Perhaps the best overall tip for hepatitis C management is to abstain from alcohol. Chronic hepatitis C commonly leads to cirrhosis of the liver or liver failure, and alcohol might hasten this condition. Other tips to control the spread of hepatitis C include careful handling of blood or blood products, and telling doctors or dentists about the disease to protect them. Open wounds should be covered, and items that have come in contact with blood, such as razors, should be disinfected. Hepatitis C management includes exploring treatment options and staying abreast of new research.
The most common way hepatitis C is spread is through drug users sharing needles. Blood transfusions led to spread of the disease in the past, but modern screening methods have almost eliminated this method of transmission. Mothers who carry the virus should tell their doctors during pregnancy so the child can be protected. Hepatitis C management also includes telling sex partners about the disease and practicing safe sex.
Hepatitis C is routinely treated with interferon and ribavirin. Side effects of the drugs can be eased with pain medication and plenty of fluids. If possible, time off from work when treatment begins might help. Interferon and ribavirin tend to damage teeth and gums, so good dental care is a recommended part of hepatitis C management. Anti-depressants might also help a patient who suffers from depression as a side effect of the drugs.
People with hepatitis C commonly complain of fatigue and nausea. They might experience pain near the liver, and achy joints and muscles. Pain may stem from an enlarged liver or spleen, which should be checked by a doctor. A loss of appetite is also common, and some patients begin to lose muscle mass. Jaundice, or a yellow tint to the skin and whites of the eyes, is another sign of hepatitis C.
Some patients turn to natural or home remedies as hepatitis C management strategies. Lemon peels, turmeric, and licorice root have all been touted for protecting the liver. No alternative medicines or herbs are recommended by the medical community for hepatitis C, but milk thistle tea may ease symptoms. In animal studies, the plant did not cure hepatitis C but showed benefits to protect the liver from further damage.
Physicians typically counsel patients about hepatitis C management soon after the disease is diagnosed. Doctors explain how the virus is spread and caution patients about alcohol use. They routinely tell patients about the possibility of cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer. Hepatitis C counseling is important to help the patient live with the disease and stem its spread.
