Hepatitis C is a viral disease that causes inflammation and damage to the liver. The disease is caused by the aptly named hepatitis C virus (HCV). More than 4 million Americans suffer from hepatitis C, according to the American Liver Foundation, and the disease kills 8,000 to 10,000 people per year. The symptoms of the disease usually depend on the whether the disease is in its initial acute stages or has developed into a long-term chronic infection.
Fever and Fatigue
Most patients in the initial stages of the hepatitis C do not experience symptoms until seven to eight weeks after infection, according to the National Health Services UK. Fever and fatigue are two of the more common symptoms associated with hepatitis C. The hepatitis C virus replicating in the body causes both symptoms. The increasing amount of virus in the body stimulates the patient's immune system. This process is what usually causes the fever and general feeling of tiredness.
Digestive Symptoms
Another group of symptoms that can present during the initial stages of hepatitis C are symptoms that relate to the digestive system. According to Medline Plus, a website of the National Institutes of Health, these symptoms include loss of appetite, stomach pains, nausea and vomiting. These symptoms are found in many different diseases. Any patient experiencing this constellation of symptoms should seek a doctor's advice.
Jaundice
Sometimes patients in the initial infection of hepatitis C suffer from a yellowing of the skin and white part of the eye, according to National Health Services UK. This is a condition called jaundice. This condition occurs when the liver is damaged to such an extent that it can no longer filter out a yellow pigment called bilirubin from the blood. This causes the bilirubin to build up in other parts of the body and stain those parts yellow.
Abdominal Pain
Hepatitis C can cause abdominal pain in patients especially in the upper right portion, as reported by Medline Plus. The pain is located in this region due to the presence of the liver just under the skin at the upper right part of the abdomen. The pain is due to the inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus.
Joint and Muscle Pains
Joint pain and muscle pains are commonly reported in patients who have been suffering from hepatitis C, according to the American Liver Foundation. The pain is more evident in patients who are experiencing chronic Hepatitis C. Chronic hepatitis is when the disease lasts more than six months after initial infection.
Behavior and Cognitive Disorders
Patients who suffer from chronic hepatitis C can develop behavioral changes or memory problems, according to National Health Services UK. Depression and mood swings are two emotional or behavioral changes seen in hepatitis C patients. Patients also complain of short-term memory loss and concentrations difficulties.
