5 Early Signs of Hepatitis C

5 Early Signs of Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a type of liver disease that might lead to severe organ damage. It is an inflammation that affects the functions of the liver. Hepatitis C is often caused by a virus and spreads through contaminated blood. This condition might begin as a short-term infection but can turn chronic if left untreated. Check out some warning signs which need to be kept an eye on.

1. Stomach aches
The common complaint associated with hepatitis C infection is pain in the upper abdominal area. As the liver is a main organ in the gastrointestinal system and hepatitis C is liver disease, stomach issues are very common. The liver produces a protein called albumin. When the organ is compromised due to the virus, it cannot process heavy substances, which leads to ulcers, allergies, or diarrhea. This symptom should not be taken lightly.

2. Chronic fatigue
People with hepatitis C experience extreme tiredness or lack of energy. After all, HCV is a virus that requires a considerable amount of body strength to deal with. The immune system is constantly working to create antibodies. However, the virus keeps on mutating and keeps on causing an ongoing infection. Hence, extreme tiredness or chronic fatigue becomes an inseparable part of the disease. An unexplained and constant fatigue level may be an early sign of hepatitis C.

3. Jaundice
Jaundice is a common indication of the presence of the hepatitis virus in the system. Jaundice is a product of dysfunctioning of the liver shown by higher bilirubin levels. A patient with hepatitis C has a constant elevation of bilirubin which will ultimately lead to liver failure. Anybody showing the symptoms of jaundice such as yellowing of eyes and skin should get checked for hepatitis C.

4. Itchy skin
Along with having an adverse effect on the liver, hepatitis C also causes problems with other body parts such as the skin. People who have been affected by hepatitis C experience several skin diseases because the dysfunctional liver fails to excrete toxins from the body. The toxin seeks other ways to come out, leaving skin prone to infections. Skin problems such as bumps, rashes, and itchy spots can be the first sign of the hepatitis virus infection.

5. Spider veins
Spider veins or spider nevi are vascular disorders that result in the swelling of blood vessels near the skin resembling the spider web. They are commonly found among 10-15 percent of adults and are not that serious. However, having more than three of such spider veins is quite serious and indicates the presence of liver diseases. They do not often cause any discomfort but can become chronic if ignored.