Hepatitis C is an infection caused by a virus of the same name, and it causes liver inflammation. It does not show immediate effects, and the damage might gradually occur over the years. Many people do not realize that they have contracted the Hepatitis C virus until they notice signs of liver damage. So, it’s important to approach a doctor and undergo treatment at the earliest to avoid these complications arising from hepatitis C:

1. Liver failure
The most serious complication of hepatitis C is liver failure. When the liver does not function properly due to cirrhosis or scarring of the liver tissue, it leads to organ failure. The initial symptoms of liver failure include nausea, fatigue, sudden weight loss, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. As this complication arising from hepatitis C progresses, its symptoms start getting worse. Some of the more advanced symptoms include persistent tiredness, vomiting blood, dark urine, jaundice, memory issue, and a swollen belly.

2. Cirrhosis
Liver cirrhosis due to hepatitis C is the most common reason for liver transplantation in the country. Cirrhosis refers to late-stage scarring of the liver tissue that ultimately replaces healthy liver tissue and causes permanent liver damage. It keeps the organ from functioning properly as healthy liver cells are injured. Cirrhosis can also be caused by chronic hepatitis B, heavy alcohol consumption, certain inherited diseases, certain medications, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and autoimmune hepatitis. The symptoms of this condition include itchy skin, persistent fatigue, sudden weight loss, swollen abdomen, dark urine, nausea, and jaundice. It can further lead to sensitivity to medications, resistance to insulin, gallstones, kidney and lung failure, and even a buildup of toxins in the brain.
While organ damage due to cirrhosis cannot be reversed, further damage can be prevented by incorporating lifestyle changes like quitting alcohol intake and maintaining a healthy weight.

3. Liver cancer
It is common knowledge that many forms of cancer could develop in various areas of the body. Cancer occurs when healthy cells undergo changes and start growing uncontrollably. Around about 24,000 men and 10,000 women in the country get liver cancer every year, and cirrhosis and hepatitis C are major risk factors for this disease. People with HCV-related cirrhosis are at a much higher risk of developing liver cancer than others. The symptoms of liver cancer are quite similar to those of liver failure.

Following a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of these complications arising from hepatitis C. Doctors may prescribe certain medications to treat chronic Hepatitis C infections. A doctor might also recommend a liver transplant for people with severe complications of hepatitis C. Early diagnosis and timely treatment of hepatitis C can help prevent liver failure and other serious complications.