Hepatitis is a type of inflammation that occurs in the liver. The ailment is most commonly caused by the hepatitis C virus. However, it could be caused by infection, toxins, medication, or autoimmune processes. If not detected during the early stages, it can become serious. But most people do not experience any symptoms, which is why it is hard to detect. Listed below are some of the most common symptoms of hep C.

1. Early signs and symptoms of Hepatitis C
Acute hepatitis can lead to a plethora of distressing symptoms. Many times, the symptoms are similar to that of the flu. A lot of people may not exhibit any symptoms at all.

The common symptoms of hep C include: fever; fatigue; nausea and vomiting; pain in the belly; dark urine and/or clay-colored stool; jaundice, most commonly characterized by yellowish tinted skin and eyes; loss of appetite; pain in the joints. These symptoms can be experienced between 2 and 12 weeks after exposure to the virus. In case one experiences any of these symptoms, it is advisable to seek professional help immediately.

2. Chronic Hepatitis C Symptoms
If a person’s condition does not get diagnosed and treated, they could have Hepatitis C for years without even knowing it. Doctors often term this condition as chronic as it lasts for a long time. People who have it for a long time usually end up getting liver cancer or scarring of the liver, known as cirrhosis.

People with chronic hepatitis C may exhibit any one or all of the above-mentioned symptoms. Apart from that, signs that the liver has become sluggish include: easy bleeding; fluid accumulation in the body, known as ascites; hives or rashes; spider angiomas, the appearance of spidery blood vessels under the skin; confusion, slurred speech, and drowsiness; itchy skin; swollen limbs; unexplained loss of weight.

3. Symptoms of cirrhosis from untreated Hepatitis C
Cirrhosis is a serious liver disorder. It causes scarring of the liver and leads to the following symptoms:

• Bleeding and bruising easily
• Water retention in the body
• Eyes and skin turning yellow with jaundiceThese are some very common symptoms of hep C. Over the last few years, medications have been approved to cure the disease.

  If a person experiences any of these symptoms or asymptomatic chronic infection is detected, the physician will refer them to a liver specialist. The doctor will conduct a screening test to understand the condition and help determine the best line of treatment.

  The treatment methods have undergone significant changes in recent years. So, your doctor will also ask you to closely monitor the common symptoms of hep C as well as perform blood tests to ensure that the treatments are effective.