7/11/13 Hello Friends,

I want to spend a little time breaking down Hepatitis C and explain different preventative measures.

Our body is made of complex systems with the ability to heal itself. However, certain factors reduce its capacity to protect, making it vulnerable to certain illnesses. One example of this is the liver. This organ is known to filter all toxins that get inside our body. It’s one of the body’s most tolerant organs since it doesn’t show symptoms of health problems until the illness has progressed to its latter stage. And one health threat that commonly hits the liver is Hepatitis C.

What is Hepatitis C?

This illness is caused by a virus which greatly affects the liver. And if the filtering organ of our body is defective; other vital body systems will also suffer. Hence, if you have this illness, you will also experience jaundice, itching, loss of appetite, dark colored urine, abdominal swelling, right upper abdominal pain, clay colored stool, nausea and vomiting. Your kidney, autoimmune system, skin and circulatory systems will also suffer. Hence remote cases of Hepatitis C suffer complications which include:

Lymphoma
Essential mixed cryoglobulinemia
Monoclonal gammopathy
Autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura
Sialadenitis
Thyroid illnesses
Necrolytic acral erythema
Porphyria cutanea tarda
Lichen planus
Leukocytoclastic vasculitis
Porphyria cutanea tarda
Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis
Diabetes Mellitus
Osteoclorosis
Eye disorders

Preventive Measures

The good news is; Hepatitis C can be prevented. Hence, if you have it, do all measures to prevent it from spreading. And for those who are still devoid of this illness, be cautious enough so as not to contact the disease. Since this can be spread through blood contact, be careful when handling blood and needles. Use your own razor and toothbrush and have a monogamous relationship. You need to know that Hepatitis C cannot be passed on through breastfeeding, sharing of utensils, coughing, holding hands and even kissing. Hence, you don’t have to outcast Hepatitis stricken individuals from the society. They too deserve to live a good quality life like you do.

Is Hepatitis C Curable?

People who are diagnosed with this illness have one common question in mind. They want to know if their illness is curable. This is considering the fact that medicines are already available such as antiviral drugs and peginterferon. These are touted to help to get rid of Hepatitis C virus from the body’s system. These are also taken to lower the chances of developing liver cirrhosis and liver cancer at the latter part of the illness. Unfortunately, these medicines do not totally cure the illness but are there just to manage the symptoms and further progression of the disease. Records show that some individuals reacted positively to these drugs when Hepatitis C virus is undetectable on the person’s blood. Since Hepatitis C is incurable, management is centered to the prevention of further complications thereby preserving the person’s health as much as possible.

If you have been diagnosed with Hepatitis C, you need to know that life doesn’t stop at the time you know that you have the illness. By living a healthy lifestyle and doing all you can to preserve your liver’s health, you can prevent possible complications of the disease.

-- Dr. Dale