What is the danger of hepatitis C. Signs, symptoms and genotypes of hepatitis C, causes of infection Why hepatitis C is dangerous and how

Compared to other viral liver diseases, hepatitis C is the most dangerous. It does not cause severe symptoms and is poorly recognized by the immune system. The variability of the antigen hinders the development of a vaccine, so everyone is at risk of becoming infected. Lack of treatment at an early stage is fraught with the development of a chronic infectious process, which slowly depletes the resources of the liver and leads to cancer, cirrhosis, disability, and other serious consequences.

Most of the HCV virus circulates in the blood. In other biological fluids (saliva, semen, vaginal secretions, etc.) it is also present, but in lower concentrations.

Ways of infection:

• through the blood (hematogenous);
• sexual;
• from a sick mother to a child (vertical).

The methods of transmission of the virus are different, but the cause of the development of the disease is common - the penetration of the antigen into the bloodstream.

HCV can be transmitted when:

• carrying out various medical procedures involving damage to the skin;
• tattooing;
• visits to hairdressers, manicure rooms;
• administration of narcotic drugs intravenously.

Now the analysis for antibodies to HCV is included in the list of mandatory before any operation, but this was not always the case. Until 1989, scientists and doctors did not know about its existence, so patients who received blood transfusions before that time are at risk.

Uncommon causes of the disease include:

• promiscuity, unprotected sex, frequent change of sexual partners;
• infection of the baby during childbirth or while feeding;
• use of other people's toothbrushes, underwear, towels;
• antigen penetration through kissing.

A prerequisite for infection is damage to the skin. In order for the antigen to enter the body, the blood or other biological fluid of an infectious person must get into the wound to a healthy one. The size of a full-fledged viral particle is 30-60 nm, so microdamage is sufficient for the penetration of HCV.

Hepatitis C is not transmitted by the fecal-oral or airborne route.

Hepatitis C Symptoms

After the virus enters the body, the disease does not begin immediately. The incubation period (from the moment of infection to the appearance of clinical signs) lasts 2-26 days. At this time, the antigen adapts to new conditions for it and begins to multiply.

It is difficult to suspect HCV based on symptoms because it resembles those of the flu or another viral infection. Often, the virus is detected by chance upon admission to the hospital or during a physical examination.

The symptoms of hepatitis are the same for both sexes, but women are more enduring, so their clinic is less pronounced, although everything is individual.

In the acute period in adults and children, it is noted:

• weakness;
• chills;
• headache, muscle and joint pain;
• increase in thermometer readings;
• nausea, sometimes vomiting;
• loss of appetite;
• the appearance of skin rashes (rarely).

Most turn a blind eye to the deterioration of well-being and endure the disease on their feet, eliminating the symptoms with remedies from the home medicine cabinet.

In the acute period, immunity is able to defeat the pathogen on its own, then the clinical signs disappear and cease to bother.

In 80% of people who have not been treated, the disease becomes chronic, and the symptoms change.

chronic hepatitis

In this period, the signs of the disease are mild or absent, which prevents timely diagnosis.

Chronic infection is accompanied by:

• loss of strength;
• vegetative disorders;
• apathy or irritability;
• sleep problems and other symptoms.

As a result, malaise leads some patients to the doctor, while others continue to attribute unpleasant symptoms to fatigue, nervous exhaustion, and poor nutrition. A significant part of the infected feel well.

Pronounced signs of hepatitis appear against the background of severe liver damage. This phase contains:

• vascular problems;
• discomfort in the region of the right hypochondrium;
• bitterness in the mouth;
• external changes;
• yellowing of the mucous membranes, whites of the eyes, skin;
• swelling of the lower extremities, abdomen;
• ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity);
• expansion of veins and arteries in the upper half of the body;
• severe bouts of nausea;
• lack of appetite;
• thickening of the fingers like drumsticks;
• clarification of feces;
• dark urine;
• violation of the digestive process;
• psychoneurological disorders;
• loss of consciousness;
• hallucinations and more.

Patients often complain of a decrease in intellectual abilities, problems with coordination of movements, blurred vision, and so on. According to one hypothesis, this is due to the penetration of the virus into the brain.

According to the international classification of diseases, hepatitis caused by HCV is divided into acute (code B17.1) and chronic (code B18.2).

The classical course of a viral infection begins with an acute phase, accompanied by unexpressed signs of intoxication. Lightning or ultra-fast forms have not been recorded. Severe course is characteristic of hepatitis types A and B.

If there is no high viral load, then the chronic form proceeds without symptoms. These people are called virus carriers. Many are concerned about how this type differs, how hepatitis C is transmitted. The concept means that there is HCV in the body, but the reproduction of the antigen is partially restrained by the immune system.

It is believed that such a person is not dangerous to others, but in fact everything is different. The risk of getting infected from a virus carrier is much lower, but it exists.

The genotype is the totality of the genes of an organism. HCV has about 6 varieties, which are divided into subtypes.

Three genotypes are common in Russia - 1, 2 and 3. 1b is diagnosed more often. Less common in descending order 3, 1a, 2.

The features of the first genotype include:

• high risk of complications in the form of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma;
• resistance to many treatment regimens and frequent relapses;
• the predominance of symptoms of asthenia and vegetative disorders.

The second genotype responds better to medications and less often leads to fibrotic liver damage, as well as cancerous tumors. Relapses occur infrequently.

According to statistics, genotypes 3a and 3b are detected mainly in young people under 30 years of age. They are characterized by rapid progression and within 7-10 years can lead to cirrhosis or carcinoma. In 70% of individuals against the background of this infection, hepatosis is noted, that is, fatty degeneration of the liver.

Doctors have identified a number of patterns between the genotype and routes of infection. Variant 1b is more often detected among persons who underwent a blood transfusion, 3a is more often diagnosed among drug addicts.

In rare cases, several genotypes circulate simultaneously in the blood of sick people. This suggests that the infections were transmitted simultaneously from one patient or there was a re-infection.

The fourth, fifth and sixth genotype in residents of the countries of the former CIS is extremely rarely diagnosed. This type of infection is not typical for this region. Often it is brought from warm countries or infected from other travelers who have visited Africa, Asia, Egypt.

Scientists have not yet been able to create a vaccine against HCV due to the high degree of antigen variability.

