Hepatitis C (Hep C, HCV): Hepatitis C (Hep C, HCV) is inflammation of the liver caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis C is contagious. Symptoms of hepatitis C include fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite, and jaundice. Treatment for hepatitis C are medications, and if necessary, liver transplant.
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Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is a scarring of the liver over a long period, causing the liver to lose its function, which is primarily to filter toxins, aid digestion. Cirrhosis can be caused by a number of factors, often a hepatitis infection or chronic alcohol abuse. Some medications are prescribed to releive symptoms. Liver transplantation is the only curative treatment for advanced cirrhosis. -
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common health complaint by individuals. Fatigue is also referred to as feeling weary, tired, exhausted, lethargic, and a lack of energy. There are several causes of fatigue from sleep disturbances to some diseases or conditions. Treatment of fatigue is generally directed toward the condition or disease causing fatigue. -
Current and Future Medications for Hepatitis C
Inflammation of the liver caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is referred to as hepatitis C. There are a variety of treatments available for hepatitis C, depending on the type and severity of infection to include: antiviral medications, interferon's, ribavarin drugs, protease inhibitors. Additional treatment includes lifestyle changes and home care, surgery, and liver transplant. There is no vaccination for hepatitis C. -
Jaundice
Jaundice is a yellow staining of the skin and the whites of the eyes caused by abnormally high blood levels of the bile pigment bilirubin. Examples of the causes of jaundice include; malaria, sickle cell disease, drugs, toxins, newborn jaundice, gallstones, pancreatitis, and autoimmune disorders. Some of the common symptoms of jaundice include yellow discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes, light colored stools, dark urine, and itching of the skin. Treatment for jaundice depends on the cause. -
Liver Blood Tests
Liver blood tests are used to check the levels and function of liver enzymes in the blood called AST and ALT or aminotransferases in the blood. Symptoms of elevated or high liver enzymes in the blood include fever, abdominal pain, poor appetite, itching, and nausea. Normal levels of liver enzymes in blood are caused by liver diseases caused by drugs, for example, acetaminophen (Tylenol), pain medications, and statins. Less common causes of abnormal levels of ALT or AST levels in the blood are alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver diseases (NASH), hepatitis, and alcoholism. Normal levels of ALT ranges from about 7-56 units/liter, and 10-40 units/liters for AST. Elevated (high) and low liver enzymes elevated levels of AST and ALT may signify the level of liver damage the person has. A blood sample is sent to the laboratory for measurement. Usually, you doctor will have the results interpreted within a few hours to days. Liver blood tests are used to check normal, elevated (high), and low blood levels of liver enzymes (AST and ALT or aminotransferases). Symptoms of elevated levels of liver enzymes are fever, abdominal pain, poor appetite, and nausea. Drugs, for example, acetaminophen (Tylenol), pain drugs, and statins caused high levels of liver enzymes. Less common causes are NASH, hepatitis, and alcoholism. -
Liver
The liver is the largest solid organ in the body, and is actually an gland. The liver has a wide variety of critical functions such as manufacturing proteins and metabolizing fats and carbohydrates. The liver also eliminates harmful biochemical waste products from the body (alcohol, drugs, toxins).The liver secretes bile that aids in digestion. Examples of diseases of the liver include; cirrhosis, hepatitis, cancer, and fatty liver (nonalcoholic fatty liver). Symptoms of liver disease include bleeding, easy bruising, edema, fatigue, and jaundice.
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Hepatitis C (Hep C, HCV) Topic Guide - Visuals
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Hepatitis C (Hep C, HCV) Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins
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Hepatitis C (Hep C, HCV) Topic Guide – Related Topics
Related Topics:
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