8 Hep C Signs That Show Up Early
Hepatitis C is a type of virus that isn’t really easy to identify. Most patients do not show any symptoms of this virus until they get it checked by a doctor. And most cases of hepatitis C are diagnosed due to problems with liver enzymes. However, it is always important to keep an eye out to identify the early warning signs of hepatitis C. So, here are the top symptoms to watch out for:
1. Weight Loss
One of the early signs of hepatitis C is rapid weight loss for no reason. Most patients have lost excess weight in a short period. Moreover, with time the patients lose their appetite which contributes to the weight loss majorly.
2. Fatigue and Dizziness
The virus can cause patients to feel weak and lethargic with low energy levels. It may also cause the patients to feel dizziness and excessive fatigue. The excessive weight loss and lack of appetite cause the patients to feel additional fatigue as the body does not get enough nutrition required to keep the body well-nourished.
3. Change in Urine and Skin Colors
A critical early warning sign of hepatitis C is the passing of dark-colored urine. This disease is known to affect the liver and causes the skin to lose its color and eyes to appear yellowish. These are major symptoms of hepatitis c and is reason enough for patients to get themselves checked by the doctor.
4. Easy Bruising and Bleeding
Another important sign of hepatitis C is when patients are seen to bruise and bleed quite easily. Patients of hepatitis C are seen to bleed continuously and for a longer duration than normal after a cut as it causes the blood to become thin and watery.
5. Low Immunity
This virus can cause patients to develop other illnesses such as throat infections, cough, cold, and digestion issues. This is because patients of hepatitis C have lower immunity and are, thus, more prone to infections and other viruses.
6. Skin Problems
Patients with hepatitis C develop rashes, patches, and itching on their skin. These are caused as a result of problems occurring in the liver. Patches on the skin can indicate other problems such as low blood platelet count, which would require immediate medical attention.
7. Fever and Joint Pain
The occurrence of fever and excessive joint pain is quite a common early warning sign of hepatitis C. Fever is a natural indication that the body’s immune system is trying to fight a virus. However, fever which is recurring and stays for a week or more can indicate that the patient is suffering from something more severe than the regular flu. Excessive joint pains, headaches, and vomiting are also accompanied by fever in most cases.
8. Gut Ache
Hepatitis C quite infamously causes the liver to swell in many cases. And this results in pain around the abdomen, stomach, and the right side of the torso.