Hepatitis screening begins with a total antibody test. These markers appear in response to the action of an antigen. In the blood of a patient with an acute form, they are determined 1-1.5 months after infection.

The detection of immunoglobulins says that a person:

• suffers from an acute or chronic form of infection;
• is a carrier;
• encountered a pathogen, but overcame it on his own;
• underwent medical treatment.

If the answer is positive, the patient should come for a consultation with a doctor and pass additional tests:

• antibodies to lgM and lgG by ELISA;
• HCV RNA qualitative and quantitative;
• PCR genotyping.

Based on the data obtained, an accurate diagnosis is made. If the antibody test was false positive, and no other markers of infection were detected, then the person is considered healthy.

To find out what changes have occurred in the body after the introduction of the virus, additional studies are carried out:

• detailed and biochemical blood test;
• coulogram;
• general urine analysis;
• fibro test;
• other.

To assess the condition of the liver and other organs will help:

• ultrasound procedure;
• x-ray;
• fibroscan;
• MRI, CT;
• dopplerography.

With pronounced signs of encephalopathy, an assessment of the work of the brain is carried out using an encephalogram, computed tomography.

Treatment of viral hepatitis C at different stages

What is type C hepatitis and how to treat it, the attending physician will tell you. The drug regimen is selected depending on the genotype, viral load and other indicators.

Until 2013, it was officially believed that the HCV virus could not be defeated. The drugs used (ribavirin, alpha interferons) cured the disease only in 40-50% of cases, relapses often occurred.

The situation has changed radically with the introduction of a new American-made direct-acting antiviral drug Sofosbuvir to the market. This medication halved the duration of therapy and eliminated most of the side effects.

The only drawback of the new tool is the price. Currently, the cost of the course is from 84 thousand dollars to 168 thousand. The release of Indian-made generics has reduced the price by more than 100 times (an average of 1-2 thousand dollars per course).

HCV is treated by an infectious disease specialist and other specialists. The selection of medicines on forums and self-administration are fraught with serious consequences. Early diagnosis helps shorten the duration of treatment.

Despite the emergence of new generation drugs, old schemes are still used and can be combined with drugs that directly affect the antigen.

Classical therapy involves the appointment:

1. Ribavirin. Antiviral drug effective against hepatitis C, respiratory, herpetic and other viruses. Once in the body, it inhibits the synthesis of viral RNA and inhibits the replication of new virions, significantly reducing the viral load.
2. Interferon 2b. These protein substances are produced naturally in the body in response to antigen invasion. They stop the process of reproduction in infected cells, increase the ability to resist infection, and reduce signs of inflammation.
3. Peginterferon alfa-2b. This type of medication acts similarly to conventional interferons 2b, but differs in prolonged action. The drugs are the "gold standard" in the treatment of hepatitis C, which are combined with Ribavirin and tablets directed against HCV (Sofosbuvir and generics).

The main goals of combined treatment are to reduce the viral load, stop pathological changes in the liver, and remove the infection from the blood.

The dosage is selected individually depending on:

• age and gender of the patient;
• health conditions;
• forms of the disease;
• genotype;
• viral load;
• other drugs included in the scheme.

On average, the daily dose of Ribavirin is 2000 mg, which is divided into 2 doses or intravenous injections. Injections of regular Interferon 2b are done three times a week, and prolonged 1 time in 7 days.

New medicines received more than one positive feedback. They contain Sofosbuvir, Daclatasvir, Ledipasvir, or a combination thereof. Substances with antiviral action have a direct effect on HCV, and are ineffective against other RNA viruses.

After penetration into the body, they prevent the assembly of new virions and the introduction of viral agents into healthy liver cells.

When choosing this drug regimen, recovery is observed in 95% of cases. In most patients, a decrease in viral load is noted on the first day after administration.

The duration of therapy in patients with a good virological response without cirrhosis is 12 weeks (Sofosbuvir + Daclatasvir combination).

In the presence of compensated liver fibrosis and a poor response to previous treatment, the time is extended to 24 weeks, and Ribavirin is used instead of Daclatasvir. According to the indications, injections of prolonged interferon are included in the scheme.

The most common drugs based on Sofosbuvir:

1. Hepcinat.
2. Gratisovir.
3. Geptsvir.
4. Sofovir.
5. Sofihep.

Analogues of Daclatasvir:

1. Daklahep.
2. Natdak.

Combination medicines:

1. Hepcinat-LP, Ledihep (Sofosbuvir + Ledipasvir).
2. Velpanat, Velasof (Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir).

The purchase of medicines should be carried out from trusted suppliers with a good reputation. Due to their high cost, they are often counterfeited.

Hepatoprotectors do not have antiviral properties. Their task is to restore the liver and protect it from aggressive environmental influences.

It is impossible to cure the infection with these drugs, because they have no effect on HCV. It will also not work to get rid of serious consequences with the help of hepatoprotectors, but taking pills or administering injections will help slow down or stop the progression of hepatosis, cirrhosis.

Preparations of the hepatoprotective group differ in composition, so the attending physician should select them.

The active components are:

• silymarin (Gepabene, Karsil);
• essential phospholipids (Essentiale, Essliver);
• liver of cattle and pigs (Gepatamin, Progepar);
• artichoke extract (Hofitol, Cynarix);
• ademetionine (Heptral).

They are used as part of complex therapy or during the recovery period.

An important step in the treatment of HCV is to strengthen the immune system.

For this, medications are used, for example, Zadaxin, Temogen, echinacea tincture. Vitamin and mineral complexes will be useful.

With the permission of the doctor, medicinal herbs with immunomodulatory properties are included in the complex therapy.

These include:

• rhodiola rosea;
• eleutherococcus;
• chamomile;
• thyme;
• hypericum and others.

Raise immunity after illness will help the use of:

• Luke;
• garlic;
• honey;
• dried fruits;
• nuts;
• ginger;
• citrus and other products.

When resorting to home treatments, you need to remember that everything is good in moderation. Abuse of certain food groups can lead to allergic reactions, indigestion and other unpleasant consequences.

The long course of the disease greatly affects the state of the liver, therefore, immediately after the diagnosis, the patient is shown a sparing diet.

