Hepatitis C is a disease that causes inflammation in the liver. The hepatitis c virus, which is also known as the HCV virus, is the main cause of the infection. If the disease is not treated quickly it can cause serious liver damage if it is left untreated. Hepatitis is caused by human to human contact via blood and bodily fluids (i.e., sharing needles, healthcare injuries concerning needles, tattoos and piercings with unsterile equipment, babies born to mothers with hep C, and unprotected sex with a hep C positive partner). 

It is very important to be able to identify the symptoms of hepatitis C. The disease is a very serious one and identifying the disease early can give a better chance to combat the disease. In this article, five major signs and symptoms of the hep C are discussed:

1. Decreased appetite

It has been seen that the patients of hepatitis C lose their appetite. A loss of appetite that is not caused by diet or other factors can indicate that the person has Hepatitis C. It has been found through research that loss of appetite can be linked to Hepatitis C. Loss of appetite combined with other symptoms of Hepatitis C can be an indication of acute hepatitis C infection.

2. Gastrointestinal disorders

Hepatitis C can cause many different kinds of gastrointestinal disorders. It can cause sharp abdominal pains on the ribs on the right side. Gall bladder issues can also arise and the pains can be even more consistent. Nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms can be caused because of the Hepatitis C infection. If you are experiencing this symptom combined with other diseases then you should consult a doctor.

3. Fatigue

Fatigue can be common when it is night and you returned home exhausted from work. But if you just woke up and you are experiencing fatigue then it can be an indication of some physiological problems in your body. If you are also experiencing other symptoms along with fatigue then it is a significant reason to consult a physician. Signs like this should not be ignored.

4. Tenderness

If you are experiencing pain in the area that is surrounding your liver which is in the upper right area of the abdomen then you should seek medical opinion. Having just this pain in the mentioned area is not alone conclusive proof that you have hepatitis C. But it has occurred in conjunction with other types of symptoms that are related to Hepatitis C, then you should not take it lightly.

5. Depression

Hepatitis C can have an effect on the central nervous system which is why the expert thinks that Hepatitis C can cause depression in patients. The patients who are fully unaware of their disease can experience episodes of depression. Many researchers have found a link between depression and hepatitis C. If you are feeling depressed without any particular reason and you are experiencing other signs and symptoms of the disease then you should consult a doctor.

It is important to know about the signs and symptoms, which are associated with Hepatitis C disease. There is a better chance of recovering from this disease if you are able to detect the disease earlier. It is a deadly disease and it is also important to know about it.