Symptoms of hepatitis C
The symptoms of hepatitis C are similar to those ofFor example, flu: malaise, sudden increase in body temperature, headaches. These symptoms are typical for other types of viral hepatitis, such as hepatitis A or hepatitis B. Since viral hepatitis is caused by liver dysfunction, it is characterized by the following symptoms:
- loss of appetite,
- nausea,
- feeling of heaviness in the stomach,
- change in the color of urine and feces: urine - darker, feces - lighter.
As a source of hepatitis C infectionis the blood of an infected person, the risk group includes, for example, blood donors and drug addicts. You can also get infected, for example, by getting a manicure or tattoos in makeshift salons, the owners of which often do not even have a license to carry out such activities. In case of detection of an acute form, hepatitis C can be cured, but always with strict adherence to the doctor's instructions for a fairly long period of time. An effective method of treating hepatitis C is currently a combination therapy with interferon in the form of injections. Recovery from hepatitis depends on the condition of the patient's body, as well as his age, and usually occurs no earlier than after a six-month course.
Intended treatment of hepatitis C
Today it is widely used in thisinterferon and interferon combined with ribavirin (so-called combination therapy). For six months or more, a patient infected with the hepatitis C virus should:
- systematically receive subcutaneous injections,
- take immunostimulating drugs on prescription,
- give up alcohol and other foods that suppress liver function,
- pass the test, which allows you to trace the dynamics of the state.
The above mentioned methods have quite a smallefficiency - about 40%. As a result, it turns out that only 3-4 out of 10 patients may experience a slight decrease in viral load as the most important parameter that indicates the amount of virus in the blood of the infected person. This disease, caused by the hepatitis C virus, is considered slow, which allows it to have a negative effect on the body for quite a long period of time without any signs. At the same time, in 75% of cases, hepatitis can be caused by chronic liver disease, and half of these cases usually end in cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, recently there have been more frequent incidents when the disease affects not only the liver, but also vital organs located nearby: the pancreas, kidneys, blood cells, heart, nervous system. First of all, everyone should be aware of the danger of becoming a carrier of the virus, taking all possible measures to prevent this. Secondly, it is necessary to strengthen explanatory work in the media on measures to prevent viral diseases. Thirdly, measures should be taken at the state level that will be aimed at a sharp reduction in prices for antiviral drugs used to treat hepatitis C. Despite the fact that a drug that can completely overcome hepatitis C has not yet been invented, it is possible to cure this disease. With proper and timely treatment, the number of patients who recover is 60-80%. It should be noted that in order to get on this list, the actions of doctors alone are not enough: the patient must also make some effort. First of all, it is necessary to contact a hepatologist as soon as the primary signs of the disease appear in the tests - Anti-HCV-total, that is, the absence of antibodies to the hepatitis C virus. Treatment should begin with the first changes in the liver. It was mentioned that there is no drug that destroys the hepatitis C virus, but there are drugs that can help fight it. Today, combination therapy is becoming increasingly popular: interferon combined with ribavirin. For six months, the patient receives subcutaneous injections of the drug. Taking into account the existing contraindications to the drug and its side effects, the intensity and speed of such monotherapy are very individual. In addition, the patient must use immunostimulants and completely give up alcoholic products that inhibit liver function. Unfortunately, the treatment of hepatitis C in Russia is often complicated by the high cost of drugs - not everyone can afford to buy them. Only after learning the price, many patients think about alternative methods of treatment. It is quite possible that the doctor can prescribe some hepatoprotectors. But these drugs do not have an antiviral effect and will only support the function of liver cells. Naturally, the treatment will not bring a significant effect. With considerable mistrust and caution, you need to treat various types of advertising that say that you can completely cure hepatitis C.
Number of people with hepatitis C in Russia
Accurate statistics on the numberThere are no infected people in Russia. It is known from various sources that about 4-7 million people in Russia are infected with hepatitis C. Such a spread is due to the fact that many infected people did not seek medical help. This, in turn, is due to two major reasons: for a long time, the infection can exist in the human body asymptomatically, without causing any harm to the patient for several months or even years. Therefore, a large number of those who are actually infected may not even know it. Another very important reason is that the treatment of this disease is very expensive. The cost of a year and a half course is from 4 to 18 thousand dollars. The remission period in this case is no more than 3-5 years and a repeated exacerbation of the disease is possible. Such costs are too high for many of those infected with the virus. Various drugs that strengthen the liver, supplements and vitamin complexes without a doctor's prescription will not cause harm at best. Usually it is a waste of time, which can lead to serious consequences. Of course, hepatitis C can be overcome, but it is necessary to take timely measures, agreed with the doctor.