• fatty meat, fish;
• smoked and sausage products;
• mayonnaise;
• burning dishes;
• alcohol;
• cakes, pastries;
• fast food and semi-finished products;
• products stuffed with chemical additives.

Preference is given to:

• plant foods (vegetables, fruits, herbs);
• low-fat fermented milk products (kefir, fermented baked milk, curdled milk, cottage cheese);
• cereals (semolina, oatmeal, rice, buckwheat).

The diet should consist of steam, boiled, stewed, oven-baked dishes. Fried and cooked on a fire during this period is undesirable.

Prediction of hepatitis C treatment outcomes

The success of treatment depends on many factors. First of all, this is a type of infection, based on which a therapeutic regimen is selected.

The choice of modern means significantly improves the prognosis. Complete cure occurs in 95% of patients with no severe liver damage. In some cases, the connection of standard drugs is required.

When treated with Ribavirin and interferons, the prognosis is worse. Complete cure is possible in 40-50% of cases.

The HCV virus often leads to rapidly progressive liver cirrhosis or cancer. In the later stages, a donor organ transplant is required. The presence of HIV infection worsens the prognosis.

Most patients treated with pegyinterferons and Ribavirin claim that there were many unpleasant symptoms.

Among them:

• increased sweating;
• tremor of the limbs;
• body aches;
• headache, dizziness;
• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
• weight loss;
• tachycardia;
• allergic reactions;
• neurological disorders and others.

Against the background of injections of interferon 2b, cases of myocardial infarction have been recorded in people with a weak cardiovascular system.

Treatment with targeted agents is easier to tolerate. Most say there are no complaints at all. The difference was especially felt by patients who had experience of treatment according to the classical scheme.

How long do people live with hepatitis C if left untreated?

Even an experienced doctor cannot answer this question. Each case is individual. If the patient has 1 and 3 genotypes, then the prognosis is worse. These varieties lead to rapid liver damage and the development of comorbidities.

The activity of the virus in the blood plays an important role in the progression. With a low viral load, the disease can last 10-30 years or more without causing problems with the internal organs.

Many virus carriers with genotype 1 and 3 experience slow development of fibrosis or growth of malignant tumors. In the latter case, the patient will live no more than 5 years.

With regular use of alcohol and drugs, the risk of earning serious liver damage increases 100 times.

In addition, the state of the immune system greatly affects the course of the disease, so if a person is not treated with medicines, then he should pay more attention to health.

Many countries have special programs that get rid of infection at the expense of the state or private organizations. To do this, they turn to a free regional rehabilitation center, provide documents and stand in line. The disadvantage of this treatment is the use of outdated drugs (ribavirin and interferons).

Against the background of chronic infection, hepatosis most often appears. This disease is characterized by the degeneration of healthy hepatocytes into adipose tissue. Symptoms of pathology, as a rule, are absent or are manifested by mild discomfort in the right hypochondrium.

The disease itself is harmless and completely treatable with the right approach. Lack of therapy leads to further progression and cirrhosis (ICD-10 code K74).

Fatty degeneration is present in half of infected individuals, regardless of genotype. In 27% of people diagnosed with cirrhosis, the HCV virus was found, belonging mainly to types 1 and 3.

The rate of degeneration of the liver tissue is different. Scars appear after 5 or more years from the moment of infection. Most people suffering from antigen exposure for over 30 years have serious complications.

The formidable consequences of HCV include liver carcinoma (ICD-10 code C22). The hepatocellular type in 85% of cases develops against the background of hepatitis C or B, as well as cirrhosis. The disease proceeds with an erased clinic. There is a pulling pain in the right upper square, dyspeptic disorders, fever, severe weakness and other signs of cancer.

The tumor progresses rapidly. If untreated, it grows into neighboring organs and gives metastases (in 45% of cases to the lungs).

What hepatocellular carcinoma looks like can be seen in the photo.

Rarely, HCV does not cause liver damage.

Strong immunity allows you to recover in the acute phase on your own or partially suppress the activity of the virus during the transition to the chronic form.

Prevention of hepatitis C

The disease can be contracted anywhere, so it is important to know what the pathology is, how hepatitis C is transmitted from person to person.

It is impossible to protect yourself from the virus 100%, but prevention will minimize the risk. For this it is worth:

1. Choose tattoo parlors, hairdressers and other institutions with good reviews on the forums.
2. Do not trust unfamiliar sexual partners, always wear a condom.
3. Seal the wounds on the hands with adhesive tape before going outside.

Strong immunity helps to overcome the infection in the acute period and prevent the development of a chronic process. To increase it, it is recommended to walk more, eat right and play sports.

The HCV virus rarely enters the household. You can get infected from a patient when using shared razors, toothbrushes and other personal items that could get his blood.

The pathogen is not transmitted through towels, clothes, cutlery, so thorough disinfection and protection of the patient from contact with other family members is not required.

It is important for sexual partners to use a condom and avoid sexual relations in the presence of skin lesions, inflammatory processes in the genital area.

If the infected person is injured, then the objects that got blood are decontaminated. HCV dies:

• when treated with an antiseptic;
• at a 10 minute boil.

By taking precautions, you can minimize the risk of infection in your home.

Prevention of infection of the fetus and newborn

Given the asymptomatic course of the disease and the reluctance of people to undergo annual tests, HCV is often detected during pregnancy.

The presence of the antigen does not affect the gestational period and the proper development of the fetus, if there are no additional pathologies.

In the womb, the risk of infection is excluded, because the placenta protects the baby. The virus enters the blood of a newborn when the skin is injured, which often occurs during natural childbirth or caesarean section.

In breast milk, the pathogen is absent, so feeding is not prohibited. The main thing is to monitor the integrity of the nipples. If they have cracks, lactation is suspended until complete healing.

For genotypes 1 and 3 with a high viral load, there are recommendations to stop breastfeeding and start treatment.

Children born from sick mothers are at risk, so the first few years of life need to be monitored.

Hepatitis C is not a sentence, although treatment is long, expensive and not always effective. In the early stages, there is a greater chance of recovery, so it is recommended that all people get tested for antibodies to HCV once a year. Hepatitis C vaccine is not available. Due to the variability of the virus, immunity to it is not developed, so the likelihood of re-infection is high.

You can learn more about hepatitis C by watching the video.

