Hepatitis C is inflammation of the liver caused by the presence of the hepatitis C virus in the blood. Infection with the hepatitis C virus leads to chronic liver diseases such as: cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Hepatitis C virus is a member of the fla-virus family of ribonucleic acid (RNA) viruses. The virus reproduces by making many copies of itself in liver cells.
Hepatitis C was discovered by scientists in 1988 and has been found to be responsible for most cases of hepatitis other than hepatitis A and B. Early studies confirm that hepatitis C is spread through blood contact.
In the world, there are over 170 million people infected by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which corresponds to about 3% of the world’s population. Every year there are 3 to 4 million new cases of HCV infection.
This is a disease that is often “silent”, and without clinical signs, but which can be fatal for the patient’s life.
Hepatitis C types
There are two main courses of hepatitis C disease: Acute and chronic.
The length of time you experience symptoms depends on the type of disease you have.
With acute hepatitis C, symptoms are shorter-term, lasting six months or less. However, acute hepatitis can lead to another type of hepatitis: chronic hepatitis. Chronic hepatitis is more dangerous for the liver, because it is very difficult for the body to get rid of this virus. Researchers aren’t sure why some people go on to develop the chronic form of the disease, but acute hepatitis C infections often progress to chronic infection.
The rate of spontaneous eradication varies according to the virus, the age of the individual at the onset of infection, and other factors; About 15% to 25% of patients clear the virus without therapy during the first 6 months of infection. In the remaining 75% to 85%, chronic hepatitis C develops.
Long-term infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is known as chronic hepatitis C.
Chronic hepatitis C is usually “silent” for many years, until the virus damages the liver enough to cause signs and symptoms of liver disease.
Among these signs and symptoms are:
– Flu condition,
– fatigue,
– fever,
– night sweats,
– loss of appetite,
– nausea and vomiting,
– diarrhea, jaundice,
– muscle and joint pain,
– abdominal pain and bloating,
– digestive disorders,
– headache,
– depression and mood swings,
– clouded mental state.
Late stage hepatitis C with cirrhosis:
– Fatigue,
– fever,
– loss of appetite,
– nausea and vomiting,
– fluid retention in the body,
– frequent urination,
– jaundice,
– headache, stomach, muscle pain,
– abdominal bloating,
– depression and mood swings,
– lack of concentration,
– mental confusion,
– dizziness
Many other conditions are associated with hepatitis C. Conditions that occur in people with chronic hepatitis C include:
– Insulin resistance,
– Sjogren’s syndrome (characterized by dry eyes and dry mouth),
– kidney conditions such as glomerulonephritis,
– skin conditions such as lichen planus (characterized by white lesions or bumps)
– porphyria cutanea tarda (sensitive redness from the sun).
Other conditions include
– Arthritis (bone inflammation),
– thyroid disease,
– vasculitis (damage to blood vessels) and cryoglobulinemia, which is the increase in the levels of blood proteins that settle in the kidneys,
– light bleeding
– light tans in different parts of the body
– fatigue
– Weak appetite
– Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
– Dark colored urine
– Skin itching
– Thursday on foot
– Weight loss or gain
– Confusion, being sleepy and slurred speech.
Acute symptoms appear one to three months after exposure to the virus.
Complications
Hepatitis C infection persists for many years and can cause serious complications, such as:
Cirrhosis of the liver. Cerosis in the liver makes it difficult for the liver to function.
Liver cancer. A small number of people with hepatitis C infection may develop liver cancer.
Liver failure. Advanced cirrhosis of the liver can stop its functioning completely.
How is Hepatitis C cured with conventional chemical medicine?
Interferon and ribavirin have been the main treatments for hepatitis C, both of which cause very serious side effects in patients.
Simeprevir is not recommended for use as there are no data to suggest that it has any clinical benefit.
The most common side effects of these drugs include:
– fatigue,
– flu symptoms,
– anemia,
– skin rash,
– nausea and diarrhea,
– hair loss,
– low number of blood cells,
– worsening of the disease,
– kidney damage,
– heart damage,
– brain damage
– severe mood disorders
it and the nervous system, in particular depression
– slowing of blood coagulation
– dry skin
– utricaria
– insomnia
– loss of appetite
– skin redness or itching
– skin sensitive to the sun
– constipation
– mixed.
Ribavirin can also cause birth defects, and is therefore not suitable for women who are pregnant or trying to conceive.
The side effects of pegylated interferon and ribavirin can be serious, and this is one reason why HCV treatment rates have remained low worldwide.
How is it diagnosed?
