SYMPTOMS OF HEPATITIS C

CLICK HERE for list of our Hepatitis C tests

There are various stages of Hepatits C virus (HCV), including the initial, acute phase and prodromal (early) phase.  In this phase, the effects of the virus are mild, in terms of symptoms.  Some common symptoms of this stage are: jaundice, muscle aches, headaches (which are due to the virus itself and not due to liver failure), lethargy, irritability, myalgia, arthralgia, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, fever, and other flulike manifestations.

In the chronic form of HCV, the effects are usually mild and asymptomatic.  Although, many patients do complain of fatigue, poor stamina and an inability to concentrate.

In the later stages of HCV, internal homeostasis is effected.  Albumin levels may decrease, which will lead to a decrease in clotting ability. Albumin is a water soluble, heat-coagulable protein.   Bilirubin levels may rise, which leads to jaundice. Bilirubin is the orange, yellow pigment of bile, formed mainly by the breakdown of hemoglobin in RBCs after termination of their normal lifespan.  When bilirubin levels rise, as in HCV, jaundice is caused by the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood and in the tissues of the skin.  Prothrombin (Factor II) time increases, which is also an indication of suffering blood clotting, as prothrombin time (PT) is a test for detecting certain plasma coagulation defects.  A prolonged PT indicates deficiency in one of the factors.

These above conditions occur because the liver is becoming less able to make its usual quota of substances the body needs.

This stage of HCV also can cause an enlargement of the spleen, which can then cause a decrease in platelet, white blood cell and red blood cell counts because the enlarged spleen traps and destroys these cells.  Low levels of sodium in the blood also result in later stages of HCV, in addition to: pruritus, darker urine, clay-coloured stools, hepatic encephalopathy, which may also be accompanied with asterixis.

Liver transplant is often required in extreme cases of Hepatitis C. Jaundice is a common symptom at this level of HCV, in addition to ascites, which is fluid build-up,  caused by an accumulation of serous fluid.  Variceal bleeding may also occur.  This could occur in the form of vomiting red blood, the passage of loose, dark, tarry feces or the passage of large amounts of red blood through the rectum.  Due to altered liver functions, the brain reacts in a way that is termed portal-systemic encephalopathy, or mental confusion.  In extreme cases, weight loss may also occur, in addition to the thinning of bones (osteoporosis), coagulopathy (blood clotting problems) and pruritus.

There are many related conditions of Hepatitis C, such as: kidney damage, cryoglobulinemia (skin rash, fever, kidney damage, ulcerations on the fingers and toes), thyroid disease, skin conditions (eg. Lichen planus, lichenoid dermatitis, porphyria cutanea tarda), autoimmune conditions (eg. Idiopathis thromboycytopenic purpura, autoimmune chronic active hepatitis, polyarteritis nodosa), spider angiomas (due to elevated estrogen levels, as liver is unable to detoxify the estrogen), palmar erythema and gynecomastia (the abnormal enlargement of men’s breasts, due to elevated estrogen levels).

In summary, the symptoms of Hepatitis C infection are different in different stages of the disease.  Overall, the common symptoms are:
Jaundice, lethargy, irritability, myalgia, arthralgia,  anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, fever, pruritis, darker urine, clay-coloured stools, hepatic encephalopathy, asterixis, fatigue and weakness, bleeding tendencies, anemia and cirrhosis of the liver.

Here’s a look at WHY the above symptoms occur in Hepatitis C:

• Spider Angioma & Gynecomastia  due to the increased estrogen levels, which is due to the inability of the diseased liver to detoxify estrogen.
• Pruritis (itching) due to the build up of bile salts on the skin.
• Jaundice caused by the increase in bilirubin levels.
• Decrease in blood clotting albumin levels have decreased (albumin is a plasma protein produced by the liver). It is shown by a decrease in PT (prothrombin time), which is a result of decrease in prothrombin, which is a plasma protein produced in the liver.
• Variable Consciousness (incl. Lethargy, stupor & coma), tremor of the hands, personality changes, memory loss, hyperreflexia, hyperventilation, fatigue, weakness, irritability are all caused by hepatic encephalopathy (hepatic coma), which is caused by excess ammonia. Severe toxic state results from the malfunction of the liver's "normal" biotransformation of chemicals (ie. it's function of deactivating substances).
• Excess ammonia causes unusual compounds to form, which act as false neurotransmitters, which then lead to altered CNS metabolism.
• Excess ammonia also interferes with cerebral glucose consumption
• Ascites and Edema caused by the decrease in albumin, which maintains plasma oncotic pressure. Plasma oncotic pressure prevents intravascular fluid from leaking out into the extravascular spaces, where it manifests as ascites and peripheral edema.
• Anorexia due to the decrease in the liver's metabolic function.
• Anemia due to the decrease in RBC life because of alterations in liver enzymes

REFERENCES:

Everson, G.& Hedy Weinberg. Living With Hepatitis C (A Survivor’s Guide) c.1998

Black, J & E.Matassarin-Jacobs. Medical-Surgical Nursing Clinical Management For Continuity of Care 5th Edition. c.1997.

CLICK HERE for list of our Hepatitis C tests

*   Same day and next day shipments are normally the case with the exception of any out-of-stock items.
** Lifetime member discounts are subject to member terms & conditions. Also, use of this site & products sales that result from this site are subject to our  company's policies & disclaimers