The liver is a multifunctional organ. It is responsible for filtering blood, producing bile, and utilizing sugars. Among the diseases that provoke inflammation of the liver are hepatitis C and B. They are dangerous for others, because the viruses are resistant to disinfection, in a humid environment, at room temperature they live up to 4 days, they are destroyed only with prolonged boiling. They actively multiply and spread.

Diseases do not have pronounced symptoms, signs, they are diagnosed by a blood test. Virus carriers may not be aware that they are sources of infection for others. Chronic forms of diseases threaten with serious complications, the treatment of infectious diseases sometimes drags on for years.

Transmission routes

Hepatitis C

Unlike other hepatitis, type C is characterized by a latent course of the disease. Only 20% of infected people may show symptoms. The virus is constantly mutating, the body is not able to recognize it, the immune system cannot respond by producing antibodies.

The infection is transmitted in three ways:

• hematogenous (the pathogen is contained in the components of the blood and lymph);
• contact-sexual (the disease can be transmitted through saliva if the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, gums are damaged; menstrual fluid, the male seminal secret can become the carrier of the pathogen);
• vertically inherited (a sick mother is a source of intrauterine infection of a baby).

The pathogen is not transmitted by household means. If the patient observes the rules of hygiene, uses individual items, seals cuts and bleeding scratches, he does not pose a threat to others. In families, very often only one person is ill for many years.

To enter the bloodstream, the pathogen must enter a comfortable environment:

• on the mucosa;
• damaged skin;
• into the wound.

The microorganism that causes inflammation of the liver is quite stable. It is able to exist up to 96 hours in microscopic droplets of blood and lymph components on objects that violate the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes. It can be:

• toothbrushes;
• razors;
• scissors;
• tools for manicure and foot care.

The pathogen is destroyed by boiling for twenty minutes. Alcohol and other disinfectant solutions do not work on it.

At risk are doctors working with patients. They are periodically vaccinated against other forms of hepatitis, check the blood for the presence of antibodies to the virus. Infections during surgery or first aid are rare. In such situations, emergency preventive measures are applied, cases of illness of health workers in the performance of their duties are rare.

There are infections with:

• transfusion and blood sampling for research;
• surgical interventions;
• instrumental examinations of internal organs;
• visiting a dentist;
• acupuncture;
• injections;
• other procedures associated with the release of blood components.

Any components of blood, lymph, saliva, male and female secretory secretions can transfer the pathogen during sexual contact. The risk of infection increases if:

• during rough sex, the internal tissues of the genital organs, anus, rectum are damaged;
• there are diseases of the vagina of an infectious nature;
• menstrual period.

At risk are men and women who often change partners and do not use mechanical contraception. Viral hepatitis is more often diagnosed in people over 35 years of age. In most affected adults, the sexual route of infection is detected.

A baby from an infected mother can be born healthy if the virus is detected in the first trimester. A special therapy is prescribed to stop the spread of infection. During childbirth, infection is practically excluded, only in 6 cases out of 100 a newborn can become infected. For the mother, pregnancy will aggravate the disease: the liver is more loaded, many medicines are prohibited during the gestation period.

Hepatitis B

According to the WHO, more than 2 billion people in the world are currently infected with the hepatitis B virus. The average age of those infected with this disease is 15-30 years. Of all those infected with the hepatitis B virus, 80% are drug addicts. The virus is found in human biological fluids: blood, saliva, vaginal secretions and semen.

The main routes of transmission of the virus:

1. Transfusion of infected blood to a healthy person in a medical facility.
2. Using the same syringe several times (mostly drug addicts).
3. During surgery, unless the medical equipment is thoroughly disinfected.
4. Transmission of infection from mother to fetus.
5. Household way of infection.

List of possible consequences for others

Hepatitis C

The disease does not immediately make itself felt. A person begins to fight the disease when a complication occurs. The virus may not bother for a long time, the disease becomes chronic. The liver tissue is increasingly covered by the inflammatory process. To identify the pathogen immediately, it is necessary to undergo an examination in case of a threat of infection.

If the analysis is positive, there is no reason to sound the alarm. Hepatitis C is not a fatal disease. It can be effectively treated in the early stages. However, the patient himself chooses which outcome is acceptable for him:

• getting rid of the disease and its consequences;
• muffled chronic course of the inflammatory process;
• irreversible destruction of the functional tissues of the liver (up to the development of cirrhosis);
• complications of hepatitis C.

The course of the disease in a chronic form is accompanied by:

• fatigue from metabolic disorders;
• general poor condition due to disruption of the internal organs;
• frequent headache, as the liver can not cope with the filtration, there is an accumulation of toxins.

In the future, inflammation of the liver can cause:

• fatty degeneration of tissues that produce hormones, bile secretion;
• diseases of the digestive system;
• cardiovascular disorders.

The list of possible consequences includes many diseases, since inflammation of the liver changes the structure of the blood, its component composition. The level of leukocytes, bilirubin, cholesterol, sugar rises - the liver is involved in the synthesis of insulin. With its deficiency, serious diseases of the endocrine system occur. Changes in platelet levels affect blood clotting. This is fraught with damage to the veins, the formation of blood clots.

The central nervous system suffers: toxins have a destructive effect on neutron bonds. Memory is impaired, mental abilities are reduced. Behavioral reactions change, a hepatic coma may occur (due to a violation of nerve connections, the organ is turned off).

Painful manifestations: liver failure - with the development of hepatitis C, the decrease in the functional ability of the organ reaches 80%. At the same time, the patient's condition worsens significantly, due to poor utilization of bile decay products, in some cases, with prolonged hepatitis C, yellowness of the skin occurs.

Among the dangerous consequences of hepatitis C, ascites or dropsy are also distinguished. Diseases occur when the peritoneum is damaged. They can be fatal if complicated by oncology. The worst diagnosis for hepatitis C is cirrhosis of the liver. The risk of developing this complication in men is higher than in the weak half of humanity.

Statistical data for the diagnosis of cirrhosis against the background of hepatitis type C:

Hepatitis B

The hepatitis B virus is very active and is able to survive in almost any environment. Here is the danger of this virus:

1. Liver failure - usually occurs with an acute form of the disease, which occurs in only 1% of all cases. With pronounced symptoms, the disease develops quite quickly. The size of the liver is reduced in size. Then jaundice appears. The risk of fulminant development of liver failure increases several times when infected with several types of hepatitis at once (A, C).
2. Hepatitis B, if left untreated, is fatal. The liver ceases to perform its function, namely cleansing. As a result, intoxication of the body occurs, then - cirrhosis of the liver. There are even cases of cancer.

