Understand how hepatitis c can cause cirrhosis of the liver

Cirrhosis and hepatitis C are both serious liver diseases. Although the two conditions are different, this disease is actually related to each other. Hepatitis C is one of the causes of cirrhosis of the liver. In order to understand the relationship between these two diseases more clearly, here is an overview.

Hepatitis C can be a cause of cirrhosis of the liver

Hepatitis C and cirrhosis are health problems that can damage and cause inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis C is caused by a virus, while cirrhosis results from scarring of the liver that causes permanent damage. Both of these diseases are related.

Hepatitis C is one of the causes of cirrhosis of the liver. Quoted from Healthline, in every 75 to 85 people who have chronic hepatitis C, about 5 to 20 people experience cirrhosis that may occur 20-30 years after contracting hepatitis C.

When a person first contracts this virus, usually the liver problem is not so severe, even the symptoms are still mild. Moreover, hepatitis C often appears without realizing it.

However, over time the virus that enters the body will multiply in all liver cells. As a result, this virus destroys and damages cells. This damage will eventually form scar tissue (fibrosis) and over time the scar tissue will stick together to form cirrhosis.

With extensive scar tissue (cirrhosis), blood flow cannot flow to the liver so that liver function changes. This process can take a long time and get worse if left untreated.

Other than hepatitis C triggers for cirrhosis

Apart from hepatitis C virus infection, other conditions that increase a person's risk of developing cirrhosis include:

The habit of drinking alcoholic beverages
Iron levels that are too high in the blood
Have fatty liver in a person who doesn't drink alcohol
Have HIV or hepatitis B disease
Have a history of taking immunosuppressive drugs (immune system suppressants)
Type 2 diabetes

If you have one of these conditions, try to regularly check with your doctor to monitor your condition. You don't want these health problems to give you cirrhosis.

Hepatitis C treatment so as not to cause cirrhosis

Hepatitis C medicines can help slow the progression of complications of liver disease such as cirrhosis. Therefore, do not underestimate hepatitis C at the beginning of its appearance. You need to immediately talk to your doctor about the right treatment steps.

Hepatitis is usually treated with antiviral drugs. In addition, the doctor will usually prescribe medication to reduce the risk of fluid buildup in the stomach. In addition, the doctor will also ask you to do an ultrasound. This is done to help prevent the condition from getting worse.

Treatment of the liver is more difficult when the cirrhosis has developed complications such as ascites (buildup of fluid in the abdomen), anemia, or encephalopathy. This complication makes the liver no longer treatable with drugs. As a result, when the liver is no longer able to function properly due to cirrhosis, doctors may recommend a transplant.

How to maintain liver health if you have hepatitis C?

In order to avoid cirrhosis even though you have hepatitis C, you should do the following:

Don't drink alcohol

Alcohol can make the liver worse. Therefore, try not to drink alcohol at all when you have hepatitis C.

Do not take medicine carelessly

Certain drugs can make liver damage worse. For that, always consult a doctor before you take medication, herbs, or supplements. Your doctor will help prescribe which medication is safe for you.