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A Summary Of Chronic Hepatitis C Infection

Hepatitis C is a stealthy virus that mutatesitching, and autoimmune problems resulting
while hiding in liver cells and other organfrom your body's immune system attacking
cells like the spleen and gall bladder. Thenormal  cells.
fact that the viral cells "hide" makes it
very difficult for the body's immune systemLong term HCV infection may result in
to eradicate it. Hepatitis C is a slowlyfibrosis or even cirrhosis of the liver.
progressing disease sometimes taking manyFibrosis results from unchecked liver
years until symptoms are noticeable. It is atinflammation. As the HCV infection
this point that the virus has reachedprogresses, the damage to the liver results
advanced chronic stage and becomes difficultin scarring or hardening of the liver cells
to eradicate. Hepatitis C results in 8,000 to(fibrosis). Long term fibrosis may lead to
10,000 deaths annually. Hepatitis C is alsocirrhosis which is when the scarring from
the leading cause of liver transplants in thefibrosis overtakes the normal liver cell
U.S.structure causing deformity and loss of
function in the liver. About 15%-20% of HCV
Hepatitis C infection is caused by bloodpatients end up with cirrhosis. A liver
contact with someone who has the virusbiopsy is currently the most accurate means
infection himself. The transmission of theof determining the amount of inflammation and
virus can occur by illicit drug use withfibrosis  the  liver  has  sustained.
needles, sharing toothbrushes or razors with
an infected person, by sexual means, byHepatitis C progression in the body can take
unsanitary tattooing or by exposure to bloodseveral years or even decades to come to
at your workplace (like a hospital or bloodchronic stage or to a stage where severe
bank). Some HCV infection may have beenliver damage is evident. This period of time
caused by receiving blood from a transfusionallows a person to determine how to properly
prior  to  1992.treat the disease and to decide on a course
of disease management. Currently, the main
Hepatitis C is diagnosed via a blood test.treatment for HCV infection to eradicate the
Usually, the first thing that is noticed isvirus is combo alpha-interferon and
that the liver enzyme levels for ALT and ASTRibavirin. Sometimes a doctor may prescribe
are elevated well above normal levels.interferon alone. Interferon comes in
Further investigation via HCV-RNA testingstandard form or in pegylated form. Standard
identifies whether the Hepatitis C virus isform interferon is administered 3 times per
in your blood or not. Other tests for HCVweek, while the pegylated form is
include qualitative viral load tests, whichadministered only once per week. Your body
measure the RNA particles in your blood. Ifmakes its own interferon, which is a protein
you are being treated for HCV, your doctor isthat fights viral infection and viral
probably using either a HCV-RNA or viral loadreplication.
test to determine the effectiveness of the
treatment.Hepatitis C may often be managed by taking
herbal and vitamin supplements that help your
The symptoms of Hepatitis C infection oftenbody fight infection and limit inflammation.
do not occur in a person until 20 years afterThese supplements help your liver with the
he/she had been infected. Since the HCVinflammation and give it the nutrients it
infects the liver and the liver is the organneeds to regenerate healthy new cells. Your
in the body that makes all the energy for ourdoctor can recommend alternative or adjunct
daily activities possible, liver functionsolutions  you  may  want  to  try.
deterioration often results in fatigue.
Fatigue is the primary complaint or symptomProper treatment of the disease, a healthy
of HCV infection. Other more severe symptomsand active lifestyle, a good diet, abstinence
are jaundice (yellowing of the skin/eyes),from alcohol and stress management are
bile retention (which can cause jaundice),important factors in controlling Hepatitis C
portal vein hypertension, skin rashes andprogression.



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