How to avoid infection

In order not to treat hepatitis B and C, it is important to know what preventive measures can be effective. There is no vaccine to produce antibodies to hepatitis C. A reliable preventive measure is self-control. A complete rejection of bad habits, a healthy lifestyle cannot be 100% safe. But the chance of infection is greatly reduced.

It is helpful to have regular medical check-ups. There are special markers for express testing. The procedure does not take much time, the results will be ready within 2-3 minutes. Examinations are carried out with any suspicion of infection.

If the disease is detected on time, taking antiviral drugs prescribed by a doctor will help to avoid serious consequences. It is important at this moment to maintain immunity so that the body more actively resists pathogens.

Prevention is to minimize the risk of possible infection. It is important to avoid situations in which pathogens could theoretically be transmitted. The use of barrier contraception, even during intercourse with a virus carrier, reduces the risk of infection to a minimum, and one regular partner is a guarantee of safe sex.

HIV-infected people need special precautions. They are more susceptible to disease. They need to be examined regularly.

To avoid infection with hepatitis B, doctors recommend that children be vaccinated, follow the rules of personal hygiene, and give up alcohol and smoking.

Compliance with preventive measures is mandatory for adults and children. When choosing a medical institution, dental offices, salons, it is better to give preference to those where sanitary rules are observed.

- one of the most serious diseases affecting the liver. The persistence of the virus is amazing, because its bacteria can survive on surfaces for up to four days. They can only be destroyed by boiling.

The disease has two forms: chronic and acute. In the chronic course of the disease, it can occur both in a latent form and with numerous symptoms. In the acute form, the symptoms are usually similar to those of other types of hepatitis. The liver is the most affected by hepatitis C. The immune system of the body is not able to destroy the virus on its own, as a result of which cirrhosis develops. The hepatitis C virus can mutate into different types and this makes it especially dangerous.

Hepatitis C is the most severe and dangerous form of viral hepatitis.

There are quite a few causes of the hepatitis C virus in the human body.Infection with a virus through the blood (parenteral). At the same time, the amount of infected blood does not matter - it is enough for a healthy person to get a dose that can only be seen with the naked eye.

Hepatitis C risk zone:

• When using disposable medical instruments repeatedly, or insufficient disinfection of reusable medical instruments (needles, syringes, accessories for tattoos and piercings, scalpels, etc.);
• When using personal care items for an infected person (toothbrush, manicure tools, razor, etc.);
• By direct contact with the blood of an infected person (blood transfusions, healthcare workers, etc.).
• When using drugs.
• Infection with the virus through sexual contact. It occurs through unprotected contact of mucous membranes, on which there are microtraumas.
• With promiscuity.
• If you have a permanent partner who is infected or a carrier of the hepatitis C virus.

Hepatitis C Symptoms

Typically, the following list of studies is carried out:

• Analysis for
• Test for detection of antibodies by ELISA and RNA (detection of hepatitis virus)
• or CT scan of the abdomen
• Liver biopsy (if cirrhosis is suspected)

Based on the results of a complex of studies, therapy is prescribed.

It is very important to treat detected hepatitis C in a timely manner, because inaction carries a huge number of various complications.

The most serious complications are violations in the liver:

• Steatosis (accumulation of fat cells in the liver).
• Fibrosis (formation of scar tissue in the liver).
• Cirrhosis (liver damage).

In turn, cirrhosis of the liver carries the following dangerous changes in the body:

• The appearance of liver failure.
• The appearance of bleeding (disturbed).
• Violation of the brain (poisoning with toxins that the diseased liver is not able to neutralize).
• The appearance of ascites (the presence of excess fluid in).
• The appearance of oncological neoplasms in the liver tissues, up to cancer.

The hepatitis virus develops rather slowly, it may take from 15 to 50 years for the appearance of cirrhosis of the liver. The rate of development of the disease depends on many factors:

• The age of the infected person.
• The immune status of an infected person.
• lifestyle of an infected person.
• Passion for alcohol and smoking.
• Timely detection and treatment of the disease.
• Concomitant diseases that an infected person has.

Treatment methods for hepatitis C

Unfortunately, there is no way to cure the hepatitis C virus completely. However, it is important to understand that being a carrier of the virus and undergoing well-chosen therapy, you can completely avoid the complications caused by the disease.

Hepatitis C is usually treated with the following drugs:

• Interferons
• RNA inhibitors
• Protease inhibitors
• Hepaprotectors for the liver

The duration of administration can vary from 15 to 75 days, while the drugs are combined to increase the effectiveness of therapy.For competent treatment, you need to know the type of hepatitis C, as well as give up bad habits (alcohol, smoking, drugs).

In addition, you should lead a healthy lifestyle, following a diet.

In some cases, a relapse of the disease may occur after a course of treatment:

• If the course of treatment is not completed.
• In the presence of bad habits and an unhealthy diet.
• With obesity.
• In the presence of significant damage to the liver.
• At the onset of menopause.

Alternative methods of treatment of hepatitis C

Traditional medicine has a huge arsenal of recipes to combat hepatitis C. However, all methods must be agreed with the attending physician.

Folk recipes:

• Honey treatment. Honey is able to restore liver cells well. Take a tablespoon of honey and pour it with a glass of water. Take a glass one and a half hours before meals (three times a day). The course is designed for two months, and it must be carried out twice a year.
• Shilajit also has a beneficial effect on the liver. They take three liters of water and add three grams of mummy to it. Take a glass half an hour before meals (three times a day). The course consists of ten days, after which you need to take a five-day break. Treatment is designed for a long period, until the patient's condition improves.
• Treatment with milk thistle tincture. Take 500 ml of vodka, in which 50 grams of milk thistle seeds are infused for two weeks. Half a teaspoon of tincture is diluted in 100 ml of water. This volume is divided into four doses, which is produced half an hour before meals. The duration of the course is two months.
• Treatment with a decoction of corn stigmas. A tablespoon of corn stigmas is crushed and added to 150 ml of boiling water. Insist for two hours and consume three tablespoons half an hour before meals.

