through blood transfusions or organ transplants performed before rigorous screening protocols were implemented. However, advances in blood screening have reduced this risk significantly.

⦁ Sexual Transmission: While less common, Hepatitis C can be transmitted through sexual contact, particularly if there is exposure to blood, though the risk is lower compared to other transmission routes.

⦁ Mother-to-Child Transmission: Pregnant women with Hepatitis C have a small chance of passing the virus to their infants during childbirth.

⦁ Non-Transmission: Hepatitis C is not spread through casual contact, such as:

⦁ Sharing utensils
⦁ Hugging, kissing, coughing, or sneezing
⦁ Breastfeeding

At Digestive Disease Care, understanding how Hepatitis C is transmitted helps us educate patients, prevent the disease, and provide effective diagnosis and management to improve outcomes.

Hepatitis C often goes unnoticed initially, as many individuals experience few or no symptoms during the early stages.

Common symptoms that typically appear weeks or months after exposure include:

⦁ Fatigue and persistent tiredness that significantly impact daily life
⦁ Loss of appetite
⦁ Nausea
⦁ Abdominal discomfort or pain, especially in the upper-right abdomen where the liver is located
⦁ Flu-like symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, and joint pain

In some cases, Hepatitis C can cause jaundice, which includes:

⦁ Yellowing of the skin and eyes
⦁ Dark-colored urine
⦁ Pale or clay-colored stools
⦁ Itching of the skin (pruritus) is another symptom.

If left untreated, Hepatitis C can become chronic, leading to:

⦁ Ongoing fatigue
⦁ Noticeable weight loss
⦁ Cognitive changes due to compromised liver function
⦁ Easy bruising or bleeding

Symptoms of Hepatitis C often overlap with other digestive and liver-related conditions, making early diagnosis challenging. If you experience these symptoms or believe you may have been exposed to Hepatitis C, it’s important to schedule a consultation.

Our team of specialists provides comprehensive diagnostic evaluations, testing, and personalized treatment options to manage Hepatitis C and protect long-term liver health.

Acute Hepatitis C Infection:

⦁ Occurs within approximately six months after exposure to the hepatitis C virus (HCV).

⦁ Symptoms can be subtle or absent, but may include flu-like symptoms, fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), nausea, or ⦁ abdominal discomfort.

⦁ Early detection through screening is crucial as prompt intervention may clear the infection before it becomes chronic.

Chronic Hepatitis C:

⦁ If the infection persists beyond six months, it progresses to chronic hepatitis C.

⦁ This stage often remains asymptomatic for years but causes ongoing liver inflammation that leads to fibrosis (scarring of the liver).

⦁ Regular monitoring through blood testing, ultrasound, and⦁ FibroScan elastography is essential to assess liver damage and monitor disease progression.

Cirrhosis:

⦁ Without proper management, chronic hepatitis C can progress to cirrhosis, which is extensive liver scarring and impaired liver function.

⦁ Risks at this stage include complications like fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites), portal hypertension (high blood pressure in the liver’s blood vessels), and hepatic encephalopathy (cognitive impairment due to liver dysfunction).

⦁ Comprehensive care and regular screenings for liver cancer are provided at Digestive Disease Care.

End-Stage Liver Disease:

⦁ If untreated, chronic hepatitis C can lead to end-stage liver disease with severely impaired liver function and potential liver failure.

Our team at Digestive Disease Care is committed to preventing and managing hepatitis C infections through early diagnosis, ongoing monitoring, lifestyle guidance, and advanced antiviral treatments. By partnering with our patients at every stage, we aim to safeguard their digestive health, preserve liver function, and enhance overall quality of life. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Melville NY, New Hyde Park NY, Forest Hills NY, Jericho NY, Mineola NY, Lake Success NY, Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Massapequa NY, Riverhead NY and BEYOND.