Chronic hepatitis C is a viral inflammatory disease of the liver. According to statistics, if this virus occurs for the first time, then in 70% of cases it flows into the chronic form. The problem is that this disease can cause serious complications, especially because the first couple of years after infection can be completely asymptomatic.
In our article we will tell you what signs may indicate a disease and how the treatment is going on.
A few words about chronic hepatitis
The virus itself does not cause the death of the sick, but under its influence there are complications dangerous to humans. It is for this reason that many doctors call him "affectionate killer."
Medical practice shows that men are most often sick with hepatitis, since the complications caused by the virus lead to irreversible complications.
Modern medicines and methods of treatment, if the patient adheres to all the recommendations of the doctor, can successfully deal with the consequences that arise.
However, it is worth noting that some people with hepatitis C have complications very quickly - within 10 years after the virus enters the body.
Equally important is the way of life. So, it is necessary to monitor your health, strictly take medications prescribed by the doctor and remember that alcohol can cause a deterioration.
Main reasons
The cause of the chronic form of hepatitis C is HCV infection. Its source is a person who suffers from some form of the disease. The causative agent of the virus itself can be found not only in the blood, but also in another liquid medium, for example, in the urine. After infection, the virus enters the bloodstream.
There are the following ways of infection:
- Unprotected intercourse.
- Non-observance of hygienic norms during cosmetic or medical procedures.
- Blood transfusion (infected by this virus).
- A visit to the tattoo salon, beauty salon, manicure masters who work in unsanitary conditions.
- The use of other people's hygiene products.
- From mother to child.
It should be remembered that in everyday contacts this virus is not transmitted: neither through saliva nor through handshakes.
The causative agent of the virus is characterized by variability, it quickly adapts to the conditions, mutates. Today, doctors are aware of 6 types and more than 40 subtypes. Such properties of this virus lead to the fact that it simply "deceives" the immune system and as a result flows into the chronic form.
Also, the acute form of hepatitis does not always proceed openly: the person feels normal, there are no symptoms. In this case, the disease can only be detected by testing.
Symptoms of chronic hepatitis C
The transition from acute to chronic is always long. Over the years, the disease destroys the liver tissue, causes the development of fibriosis, which causes the proliferation of connective tissues. Over time, this organ stops working normally, cirrhosis of the liver occurs.
Common symptoms of the chronic form include:
- the main signs of intoxication;
- weakness and overwork;
- tendency to allergies, colds;
- digestive problems;
- temperature jumps;
- nausea and vomiting;
- problems with appetite, weight loss.
Patients with this virus may develop heart disease, blood vessels, skin, problems with the genitourinary system. When probing, you can note the enlarged liver, spleen.
But the main symptoms of this disease are most often manifested in the presence of cirrhosis of the liver. These include:
- jaundice;
- severe pain on the right side;
- an increase in the abdomen;
- general weakness.
In some, this disease causes the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma, which is characterized by such signs as:
- Weakness, all symptoms of general poisoning.
- Pressure in the liver.
- A neoplasm that appeared on the liver, which is very easily palpable.
- Sharp weight loss.
At a later stage, severe jaundice may appear, veins appear on the abdomen, the temperature rises strongly.
According to statistics, death occurs in 55% of patients with cirrhosis of the liver and more than 40% with hepatocellular carcinoma.
What does the diagnosis include
Since the chronic form of hepatitis for a long period can occur without symptoms, one cannot do without a comprehensive diagnosis. First, the doctor must interview the patient, find out what cases in his life could have caused the infection. Also, the physician should examine the patient's complaints, conduct an inspection.
To confirm the disease, prescribe the following procedures:
- Serological analyzes.
- PCR. This test will help identify the RNA of the virus, and to clarify the result, it must be passed twice.
After that, they also prescribe a blood test, which should show the level of ALT.
It is advisable to conduct tests at least once a month.
If tests indicate the presence of a virus, an additional PCR test should be performed, which will show the activity and speed of virus reproduction - at low rates, the chances of a normal treatment are higher.
Also, doctors should evaluate the condition of the liver, for which they prescribe:
- Blood chemistry.
- Ultrasound, MRI.
- Biopsy.
The basic principles of treatment
First of all, prescribed antiviral diet and therapy. And in order to improve the results of the fight against the virus, it is desirable to put the patient in a specialized hospital, where all the necessary medicines and equipment for treatment are available.
So, antiviral drugs are prescribed to absolutely everyone who has a confirmed diagnosis. The treatment regimen may include drugs such as:
- interferons;
- immunosuppressants;
- combined and pathogenetic drugs.
They can not be appointed only in such cases as:
- Epilepsy attacks.
- Depression.
- The presence of mental disorders.
- Tendency to form blood clots.
- The presence of donor organs.
Monotherapy with these drugs for women is prescribed in such cases as:
- Age - up to 40 years.
- A small concentration of the virus in the blood.
- Iron levels are normal.
- Lack of excess weight.
The rest is given a combined treatment lasting about six months. At the same time, the patient must donate blood for analysis once a month so that doctors can monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and change the scheme if necessary.
Antiviral drugs are also prescribed, and they are prohibited from taking during pregnancy, with anemia, heart disease, and blood vessels.
Also, prescribing treatment, the doctor must take into account other associated diseases.
When combined treatment is usually prescribed a combination of Ribarivin and Interferon-alpha. Studies show that individually, these drugs are not effective enough, but when taken together, the drugs are excellent in fighting the virus.
Also in the last 2 years in the treatment of hepatitis C began to apply innovative drugs, significantly increasing the effectiveness of the fight against the disease. This method is called triple therapy. Treatment with such agents is especially recommended for patients in whom:
- Cirrhosis developed.
- The disease was caused by the first genotype of the virus.
- Previously prescribed therapy did not produce results.
For such a therapy, drugs such as Telaprevir and Victreis are usually prescribed. The main thing is that a person has no contraindications to them.
To restore the functions of the liver, not to do without hepatoprotectors, and to facilitate the general condition, prescribe vitamins, probiotics and antispasmodics.
After the prescribed therapy, the patient must donate blood for analysis. For the first time - two weeks after the start of the funds, the second time - 30 days after the start of therapy. Subsequently - once a month.
Diet is an important part of treatment.
So, if a person treats chronic hepatitis C, then he in no case should not drink alcohol. In addition, it is desirable for all life to follow the diet number 5, which facilitates the functioning of the body. You should also change the meal schedule - now it is better to eat more often (about 6-8 times a day), but in small portions, the food should also be fractional.
In the day should drink at least 1.5 liters of water.
In the presence of the chronic form it is impossible to consume such products as:
- animal fat;
- fatty meat and fish;
- smoked products;
- pickles, pickled foods;
- seasonings;
- canned food;
- nuts, legumes;
- sausage.
It is best to include the following in the diet:
- honey;
- dried fruits;
- porridges;
- vegetarian soups;
- compote without sugar.
Chronic hepatitis C is a disease that requires immediate treatment and regular monitoring by a physician. Remember that this disease can last for a long time without symptoms, but it can also cause serious complications.