Healing recipes are recommended to be combined with special gymnastics, which consists in rubbing the area and standard, simple physical exercises.With manifestations of jaundice, an enema using a decoction of chamomile will help.

Diet for hepatitis C

Basic nutrition rules:

• Fractional nutrition in small portions, which does not exceed three thousand calories per day.
• Exclusion of fried, smoked and salty foods from the diet. In addition, the use of semi-finished products, canned food, alcohol is not allowed.
• The most successful consistency of dishes is puree.
• Increasing the amount of fiber consumed in the diet.
• Sufficient fluid intake (mainly pure water) should be at least two liters per day.

Products approved for use during therapy:

• Lean meats and fish
• Various whole grain cereals and pasta
• Fruits and vegetables
• Butter (butter, vegetable)
• Low-fat dairy and dairy products
• Eggs (one per day)
• Bread (rye and wheat)
• Juices (freshly squeezed)
• Tea (black, green)
• Compote and kissel
• Sweets: marshmallows and marshmallows, honey and jam

More information about hepatitis C can be found in the video:

Products prohibited for use during therapy:

• Sweet pastries
• meat broth
• Caviar
• canned food
• Smoked, salty, pickled, spicy and fatty foods
• Mushrooms
• sour fruits
• Onion and garlic
• Radish
• Spinach
• Chocolate and ice cream
• Legumes
• Alcoholic drinks
• Carbonated drinks

It is much easier to prevent hepatitis C infection, because, unfortunately, it is impossible to completely cure the disease. The most important factor in preventing disease is to know what it is and how to behave in order to avoid infection.

Basic precautions:

1. Use contraceptives for casual sex and do not have promiscuous sex.
2. Follow the rules of hygiene (washing hands, boiling water, etc.).
3. Exclude the use of other people's personal hygiene products (manicure accessories, toothbrushes, etc.).
4. Avoid direct contact with foreign blood.
5. To refuse from bad habits.
6. Stick to a healthy lifestyle.
7. Eat well.

Since there is no vaccine for hepatitis C yet, you should be especially careful and be aware of the consequences that the disease can lead to.

Among viral diseases, hepatitis C is one of the most dangerous pathologies. This viral infection attacks the liver and gradually destroys it. Why is hepatitis C dangerous? The latent course of the disease leads to the development of a chronic inflammatory process in the liver tissues. This complicates timely diagnosis and complicates treatment.

But the greatest danger of hepatitis C is a high probability of developing cirrhosis and liver cancer.

According to the World Health Organization, published in 2016, the hepatitis C virus (HCV or systemic HCV infection) is considered a pandemic. About 150 million people worldwide are infected with the virus, and the annual death rate is about 670 thousand people.

Development and features of the virus

Once in the body, HCV spreads throughout the bloodstream and invades liver cells, which mutate. The immune system identifies its own hepatocytes as harmful and destroys them.

Hepatitis C has an incubation period that can last from 2 weeks to several months. Then comes the acute phase, in which the immune system tries to fight the virus. But the body rarely copes on its own. The acute phase is followed by the chronic course of the disease.

The disease is dangerous because it is almost impossible to recognize it at an early stage.. Its signs appear at the stage of chronicity of the inflammatory process.

In patients infected with systemic HCV infection, the following characteristic signs are observed:

The peculiarity of HCV is that the virus, capturing new liver cells, constantly mutates. The immune system does not have time to respond in a timely manner to changes by adequate production of antibodies. As a result, infected cells multiply faster than T-lymphocytes, and extensive liver damage occurs.

Hepatitis C is called the "gentle killer" because of the latent course of the disease.

Hepatitis C is the most dangerous of hepatitis, because it is difficult to cure, and in some cases, treatment is not possible. Also, the danger of this infectious pathology is that there is no vaccine for it. A person who has had HCV and is completely cured does not acquire immunity and is susceptible to re-infection.

Ways of infection and danger to others

There are several routes of infection with the hepatitis C virus. It is transmitted through direct contact with infected blood through:

The infection can also be transmitted sexually through unprotected sexual contact. Also at risk are children who can be infected during the prenatal period if the mother has the virus.

Carriers of the virus can pose a potential threat to others if the disease is not diagnosed.

Is hepatitis C contagious through casual contact? HCV infection can pose a threat in violation of the rules for the use of personal belongings. In the immediate environment or in one's own family, a person with hepatitis C can be a source of danger only if personal hygiene rules are not observed.

Infection is possible if you use personal items of a sick person with traces of his blood (toothbrush, razor).

With tactile contact, such as hugs, kisses, handshakes, touching the skin, hepatitis C is not transmitted.

The danger of hepatitis C for the patient

Viral hepatitis is a complex disease with multiple complications and difficult treatment. In most cases, HCV is diagnosed when the disease is already chronic. In the chronic stage of the inflammatory process caused by hepatitis C, the liver is subject to many pathological changes.

Hepatitis C has several genotypes, of which genotypes 1b and 3a are more dangerous than others.

Hepatosis

The primary liver damage in HCV infection is various hepatoses (, fibrosis). As a result of inflammation of the parenchyma and massive death of hepatocytes, the liver tissue is partially replaced by adipose connective tissue. The functionality of the liver is reduced, which negatively affects all dependent systems of the body. Hepatoses are precursors of liver cirrhosis.

cirrhosis

The final stage of fibrosis caused by the viral form of hepatitis is cirrhosis of the liver, which is an incurable disease.

The course of cirrhosis is complicated by such clinical manifestations as:

All cirrhotic manifestations pose a threat to life, as they can lead to internal bleeding, toxic poisoning of the whole organism, liver failure, etc. All these consequences are fraught with death.

Liver cancer

Especially dangerous is such a consequence of hepatitis C as. This is a type of liver cancer that develops in 3% of patients with this form of hepatitis. Carcinoma is characterized by rapid growth with extensive metastasis to adjacent organs. Most often, metastases penetrate the diaphragm and lungs.

Treatment of liver cancer is possible only in the early stages. To do this, use chemotherapy, radiation exposure or.

In addition to hepatic pathologies, HCV infection is accompanied by extrahepatic manifestations. Hepatitis C affects the peripheral nerves and can cause cryoglobulinemic vasculitis (destruction of the blood vessels) and glomerulonephritis (damage to the kidney tubules). Also dangerous infection for the digestive, endocrine and reproductive systems.

