A viral infection that puts you at risk of liver inflammation is known as hepatitis C. In some instances, the inflammation might progress to liver damage. This infection spreads via contaminated blood. Thankfully, hepatitis C is curable if one notices the signs and seeks treatment immediately. To help you understand the signs and management tips, we have compiled a list.    

Symptoms
It is labeled as the chronic version of the disease when you suffer from long-term infection caused by the hepatitis C virus. It can go on to damage the liver for years.

Some common symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Itching of the skin
• Loss of appetite
• Bruising or bleeding easily
• Loss of weight
• Slurry speech, confusion, and constant drowsiness
• Noticeable leg swelling
• Discoloration in urine (most gets darker)
• Jaundice
• Ascites, a fluid build-up in the abdomen
• Spider angiomas

The chronic phase of the disease starts only after a long, acute phase. In most people, the acute phase goes undiagnosed, as there are no extreme symptoms as such. It is essential to know that the acute phase does not always translate to a chronic phase. In some people, HCV is washed off from the body right after the acute phase. Antiviral therapy can be used to treat the acute phase.

Management tips
A few basic management tips for hepatitis C include:

• Stay healthy
  When you have hepatitis C, it is best to get a vaccine against hepatitis A and C, as the liver damage is way more severe if the two diseases combined. Furthermore, practice safe sex to avoid the risk of STDs and HIV, as they could lead to a progression of hepatitis C quickly.
• Get sufficient sleep
  Usually, people who have hepatitis C experience trouble while asleep, especially when the treatment is on. Try to get enough sleep as it will reduce fatigue and weakness.
• Take care of your liver
  When you have hepatitis C, it gets hard for your liver to filter out the toxins from the blood. Furthermore, people who have a damaged liver can experience dangerous side effects of alcohol consumption. You should also avoid consuming any alternative medicines or supplements without consulting your healthcare professional. Keep away from illegal drugs, as they can hamper your treatment. Smokers should quit smoking, and people who drink should cut down alcohol consumption.
• Try to relax
  It could be hard for you to live with a chronic illness. Do not let your anxieties get the best of you. Depression, too, is a plausible risk for people undergoing strenuous treatment. So, to keep anxiety and depression at bay, you should exercise regularly and eat healthily. You can try a few massage or relaxation techniques if that helps you. Do not lose hope and isolate yourself.

Hopefully, the signs and management tips for hepatitis C will help you spot the disease and manage it better.