A viral infection, hepatitis C, can cause inflammation of the liver. When left unchecked, this chronic inflammation can lead to significant liver damage. In fact, hepatitis C is one of the leading causes of liver failure in the country. In severe cases, one may have to opt for a transplant. Fortunately, early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the condition. Therefore, written below are some warning signs and symptoms of hepatitis C.

Common symptoms of hepatitis C
When infected by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), most people do not initially show any noticeable signs of the condition. But, some patients with Hepatitis C may experience certain early symptoms that can indicate the worsening condition of their liver. Moreover, as the issue progresses and damages the liver, patients can notice other signs. Some of these have been mentioned below.

Fatigue
Most healthy people occasionally experience fatigue, especially after exertion or inadequate sleep. But in the case of Hepatitis C patients, the fatigue stems from a poorly functioning liver, and it can either be mild or severe enough to affect daily activities. Furthermore, the tiredness can be constant for some people, while others may experience its onset in regular cycles. Some of the best ways to counter the effects of fatigue are consuming nutrient-rich foods, getting adequate sleep at night, taking 30-minute afternoon naps, exercising regularly, and adopting relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga.

Poor appetite
Another common symptom of hepatitis C to keep an eye out for includes poor appetite. Generally, this sign can occur when the liver has been compromised, leading to liver damage or cirrhosis. Besides the loss of appetite, one may experience other digestion-related problems like nausea and vomiting, which can originate from the liver’s incapability to produce the needed amount of bile. This can make it extremely difficult to digest fatty foods. Over and above this, some patients have reported pain in the abdomen which can be caused by ascites, which is the buildup of fluid between the abdominal wall and the organs.

Discoloration or yellowing of the skin and eyes
While this may not be one of the early symptoms of hepatitis C, yellowing of the eyes and skin, also known as jaundice, has been associated with the later stages of liver damage. This change in skin and eye color is usually brought about by the liver’s inability to work properly, causing the accumulation of bile juice in the body. Some of the other skin issues that can occur are photosensitivity-related blistering, the appearance of purple-colored itchy papules near the mouth and on the skin, and inflammation of the small blood vessels.

Dark colored urine
As hepatitis C affects the functionality of the liver, it can cause an imbalance in the fluids and nutrition needed by the body. This can cause the other organs to work harder, increasing stress. So, when urine passes through overworked organs like the kidneys, urinary bladder, and ureters, it is impacted by the imbalance of fluids and nutrients, leading to its dark color. In case dark urine is observed for a long time, it’s suggested that patients check with a healthcare professional to get any kidney-related health issues diagnosed and treated.

Pale or clay-colored stool
The normal color of the stool can be various shades of brown. But when one notices the stool to be pale or clay-colored, it could indicate problems in the biliary system. This includes the liver, gall bladder, and pancreas.

But here one must remember that occasional pale stools do not need to be considered any cause of concern. However, if one persistently notices pale stool, then it can signify the development of serious health issues. In such cases, most healthcare professionals can suggest the ingestion of necessary nutrients like Vitamin D, E, K, and A to keep the body’s nutrient content at optimal levels.

Finally, in addition to the above-mentioned common symptoms of hepatitis C, you can keep an eye out for signs like swelling in the legs, drowsiness, confusion, and slurred speech. Further, in the end stages of hepatitis C, you can have signs such as itchy skin, edema, and easy bruising or bleeding. Plus, when left untreated, the health condition can cause life-threatening problems like liver cancer and failure.

So, if you notice any of the warning signs that you may have hepatitis C, you must seek professional attention at the earliest. This can pave the way for subsequent tests and examinations, leading to an early diagnosis of the underlying condition. Furthermore, the professional can help develop a treatment plan that caters to your physical and mental well-being.