Hepatitis C is a chronic infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus, or HCV. This viral infection is linked to a wide range of liver diseases from minor inflammation to liver cirrhosis, as outlined in information from the Hepatitis Trust. In addition to liver damage, hepatitis C also causes other symptoms that might not be noticed until after the disease has progressed. Dangerous symptoms of hepatitis C arise when the liver shows signs of damage in its structure and function.
Acute Symptoms
Each individual affected by hepatitis C will experience varying symptoms. Common symptoms of acute hepatitis as listed by MayoClinic.com include nausea, vomiting, joint pains—most commonly in the hands and wrists—muscle soreness and red, itchy hives on the skin. The Hepatitis Trust notes that other symptoms include chronic fatigue, difficulty concentrating, bladder discomfort and irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive ailments. These symptoms may be signs that damage to the liver is occurring due to hepatitis C.
Liver Damage
As the disease progresses, symptoms of liver damage due to chronic hepatitis C will appear, such as tenderness or aching in the right upper abdominal area as well as sharp pain in the abdomen. Damage to the liver can lead to cirrhosis or scarring of the liver. Signs of liver damage may be detectable by blood tests even before the patient experiences symptoms. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that the most noticeable sign of liver damage is jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes or whites of the eyes. Jaundice results from the accumulation of the yellow pigment bilirubin from old red blood cells. When the liver is damaged, bilirubin collects in the blood instead of being processed and disposed of correctly by the liver.
Liver Failure
The National Digestive Disorders Information Clearinghouse, or NDDIC, cites chronic hepatitis C as one of most common causes of liver failure in the U.S. requiring a liver transplant.
Liver Cancer
Hepatitis C may also cause liver cancer in a small percentage of patients. This usually occurs, however, after 20 to 40 years or chronic hepatitis C infection, as noted by the NDDIC. Hepatitis C causes almost half of all cases in the developed world of primary liver cancer originating in the liver.