One possible consequence of hepatitis C may be malignant B-cell lymphoma.

Treatment and prevention

Hepatitis C can only be completely cured in the early stages. In its treatment, combined therapy with antiviral drugs (Ribavirin) and interferons is used. But, more modern and effective, is DAA or direct antiviral therapy using direct-acting drugs (Daklatasvir, Narlaprevir), without the addition of interferons.

In the stage of decompensation, in the chronic course of the disease, complex treatment is required. Therapy is aimed both at stopping the causative agent of the disease, and at treating secondary diseases provoked by the virus.

Preventive measures that can prevent the occurrence of pathology or minimize its consequences are as follows:

• invasive procedures should only be carried out using a sterile instrument;
• compliance with sanitary and hygienic requirements;
• preventing unprotected sex.

What threatens HCV in the absence of timely treatment? In this case, the consequences of hepatitis develop very quickly and lead to the death of the patient.

Forecast

A favorable prognosis for the life of patients with the hepatitis C virus can only be provided if timely treatment is carried out in compliance with all the requirements of the attending physician. In the stage of the chronic course of the disease, preventive maintenance treatment, diet, and the rejection of bad habits allow patients to lead a full life.

The high cost of treatment is an obstacle to recovery for a large number of patients. The lack of medical care and ignoring the doctor's prescriptions leave no doubt about the unfavorable outcome of the disease.

Judging by the fact that you are now reading these lines, victory in the fight against liver diseases is not on your side yet ...

Have you thought about surgery yet? It is understandable, because the liver is a very important organ, and its proper functioning is the key to health and well-being. Nausea and vomiting, yellowish skin tone, bitterness in the mouth and bad smell, dark urine and diarrhea... All these symptoms are familiar to you firsthand.

But perhaps it is more correct to treat not the consequence, but the cause? We recommend reading the story of Olga Krichevskaya, how she cured her liver...

More than 500,000 people worldwide suffer from hepatitis C! And this is the data without taking into account those people who are not even aware of their illness.

In many cases, the pathology develops imperceptibly, without vivid clinical symptoms. In an instant, the situation can change dramatically when the disease begins to be accompanied by unforeseen complications.

Such cases usually end badly. If you are interested in the question: “how dangerous is hepatitis C?”, then the answer can be very sad, because as a consequence of the disease is cirrhosis of the liver or oncological diagnosis.

Hidden Enemy: Hepatitis C

The form of hepatitis C is understood as an infectious disease provoked by a virus. It is transmitted through the blood.

During the bloodstream, the virus enters the cells of the liver organ. There it multiplies rapidly, progressing with renewed vigor.

It should be noted that after conducting a study, scientists managed to come to the conclusion that more than 85 percent of patients with hepatitis C do not even suspect that they have such a serious pathology.

The reason for this is the fact that the disease does not make itself felt by bright external signs, while the liver, without stopping, is destroyed.

It is possible that in the remaining 15 percent, sick people feel unwell. They complain about weakness, fatigue, and even suffer from asthenia.

But you must admit that the same symptoms are inherent in other diseases and, taking them into account, it is very difficult to diagnose hepatitis.

The disease does not stand still. It destroys the liver, and therefore the answer to the question: “Is hepatitis C dangerous?” - will always be positive.

This process is accelerated by alcohol, the use of narcotic substances, which contribute to changes in the body. The situation with each intake of prohibited substances is getting worse.

Ways of transmission of hepatitis C

The hepatitis C virus can be contracted in a number of ways. It can enter the body through the blood.

The parenteral method is appropriate if non-sterile medical syringes or instruments were used.

It can be transmitted through cutting household items that are used for nail care, such as scissors. The virus is common among drug addicts.

The sexual transmission of hepatitis C is not excluded. It passes during sexual intercourse, like HIV or other other sexually transmitted diseases.

The fetus of a pregnant woman can also get sick. This happens when the mother was carrying a child with an acute form of hepatitis.

Luckily, there aren't too many cases like this. In 5-10 percent of cases, the baby acquired the disease from the mother while in her womb.

Minimal risks of infection are in medical institutions. Doctors mainly use disposable syringes, as well as other other instruments, having previously carried out high-quality sterile treatment, which involves a multi-stage process: washing with a soap and soda solution, wiping with disinfectants, sterilizers, etc.

Threatening: Hepatitis C

An infectious agent that affects the liver leads to the fact that the organ begins to die. Some of the cells remain alive, but since the immune system is weak, the body is not able to fully resist the pathology.

But is hepatitis C dangerous for organs other than the liver? Yes, it provokes serious tissue changes in the liver, which leads to serious consequences in the entire structure of the body.

There is not a single organ that would not suffer in the future through this virus. Giving an answer to the question of why hepatitis C is dangerous, you need to list all those organs that will subsequently suffer a blow from the virus.

A heart

Pathology will, as it progresses, provoke the development of portal hypertension or cirrhosis of the liver.

In turn, these ailments reduce the norms of systemic arterial pressure. This puts the cardiovascular system under stress.

Pathology leads to the fact that the patient is diagnosed with the formation of heart failure. The pumping function of the organ will be disabled.

Lungs

In the case of a severe form of the pathology, a person may develop cirrhosis of the liver. This ailment contributes to an increase in pressure in the pulmonary artery, which provokes shortness of breath.

Portal hypertension flows into more serious stages of pathology. Abdominal fluid becomes inflamed and enters the pleural cavity.

Breathing becomes even more problematic, because the pulmonary sac harms the condition of the lungs.

Digestive systems

When hepatitis C develops into serious complications, a person begins to lose weight dramatically, he is overcome by vomiting and bouts of nausea.

Cirrhosis provokes bleeding of the rectum or veins of the esophagus. The affected organ is no longer able to cope with the task of producing albumin protein in the amount that the human body needs.

The result of this process is the exhaustion of the patient. But the worst thing is that against the background of these events, liver cancer can develop.

kidneys

The blood supply to the kidneys will be the result of a decrease in blood pressure. This suggests that there will be a significantly lower ability to filter the blood.

This deviation from the norm leads to the development of renal failure. Doctors call this form of pathology hepato-renal syndrome.

