Hepatitis C causes changes to a person’s body and these changes can manifest themselves as signs and symptoms of the infection. Some cause discomfort and can be managed. Others are significant medical complications, such as ascites (swelling in the abdomen), jaundice, or delayed blood clotting. Regardless of the degree of symptoms, they should be reviewed by a healthcare professional at regular intervals. If symptoms become severe, people should consider visiting a hospital emergency room.
Note: Hepatitis C symptoms can be similar to the side effects of hepatitis C treatment. Read the section on Managing Side Effects for more tips on managing symptoms like headaches, flu-like symptoms and depression. It is important to note that having certain symptoms does not automatically mean a person has Hep C. People should not ignore fixate only on Hep C and ignore other possible health problems.
Fatigue or sleeping problems can include insomnia, tiredness or lack of energy. Often fatigue is associated with other changes in the body like anemia or thyroid changes and can lead to other problems like irritability. These changes should be assessed by a doctor.
Tips to offer:
- Mild exercise early in the day can increase energy and make sleep more restful.
- Take medications at night if they cause fatigue.
- Plan activities when energy levels are higher, keeping in mind energy levels can change over the course of a week; when on treatment energy levels are often lowest soon after injecting peg-interferon.
- Try relaxation techniques, including meditation, music, warm baths, reading and massage before bed.
- Maintain as regular a sleep schedule as possible so the body develops a rhythm and is trained to be tired at the same time each day.
- Reserve the bedroom as a place for sleep and not for reading or watching TV.
- To help reduce insomnia, avoid meals, stimulants like caffeine and sugar, and extra activity before going to bed.
Aches and pains can occur, especially in the abdominal area around the liver.
Tips to offer:
- Ask for a doctor’s advice about painkillers like Tylenol or Advil, bearing in mind that they can harm the liver if people take more than the recommended dose.
- Try stretching and mild exercise, including yoga, tai chi or other meditative practices.
Brain fog and mental confusion can occur in people with chronic liver disease. It can fluctuate throughout the day or week and may have other causes.
Tips to offer:
- Engage in mental relaxation and meditation for two reasons: one, to reduce stress, and two, to aid focus and concentration.
- Keep the mind and body active with mild to moderate exercise, reading, puzzles, games and learning activities.
- Keep track of the timing associated with brain fog and schedule activities that require concentration when feeling the sharpest.
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