Hepatitis is a viral infection that leads to inflammation in the liver as well as fibrosis. It is transferred through body fluids and blood.
Symptoms of Hepatitis C
Given below are some of the key signs and symptoms of hepatitis c that one needs to know about:
- Jaundice
- Clay-coloured stool
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Dark urine
- Fatigue
Some advanced symptoms of hepatitis C are as follows:
- Itching
- Muscle loss
- Spider-like veins on the skin
- Easy bruising and bleeding
- Kidney failure
- Blood in vomit
- Severe weight loss
- Gallstones
- Build up of fluid in the abdominal cavity
In case you are displaying the above-mentioned symptoms then your doctor might suggest you an anti-HCV test. Make sure to ask them about the anti-HCV test price in pakistan.
How can You Get Hepatitis C?
You can get hepatitis c if you are in close contact with the infected fluids of the person who is suffering from hepatitis c.
- If you are sharing needles or drugs with the other person
- If you are getting stuck by infected needles
- During birth, if the mother has it the child can acquire it
- Getting a tattoo or piercing with affected equipment
- Sexual intercourse and the exchange of body fluids
What are Hepatitis C Risk Factors?
Given below are some of the potential risk factors that increase the risk of hepatitis C:
- If you have received a blood transfusion before 1992
- Has been receiving hemodialysis for a long period of time
- Has been exposed to infected blood, semen or any other body fluid
- Have injected or inhaled drugs
- Have HIV
- If you have received a tattoo in an unsanitary location
What are the Complications of Hepatitis C?
Given below are some of the key complications of hepatitis C that you need to know about:
- Liver Cirrhosis
- Liver Cancer
- Liver Failure
Liver Cirrhosis
Prolonged and uncatered instances of hepatitis C can lead to severe damage to the hepatic cells. This can lead to liver scarring hence making the liver unable to perform its desired output.
Liver Cancer
According to the best liver specialists in Lahore, if your hepatitis C infection deepens it might lead to liver cancer. Although the chances are rare they are still there.
Liver Failure
The advanced stage of liver cirrhosis might also lead to complete or partial liver failure which might end up with a liver transplant.
What are the Best Foods if You have Hepatitis C?
Wondering about what to eat if you have hepatitis C, well we have got you covered in these instances. Just make sure to be attentive.
Fruits and Veggies
Fruits and veggies are loaded with fibre. Fibre helps to bring a sense of fulfilment and sanitation. Furthermore, fibre also boosts the presence of those nutrients which are helpful to protect the liver as well as the heart.
Moreover, these foods are also low in calories and fat content which promotes a healthy weight. A healthy weight promises a reduced risk of diabetes and fatty liver disease.
All of this is highly pivotal in protecting the liver because it leads to reduced risk and also control the damage of liver diseases.
Whole Grains
Just like the above-mentioned foods, whole grains are also some of the most valuable sources of nutrients and fibre. It also helps to keep the sugar levels in check so that it does not spike up randomly.
Some of the best whole grain options are as follows:
- Oats
- Bread
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Brown rice
- Barley
All of these compounds make up for some of the best options for your breakfast.
Rather than settling your hunger with processed bread and grains, you should eat these. This is because all the fibre is locked in these foods and help with the dietary benefits.
Lean Proteins
Fatty meats are one of the basic sources of weight gain. And maintaining a healthy weight is considered to be one of the most important things in reducing body weight. This is because maintaining a healthy body weight can reduce the risk of these diseases.
Obesity does not only worsen the already existing liver conditions but also increases the risk of fatty liver disease or hepatitis C.
Coffee
Surprised? Well, coffee is actually good for your liver when it is fighting a particular disease. Research also claims that people who are addicted to one to three cups of coffee are more likely to provide better responses to hepatitis C treatments.
They were also able to find that coffee intake also leads to a reduced risk of advanced liver fibrosis and hepatitis. But make sure to tame your cravings in this perspective!
The Bottom Line
Hepatitis C is not only treatable but also preventable. Make sure to take notes of the above-mentioned information. If you have any more queries you can reach out to your primary healthcare providers.