How to Treat Hepatitis C
Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver. There are several types of this disease. Hepatitis C is caused by Hepatitis C virus (HCV). If you’re recently diagnosed with this condition, here are some things you need to know.
Signs and Symptoms
Hepatitis C is usually asymptomatic. When symptoms are present, there are chances that the hepatitis C virus has severely damaged the liver.
Pain and tenderness in the right upper quadrant of your abdomen. This is where the liver is located.
Joint and muscle pains
Nausea and vomiting
Low grade fever. Your body temperature may be about 102° F or 38° - 39° C.
Chronic fatigue. This is the most common symptom of hepatitis.
Skin rash and itchiness
Jaundice. There is a yellowish discoloration of your skin. This happens when too much bilirubin accumulates in your body.
Elevated Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT). This is a liver enzyme also known as Serum Glutamic- Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT). A deviation from the normal value signifies injury to the liver.
Treatments
Early diagnosis and treatment is very important for a positive prognosis.
Consult a doctor. Hepatitis C may only be diagnosed through Hepatitis C blood screening test. If you suspect Hepatitis C, go the the doctor as soon as you can. Your treatment plan may depend on several factors, like how much has the virus spread, severity of liver damage and your age.
Natural or synthetic Alpha interferon therapy. Alpha interferon is a type of protein that boosts your immune system.
Pegylated Alpha interferon. Alpha interferon does not stay in the body for a long time. Pegylation is a process wherein Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) is combined with the interferon, making them stay in the body longer.
Ribavirin is an antiviral drug. It’s efficient in treating this disease, but is more effective when combined with interferon. Pharmaceutical companies are now making drugs that consist of both Ribavirin and interferon. Ask your doctor about it.
Liver biopsy. Your doctor may order a liver biopsy for serious conditions, to see the extent of liver damage.
Drug Side Effects:
If you already have a prescription, it’s important to know the side effects of these drugs to determine whether or not you have to change your medications or switch to another kind of therapy.
Alpha interferon may cause these side effects:
difficulty sleeping
fever
nausea
vomiting
extreme weakness
depression
irritability
difficulty concentrating and memory problems
Ribavirin produces these effects:
anemia
skin rashes and itchiness
fatigue
nasal congestion
birth defects. Make sure to inform your doctor of your pregnancy. He may decide to give you a different treatment plan.
Transmission of the Disease
Hepatitis C is transmitted through direct exposure to infected blood.
As opposed to what everyone knows, chances of acquiring this disease through sexual contact are low; it’s still safer to use sexual barriers, like condoms, especially if you engage in promiscuous sexual activities.
The most common modes of transmission are through:
the use of contaminated syringes and needles
blood transfusion of HCV positive blood
Intravenous drug abuse
Needlestick injuries
Prevention
To prevent yourself from acquiring or transmitting this disease to others, you may follow these simple tips:
Make sure syringes, needles and other intravenous equipment are sterile.
Don’t let others use your personal things, like razors, toothbrush, nail files and clippers.
When getting a tattoo or body piercing, check if the person or company is licensed to do such procedures. Be sure they are following standard protocols and their equipment is sterile.
Practice safe sex.
Dispose your needles and other sharp materials properly.
Perform proper handwashing before and after an activity. This is especially important to health professionals who are exposed to blood in their work.
Use sterile gloves when performing invasive procedures. Some hospitals require their employees to do double gloving when caring for a patient with blood transmitted diseases.
Hepatitis C is a serious condition that can be prevented. Being aware of the symptoms and necessary precautions you have to make is an effective way of protecting yourself from this disease.