Since it can be difficult to tell from your symptoms whether you have contracted hepatitis C, you can be tested for it. A simple blood test at your doctor’s office or lab can confirm if you have this condition.
After your doctor receives the results of the blood test, he may recommend that you undergo a biopsy of your liver to determine if you have chronic hepatitis C, but a biopsy is not necessary because it damages the liver by developing the risk of cancer. , so only the blood test is sufficient.
Can you prevent hepatitis C infection?
It is difficult to tell if you have hepatitis C based on symptoms. Be sure to practice preventative measures to protect yourself from developing the condition.
Prevention consists simply in the care that must be shown, taking into account the ways of acquiring the infection.
– Do not have illicit sexual relations. The so-called “risk group” (homosexuals, prostitutes, people with sexual activity with many partners) are the ones most affected by Hepatitis C.
– Do not share personal items such as razors, toothbrushes.
– Be careful if you get a tattoo, body piercing or manicure. The equipment may have someone else’s blood on it. If you absolutely want to get tattoos or piercings, make sure the staff uses sterile, clean needles. You should also avoid splitting needles.
– Do not donate blood or tissues if you are infected.
– Be careful with injections,
– Nail hygiene products can be another route of transmission.
– Healthcare workers are at risk of HCV through accidental piercing with needles used on infected persons.
– Transmission from mother to child during and after birth is possible in about 5%.
– The route of transmission for 10% of infected persons remains undetected.
– Transmission of HCV does not occur by casual contact with people who have a cold, cough, or by hugging or using kitchen utensils.
– You are a healthcare worker and you are exposed to infected blood, this can happen if an infected needle pierces your skin.
– If you receive hemodialysis treatments for a long period of time.
– The virus is spread through the blood or body fluids of an infected person.
– Sharing drugs and needles.
– Hepatitis C is not spread through food, water, or casual contact.
Is health put at risk by waiting a long time without treatment?
However, by waiting, you may be putting your health at risk.
If you are 40 years of age or older, you are likely to experience an accelerated rate of liver damage, which increases your risk of developing cirrhosis, liver cancer, or liver failure. This is called the “dangerous zone of the liver”.
You should also keep in mind that symptoms of liver disease may not be felt until the liver has been significantly damaged.
Therefore, do not put your health at risk by waiting too long for treatment.
Natural way to cure hepatitis C
Foods that help fight and limit Hepatitis C
What we eat affects our health. Foods that reduce inflammation are valuable for maintaining the health and liver of those who are carriers of hepatitis C.
Foods that exert an anti-inflammatory effect and can interrupt the cycle of continuous liver inflammation:
– Fish; Fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which fight inflammation.
– Strawberries, blueberries; contain large amounts of anthocyanins – antioxidants that are known to be anti-inflammatory.
– Lettuce; This dark green leaf is rich in sulphur, which strengthens and cleanses the liver.
– Cherries; Cherries are rich in two types of anthocyanins and nutritionists attribute their ability to fight inflammation.
– Sweet potatoes; Sweet potatoes are prized for their anti-inflammatory properties.
– Algae; contain Fucoidan, a type of carbohydrate that is anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and anti-oxidant.
– Olive oil; olive oil is rich in polyphenols that protect against inflammation.
– Tomato: it is rich in lycopene, a red pigment that protects the cellular structure.
– Broccoli: vegetables like broccoli have a power
positive in fighting cancer. Thanks to the component called Sulforaphane which helps the body to fight the spread of viruses.
– Nuts: filled with linolenic acid, a healthy fat such as; omega-3 which is essential for the biological action of the body. Fatty acids play an important role in building cells and making cells work properly.
– Blueberries; contains powerful anti-oxidants, especially Anthocyanin and ellagic acid.
– Pomegranate; is known for its properties in the fight against cancer, thanks to its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory components.
Say no!!
– Alcohol; even consuming a small amount of it damages the liver.
– Say no to all carbonated and artificial drinks.
– Quit smoking eventually.
– Refined carbohydrates (including white flour and white sugar).
– Red meat (beef, pork, lamb), grilled meat creates heterocyclic amine compounds which are associated with the risk of liver damage.
– Avoid fried foods, because they contain saturated fats.
The style of living
– Physical exercises; which includes walking, swimming, light running in the fresh air, help to regenerate cells.
– Stay away from stress, anxiety, pessimism and various concerns that weaken the immune system.
– Optimism is a strong weapon for fighting many diseases.
A healthy diet and natural healing is the best chance to stop the inflammation that causes liver damage and be out of any danger.
