Hepatitis C is a form of a viral infection that leads to inflammation in the liver. In severe cases, it might also cause liver damage. Hepatitis C is transmitted through contaminated blood, but half the people with the condition do not even know that they’re infected. This may be because they do not show any symptoms. So, every individual between the ages of 18 and 79 must get themselves screened for the virus regularly. Read on to know more about the signs and management tips for hepatitis C.

Signs of hepatitis C
Knowing the symptoms makes it easier to detect the disease in its early stages, so let’s look at the signs and management tips for hepatitis C:

• Bruising or bleeding easily
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Jaundice or paleness of the eyes and skin
• Dark-colored urine
• Itchiness on the skin
• Ascites or fluid buildup in the abdomen
• Swollen legs
• Unexplained weight loss
• Spider angiomas or the formation of spider-like blood vessels on the skin
• Slurred speech, drowsiness, and confusion

The hepatitis C infection mostly begins at an acute stage, but this stage might go undiagnosed because of the absence of any symptoms. Few people might experience generic symptoms like fever, nausea, fatigue, or muscle aches in the acute stage. These symptoms only manifest 1-3 months after an individual has been exposed to the virus and last for about 2-12 weeks.

Management tips for hepatitis C
Living with hepatitis C could be a challenging experience, but a few tips can help manage the symptoms and improve a patient’s quality of life:

• Quit alcohol consumption
  Alcohol has a deteriorating impact on liver health. Unfortunately, the liver of hepatitis C patients is already vulnerable because of the disease. The combination of the two will only accelerate the damage, and regular drinking makes it much more difficult for the body to respond to treatment and get rid of the virus. To overcome the habit of drinking alcohol, one can enroll themselves in therapy or a de-addiction center.
• Maintain a healthy body weight
  Being overweight can result in the buildup of fat in the liver, which is known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The risk of cirrhosis increases when people with hepatitis C get a fatty liver. Also, a few medications might be ineffective if one is overweight, so hepatitis C patients should get rid of the extra weight. Engaging in physical activity for at least 30 minutes for a minimum of 5 days a week can help. Bicycling, swimming, brisk walking, and mowing the lawn are all beneficial physical activities.
• Eat healthy food
  A nutritious diet can also accelerate the weight loss process and ensure better functioning of the liver. Plus, eating right strengthens the immune system, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. A healthy diet should include at least five servings of vegetables or fruits every day, cereals or whole-grain bread, and foods that are low in fats, sugars, and salt.
• Sleep well
  It is essential to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep. Getting inadequate sleep might lead to weight gain, mood disorders, and heart diseases.

Understanding the signs and following these management tips for hepatitis C can help one prevent the disease and also help patients live a fuller life.