Hematopoietic system

Violation of the coagulation system provokes a serious risk of bleeding.

Similar processes can be not only from the veins of the esophagus, but also from the arteries of the brain. Anemia and stroke are common in hepatitis C.

Nervous system

In addition to the above complications, the human body will suffer greatly from liver failure. Toxins accumulate in the liver when the organ itself is unable to remove them from its body. After a while, the patient begins to suffer from disorientation. It is possible that he will lose his normal state of thinking, begin to carry nonsense, and in some cases a coma may come.

genitourinary system

Malfunctions in the genitourinary system after hepatitis C are fraught with infertility for the female half of patients, and impotence for the male half.

It should be noted that many of the above pathologies will not be the result of direct exposure to the C virus, but of those complications that hepatitis provokes in the presence of infection in the body.

There are cases when it does not make itself felt for a long time, being asymptomatic, or not amenable to medical therapy.

Hepatitis C treatment course

In the treatment of hepatitis C, medicine is gaining momentum every year. Modern doctors argue that this form of the disease is treatable, and therefore it is worthwhile to get vaccinated against the pathology in time, so as not to go through a difficult stage of recovery in the future.

If competent medical therapy is planned in time, then the percentage of recovery will be from 50 to 80. These indicators will vary depending on the type and stage of the disease.

The hepatologist must make the correct diagnosis. For these purposes, the patient will need to undergo a series of tests, thanks to which the specialist will be able to prescribe an effective therapeutic course.

It is possible that in addition to blood tests, you will need to undergo an ultrasound scan, and a biopsy of the liver organ may also be required.

This information will make it possible to compile a complete picture of the state of the liver, determine the degree of damage and make a diagnosis.

Only in this case, you can count on safe and effective therapeutic therapy, which will soon put the patient on his feet.

If a person has a chronic form of hepatitis C, then there are some other differences. The doctor will have to individually solve the problem, choosing which drugs will be most effective.

Based on many years of practice, we can conclude that 2 drugs called Ribavirin and Interferon are popular with doctors.

The complex effect of these drugs can increase the effectiveness of the treatment course. These are not just words, because special studies have been conducted that have proven that the funds can really be useful in the treatment of hepatitis C.

The danger of an advanced form of hepatitis C is that the disease is difficult to treat. The doctor sets a goal - to stop the process of reproduction of the virus.

Such inhibition of the process will reduce the level of recovery and stop the development of fibrosis.

Predictions for a healthy life

It has already been noted above that the virus can become chronic. In order to accurately assess the danger of hepatitis C, you need to understand what it threatens when it appears in the human body.

The likelihood of hepatitis C degeneration into cirrhosis or cancer, if there is no proper supportive therapy, is very high.

It is possible to say exactly how long a person with hepatitis C will live only by evaluating the rate of development of the pathology.

This indicator is determined in view of the patient's lifestyle, as well as compliance with the norms of diet therapy.

It is important that the patient removes all bad habits from his lifestyle. These include: drinking alcohol, drugs, smoking.

The thing is that, on the contrary, they act as impetuses for the accelerated process of pathology.

It is important that the patient's life be devoid of worries, excitement and constant stress.

The psycho-emotional component of the lifestyle is also of great value for the purpose of recovery.

If a person encounters any nervous shocks, then these factors will become levers for triggering a mechanism that has an irreversible effect.

In addition, a systematic visit to an infectious disease specialist, as well as scheduled examinations of patients with hepatitis C, should be a part of life.

These measures enable doctors to know exactly about the state of the liver and how the body feels as a whole.

If signs of an exacerbation of the pathology are identified, the patient will quickly oppose the progression of hepatitis C, following the exact instructions of the doctor.

It is impossible to say exactly when form C hepatitis begins to move into more severe stages. Maybe it won't happen at all.

Everything will depend on the responsibility of the patient to his health. You should always keep your finger on the pulse, doing everything that the attending physician says. by observing such requirements, the patient gets a chance to live a happy and long life without having problems.

Danger to others

People with hepatitis C do not pose a danger to others. You can shake hands with them, kiss and hug.

The virus cannot be transmitted in this way. But if infection with hepatitis C is observed, then the consequences are really terrible.

This is due to the fact that the pathology is hidden. Today, it has not yet been possible to understand what is the main reason provoking the virus.

Making a diagnosis in accordance with a simple clinical blood test is complicated, but the task of drawing up a treatment regimen for hepatitis C form will be no less simple.

The contribution to the fight against this pathology is great. In our country, doctors have been fighting hepatitis C for more than 2 decades.

Despite the fact that it is still impossible to cure patients with a chronic form of the disease, one can definitely be proud of the fact that there is a chance to achieve a long-term remission.

Thus, the virus enters an inactive phase, removing the risks of complications for the human body. Do not just think that many managed to get around this trouble.

Indeed, in accordance with numerous studies, it was possible to find out that the diagnoses were confirmed in half of the infected people, the same number did not know that they were a threat to others, spreading the virus in the country.

If in the early stages hepatitis C can be completely cured, then in the later stages, the only measure to save the patient will be an organ transplant. This is not only a very risky operation, but also expensive.

Preventive measures

Hepatitis C has a tendency to mutate and multiply other subspecies of pathology. It is for this reason that the development of vaccinations remains incomplete.

Non-specific measures to prevent pathology include restrictive actions associated with protection against the penetration of infection into the body. Of course, it is worth making efforts to strengthen the immune system.

Transmission of hepatitis C occurs through contact with body fluids that have absorbed the virus, subcutaneous tissues, or wounds.

Based on this information, the main prevention of the disease will be:

1. Compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards in cases of using the services of medical institutions, beauty salons, dentistry. If possible, it is worth monitoring that employees of these institutions use disposable syringes and exclusively sterile surgical instruments.
2. Limiting the number of sexual contacts with partners without the use of condoms.
3. Introduce into your daily routine a constant test for the presence of the hepatitis C virus, if there are environmental conditions of increased risk of infection.

Experts note that more than 20 percent of cases of virus C penetration into the body have an unclear etiology.

Hepatitis struck even those who lead a healthy lifestyle, did not undergo the procedure of blood transfusion, organ transplantation.

The same problem affected people who do not have more than one permanent sexual partner and are not interested in drug addiction.

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